The MoU brings together all five UK-based planning aid organisations: Community Places (Northern Ireland), Planning Aid England (PAE), Planning Aid for London (PAL), Planning Aid Scotland (PAS), and Planning Aid Wales (PAW).

It follows the formation earlier this year of the Planning Aid National Network (PANN), established to foster closer working relationships between planning aid organisations; share learning and promote best practice in community engagement; and facilitate the delivery of cross-UK initiatives that support inclusive public participation in planning.

Paul Roberts, Chief Executive, Community Places, said: “Community Places is proud to be part of the Planning Aid National Network and to work alongside our colleagues in England, Scotland and Wales. This Memorandum of Understanding reflects our shared commitment to inclusive, community-led planning. By strengthening our collaboration, we can better support communities, amplify local voices, and ensure that people have a real say in shaping the places where they live and work.”

Mark Hand, Director of RTPI Wales, Northern Ireland and Planning Aid England, said: “This MoU is a clear expression of our shared commitment to empowering communities across the UK to engage effectively in the planning system and to supporting the creation of inclusive, healthy, sustainable places. Planning Aid England is delighted to be part of the Planning Aid National Network and to work with our colleagues across the Nations.

Sorwar Ahmed, Planning Aid for London Chair of Trustees, said: ‘Planning Aid for London is delighted to support the creation of a Planning Aid National Network. This innovative partnership signals our mutual commitment to collaboration, knowledge sharing and inclusive planning. The MoU is a positive step in helping us work together across London and the Nations to empower communities and give a voice to those who are too often excluded from shaping the places that matter to them.’

Johanna Boyd, Chief Executive, Planning Aid Scotland, said: “The creation of the Planning Aid National Network represents an innovative step towards a more joined-up approach to inclusive, community-led planning. It will foster closer working relationships and encourage knowledge-sharing across our Network to benefit those in our communities who are often not listened to. This step forward represents an exciting opportunity to promote collaboration and share best practice across the whole country.  Planning Aid Scotland is proud to be a part of it.”

James Davies, Chief Executive, Planning Aid Wales, said: “This Memorandum of Understanding reflects the strength of partnership across our organisations. By working together, we can better share learning, amplify community voices, and build a more inclusive planning system, wherever we work.”