Whilst almost a third (31%) of people believe their local area is declining, fewer than one in ten (7%) have taken active steps to help shape its future, says new research from The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) conducted by YouGov.
The findings show a stark disconnect between how communities feel about their local area, and the action being taken to look after it. Despite over half (57%) of people feeling proud of their neighbourhood, nearly 9 in 10 (87%) haven’t engaged in the planning decisions that determine its future.
The research, released ahead of World Town Planning Day 2025, comes at a critical time for the local communities in the UK, with over 13,000 high street shops closing in 2024 alone and 128,000 households currently living in temporary accommodation due to the housing crisis.
RTPI’s findings also challenge perceptions around public resistance to planning projects. Despite claims that so-called ‘Nimby’ (Not in My Backyard) opposition is holding back development – two-thirds of the UK public (67%) are either open to or supportive of new development in their community. When asked what makes them proud of their area, respondents pointed to good-quality green spaces (61%), safety (58%) and strong community facilities (33%), all of which are largely shaped by effective town planning.
Yet despite this support, only 7% of the public are actively involved in local planning decisions - such as responding to consultations or attending planning meetings. When asked why, a third (33%) said they didn’t know how to get involved, while two in five (39%) felt their participation wouldn’t make a difference. Nearly two in five (19%) said they had never heard of planners or town planning at all.
The findings reveal a widespread misconception that regeneration happens to communities rather than with them — yet public involvement is vital to ensuring local resilience. Poor-quality housing raises the risk of severe ill health by 25%, while well-planned, affordable homes delivered through the planning system could save the NHS at least £240 million a year. When planning is collaborative, it strengthens community resilience as well as shaping infrastructure and regeneration.
Helen Fadipe, President of the RTPI, said: “Planners are at the frontline of some of Britain’s biggest challenges - from tackling the housing crisis to creating places that are sustainable for future generations. People are proud of where they live and want the best for their communities, but too often they feel shut out. It’s critical that we change that narrative and show that by working together, planners and communities can turn local ideas into lasting change.
Planning isn’t something done behind closed doors - it’s a partnership between planners and the public, and there’s a clear job to be done to show real people not just that they can be part of the process, but that they should. People can make a real difference in shaping the future of their area.”
Launching today at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead, Newcastle with a striking large-scale projection tracing its journey from an industrial landmark to a thriving cultural hub, the Royal Town Planning Institute’s “It Takes Planners & You” campaign celebrates the power of planning and the people shaping the UK’s towns and cities. The campaign urges communities to get involved and see planning not as bureaucracy but as the tool to build better, fairer, more sustainable places. It’s encouraging everyone to get involved with these steps:
- Learn about your area’s plans - Visit your council’s website to explore the Local Plan and Statement of Community Involvement. These set out how your area is expected to grow and explain how and when you can have a say.
- Have your say in consultations - Take part early when your council asks for ideas or feedback through surveys, consultation events, or by contacting the planning policy team. When draft plans or applications are published, submit your comments via the online planning portal or by email.
- Attend local planning meetings - Check your council's website for planning committee dates. These meetings are usually open to the public and are where decisions on applications are often made. It’s a great way to see how the process works, and you may be able to register to speak.
