Planning for Real

This report has been prepared by Caroline Field of Moat Housing Society, Sevenoaks, Kent and was published in March 2000.

Please use the navigation below to move to the pages of interest:
Introduction
The Planning Process - Getting Everybody Involved
Events
Planning For Real
The Concept Plan
Next Step For Cavell Way

To encourage everyone to participate, we sited a porta-cabin on the estate to provide a base for the Planning for Real exercise.

James MacGowan, Swale LA 20 Officer, co-ordinated Planning for Real with support from Moat Staff.

"The planning in the porta-cabin was the most important thing we did. It showed exactly what we were striving for. The model was right there in front of everyone and showed they could get involved".

Elaine Rochester Resident Association Chair

110 people visited the porta-cabin during the Planning for Real. We kept a record of those who came and visited, and those who did not to encourage them to do so. We know which areas of the estate have been less well represented (principally the flats) and can make additional efforts to involve these residents in future.

The turnout by age group was:

The porta-cabin became a strong focus for the children of Cavell Way. We took advantage of its extended stay to commission a local artist, Claire Swain, to work with the children to produce a design for a street sign. About twenty children were involved in producing designs, working in groups of four.

During this period, some adults expressed concern that a Home Zone might lull children into complacency about traffic dangers. (the alternative view is that, by enabling children to be more independent, they gain confidence and skills). The Residents Association therefore organised a road safety session in the porta-cabin.

Click through to:
Introduction
The Planning Process - Getting Everybody Involved
Events
Planning For Real
The Concept Plan
Next Step For Cavell Way

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