The Awards champion the very best examples of planning and planners in the South West. They demonstrate the positive impact planning has on our quality of life and celebrate professional expertise. The Awards are open to all planners, both members and non-members, and all other built environment professions and community groups. Winning or being shortlisted is a clear demonstration of high quality work and professionalism. This category recognises projects or schemes - including developments, physical buildings or structures etc, which should be totally or substantially completed on the ground.

Eligibility

Projects completed in the two years prior to 1 June 2021 are eligible for entry, even if the planning component was completed years prior. Particular care should be taken to avoid entering schemes prematurely before they can be satisfactorily assessed. We recommend projects are completed, or sufficiently completed, in order to be assessed fully against all the judging criteria and other submissions. You may enter a project into more than one category, but we do ask that you complete an entry form for each category.

Projects or work that has previously won an RTPI Award for Planning Excellence may not be re-entered in the same category, but those shortlisted or commended may be re-entered.

Submissions must be located within the South West Region which covers Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, the Channel Islands and the Isles of Scilly.

This category recognises submissions which demonstrate excellent practice in plan making. For example, this can include both local plans and masterplans. If submitting a local plan please outline through your submission how the local plan was unique and went above and beyond. Other examples of plan making practice, such as neighbourhood plans and strategies are also welcome.

Eligibility

Projects completed in the two years prior to 1 June 2021 are eligible for entry, even if the planning component was completed years prior. Particular care should be taken to avoid entering schemes prematurely before they can be satisfactorily assessed. We recommend projects are completed, or sufficiently completed, in order to be assessed fully against all the judging criteria and other submissions. You may enter a project into more than one category, but we do ask that you provide an entry form for each category.

Projects or work that has previously won an RTPI Award for Planning Excellence may not be re-entered in the same category, but those shortlisted or commended may be re-entered.

Submissions must be located within the South West Region which covers Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, the Channel Islands and the Isles of Scilly.

Description
This award seeks out the brightest RTPI members in the early stages of their careers. Potential candidates can work in any area of the industry. We are looking for outstanding Young Planners who can demonstrate a contribution to planning or significant career achievements in recent years.

Eligibility
Entrants must be in the first 10 years of post-qualification experience and be a current member of the RTPI. A candidate can nominate themselves or they can also be nominated by an employer, colleague or peer.

Health, Wellbeing and Inclusivity

This year's Chair's Award will champion those projects, plans, people or teams that have or are clearly demonstrating how planning can have a positive influence on health, wellbeing and/or inclusivity.

Inclusive environments means access for all. This means that everyone, no matter who they are, can enjoy the built environment and in so doing, enjoy a good quality of life without the need for dependence on others to access it.

Many of us live with various conditions that can affect spatial awareness. Simple changes made to design of the environment can make such a difference to people and their ability to enjoy it and not feel disabled by their environment. For example, the inclusion of a dropped kerbs can make all the difference to a wheel chair user, or the use of variety and form in architectural design can make all the difference to those living with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Visual impairments can also be massively impacted on by choice of building materials and design and as such, consideration of these matters should be part of our everyday design.

The recent pandemic has also been clear evidence of how limited or no access to outside space and poor housing design has also affected mental health. As planners, we have the ability to shape the world around us, and create a built environment that is inclusive to all, thereby allowing everyone to enjoy their life to the full. 

Eligibility
The Chair's Award is awarded at the discretion of this year's Chair. Plans, projects, teams submitted to the RTPI South West Awards for Planning Excellence may be considered for this award.  Additionally separate submissions are invited - simply 'enter now' to apply directly.

Description

This award recognises the achievements of planning teams working within the public, private or third sector. This includes consultancies and in-house teams.

Eligibility

Teams entering this category must have at least one Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI or FRTPI).