Develop your community planning skills

Join our next two-day Planning for Real training course on Tuesday 10 February – Wednesday 11 February 2026 at 10 Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2JB.

£350 + VAT per person Limited to 16 participants

Book your place

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A woman in a bright pink top is leaning over a table, sorting through small rectangular cards. The table is covered with various materials, including a tablet device and other cards. Another participant is stood behind, engaged in the activity.

What is Planning for Real?

Planning for Real is a practical, hands-on approach to community planning. Using a 3D model of a local area, residents can explore ideas, raise concerns, and agree on solutions. It empowers communities to take an active role in shaping the decisions that affect them.

Local authorities and community-focused organisations across the UK have used the method to support neighbourhood planning, estate regeneration and health and wellbeing initiatives.

Participants sit around a table constructing a scale model of a neighbourhood during a Planning for Real training session. On the table are small paper and card structures, including a white multi-storey building model and blue and pink folded pieces representing other buildings or features. Pens and other craft materials are scattered across the workspace, indicating an interactive, hands-on planning activity.

What you will learn

Over two days, you will gain the skills to plan and facilitate a Planning for Real programme. By the end of the course you will be able to:

  • Explain the Planning for Real process and its applications
  • Build a scale model of a local area
  • Introduce and promote the approach to key stakeholders
  • Facilitate sessions to gather ideas, identify concerns and agree solutions
  • Work with groups to prioritise actions and develop a basic action plan
  • Link the process to your own project objectives
Participants are gathered around a large table, placing small paper and card model buildings onto a colourful map of a neighbourhood. The map includes clearly marked areas and zones, and the models represent different types of structures in various colours such as blue, pink, and beige.

Who is it for?

This training is designed for those working in the public and voluntary sectors, particularly:

  • Local authority staff (planning, housing, community development, transport and regeneration teams)
  • Councillors and elected representatives
  • Voluntary sector staff and community group leaders
  • Registered social landlords
  • Agencies supporting communities
A man is standing at a wall-mounted whiteboard, placing colourful sticky notes in a column next to a list of skills and tasks written on the board. Several notes in blue, green, and yellow are already attached. Another participant stands nearby, observing the activity.

Testimonials

“As one of the original founders and practitioners of Planning for Real, the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm that Margaret brings to the training is unparalleled and our students continue to be awed and inspired by Margaret's commitment to involving the public.”
Dr Lee Crookes University of Sheffield
“The structured approach, expert guidance, and high level of resident involvement laid a solid foundation for the Town Plan's successful development. The project not only created a roadmap for Pershore's future but also strengthened community spirit by actively involving residents in decision-making.”
Paul Osborn Pershore Town Plan Group
“It was great to work with Margaret on the Planning for Real engagement we undertook in the community of Tyisha, Llanelli. Margaret was able to lead and advise us on the most effective approaches and ways to engage with the local community.”
Gwyneth Ayers Carmarthenshire County Council

Why Planning for Real matters now

The government has announced up to £5 billion of investment for 339 communities through its Pride in Place and Plan for Neighbourhoods programmes. These initiatives focus on meaningful engagement and partnership working with local people, community groups, and organisations – helping to create thriving places, stronger relationships and more empowered communities.

Planning for Real directly supports this agenda. It offers a tried and tested way to bring residents, councils and partners together around a shared vision, build trust and empower people to shape the future of their local area, and ensure regeneration plans reflect what communities themselves identify as priorities.

An illustrated 3D-style scale model of a neighbourhood divided into distinct zones. The model features rows of houses, apartment blocks, and community buildings along intersecting roads. Large colourful markers with icons indicate different themes such as housing, transport, health, environment, and community facilities. Green spaces, trees, and a water feature are also visible, representing parks and natural areas. The central area includes a sign reading “Planning for Real,” emphasizing the interactive planning concept.

Book your place

Book your place by Friday 30 January.

Once we receive your booking, we'll send you an invoice for £350 plus VAT. This fee covers all course materials, lunch and refreshments, but not accommodation.

Please note that consultants and anyone looking to use Planning for Real on a fee-earning basis will not be eligible for this training. The ethos behind Planning for Real is that people are trained in order for them to use the process on a no-fee basis within their local communities.