It was great to be involved again in one of PAS's 'In the
Footsteps of Geddes' sessions yesterday in Lochgilphead. In the spirit of
Gedde's civic survey, the project works with young people to deliver place
plans based on heritage assets for their community.
To look forward one must first often look to the past. The
day so began with a visit to the Arichonan Clearance Village. Being among the
ruined crofts on a beautiful sunny morning brought the group together in
understanding and reflecting on the sense of place which still pervades the
area. This was true across both the ages since the village was abandoned and
the age difference between the participants and facilitators.
On our return to the venue we had feedback
gained from the Place Standard Tool used at its most constructive with the
young participants discussing how another element of local heritage, the former
school, could be re-purposed into a community asset.
At its heart, the planners role is a creative one, yet so
often considering the timescales and statutory processes along which we
operate, this essence becomes obscured. To be able to work with those who might
not have considered what planning does before, but to see them arrive at a
vision is a challenging but rewarding experience and always provides inspiration
for my own practice!
