Develop your community planning skills

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

If you would like more information about this training course please don’t hesitate to get in touch, either by calling us on 07876 034 567 or emailing us at Info.PlanningForReal@greensquareaccord.co.uk

We also deliver the PFR training course on an “in house” basis.  If you are interested in this option then please contact us in the first instance by email.