Co-creating Inclusive Communities: Lessons for Local Authority Planning Teams

Synopsis

Local authority planning departments face complex challenges when developing Local Plans that address the diverse needs of all residents, especially those who are neurodivergent or have learning disabilities. This presentation highlights a collaborative project between the Occupational Therapy Service and Newham Council’s planning team that sought to tackle these challenges.

The project aimed to inform planning policy and shape guidelines for new builds that address the needs of neurodivergent residents and those with learning disabilities. The team integrated insights from occupational therapy, urban planning processes, and residents’ lived experiences to achieve this goal. The project team employed a range of engagement strategies, including workshops, interviews, site visits, and a literature review, to bring together residents, health and social care practitioners, and the planning team. This comprehensive approach enabled the team to develop a thorough understanding of the housing needs of neurodiverge.