The charrette proposed an innovative approach to planning for change in both rural and urban areas. Thurrock should develop a new participatory mapping method, informed by local knowledge, spatial characteristics, ecologies and time-specific patterns of use, appropriate for the 21st century.

Current planning policy views the areas defined as greenbelt as identical in quality despite their variations in ecology, usage and character. This binary definition of greenbelt/urban no longer describes the current pattern of land use found on the ground, which is made up of a fine grain of ecological links and patterns of use. This is particularly evident in the urban fringe areas where the urban-rural classification breaks down.

The proposed new methodology would be an innovative tool to evaluate land use in a more sensitive and inclusive way, and to identify opportunities for new uses and change in both built-up and rural areas.

Actions

• Develop this mapping method for land use characteristics, testing methods in samples areas.
• Gather and use collective knowledge and experience to inform the planning process.
• Celebrate both ordinary and extraordinary areas, and the ecological and social value of brownfield, ‘derelict’ land.
• Consider both the macro and micro scales of ecological exchange, positioning Thurrock internationally.
• Establish a mobile unit for community engagement, creating a forum for debate.
• Encourage debate, discourse and exchange through a twinning programme between schools in rural and urban areas.
• Commission an artist to work with the local community to develop signage and an interactive website to encourage greater accessibility to the countryside.
• Encourage citizens to explore the green areas of the borough through a programme of creative activities.

This would be a pioneering programme in which Thurrock can show its commitment to innovation and participation by citizens in planning processes.

Overriding principles from all three charrettes