PLACED worked closely with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to engage communities across the region in shaping its first-ever Spatial Development Strategy (SDS). Our focus was on reaching people who are often underrepresented in planning – ensuring more voices were heard in decisions about how places grow and change.
LCR Spatial Development Strategy, LCRCA
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Through a phased programme of activity, we delivered a range of in-person events and supported the creation of digital engagement. This included pop-up events in town centres, workshops, PLACED Academy youth programmes, and school sessions – all designed to be accessible, engaging and informative. In the most recent phase, we ran two interactive pop-ups in each borough including Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, and Wirral – alongside an online survey hosted by LCRCA. These events used simplified versions of the Spatial Development Strategy to spark conversations and help people understand and respond to key planning policies.
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Over 500 people took part in the latest phase of PLACED’s engagement, many of whom wouldn’t typically engage in traditional consultations. The feedback gathered was thoughtful, open and constructive. Insights from these conversations were shared with the Combined Authority to help shape and improve the Spatial Development Strategy to better reflect the views and needs of people from across the city region.