An award-winning national organisation that provides free independent support and advice on planning issues has launched its own Educational Fund, giving developers and other interest groups the opportunity to finance its expanding educational programme, leading to local communities engaging more constructively with developers.

Planning Aid for Scotland provides free professional advice, support and training on planning and environmental issues to individuals and communities looking to engage in the planning system. And as its work programme expands, the Educational Fund will finance the charity's programmes which include its award-winning 'Planning for People' and 'Planning to Act' workshops.

'Planning to Act' brings planning to the people through innovative methods such as art, drama and debate, first appearing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe last year. The tailored workshop builds on Planning Aid for Scotland’s extensive work on community engagement in the planning process, allowing those who do not engage in any form of consultation a different means to express their views and opinions.

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The 'Planning for People' national training programme is designed to take the 'mystique' out of planning so that community groups and individuals can effectively participate in the planning system. The one-day workshop explains to people the processes and opportunities for participation in planning, and considers how they can best use their knowledge to work with planning professionals and others to create better places to live and shape their future.

Regeneration, affordable housing and windfarms are just some of the topics raised at the last three Planning for People workshops in Tarland, Port Glasgow and Forfar.

Other areas of work include 'Reach Out' – working proactively with ethnic minorities and Gypsy/Travellers; and 'Planning to Act' – using performance and visual art to engage people in the planning process.

Commenting on the launch of the Educational Fund Petra Biberbach, Executive Director of Planning Aid for Scotland said: "The role of communities has been greatly strengthened through the Planning Act, and there is a clear opportunity here for a genuine partnership between the developer and the public."

(GK/JM)