Planning for Real


Planning for Real

A method used by the UK Office of Public Management to facilitate local action, by driving public participation in planning. It was pioneered in the UK by Dr Tony Gibson, formerly of the Neighbourhood Initiatives Foundation, first used in Glasgow, and has since gone global.
PfR uses an array of techniques—e.g., leafleting, public meetings, informal groups, displays and media publicity—to engage people in planning their community. While large crowds create a better atmosphere, success is judged by the quality of the ideas generated rather than the numbers attending.
PfR involves the community in local planning by:
• Allowing people to have their say without needing to speak to an audience;
• Encouraging informal discussion of ideas;
• Removing the confrontational aspects of conventional public meetings;
• Making the consultation process fun and rewarding for participants; and
• Stimulating informal contacts between the community and officials throughout the process.