Site updated 06-05-06
Spatial planning within INTERREG
The INTERREG Programme offers the opportunity to explore the concept of spatial planning over a wide variety of topics. Jo Talbot of Roger Tym & Partners reports
The phrase ‘spatial planning’ is used increasingly, particularly within the context of the proposed reforms to the planning system and the introduction of regional spatial strategies. The INTERREG Programme offers the opportunity to explore the concept of spatial planning over a wide variety of topics. But how easy is it for organisations to put together an INTERREG application and hit the right buttons?
Roger Tym and Partners is preparing several INTERREG IIIB applications with the Environment Agency, an organisation new to the INTERREG Programme, but keen to expand its horizons and seek the benefits of transnational working. One of the great opportunities of INTERREG is its transnational dimension – offering new learning opportunities and the chance to consider new solutions to issues.
However it is not for the faint hearted! Developing and working in transnational partnerships requires dedication and a willingness to discuss, compromise, adapt and respect the different ways of working in different member states.
The EA is currently the lead partner for a flood risk management project with Dutch, Belgian and German partners. It has taken over a year, eight transnational partner meetings, many emails and telephone calls to develop a coherent project, now conditionally approved by the North West Europe Secretariat. The information exchange with partners has already been considerable and beneficial to the Agency. The expectation by the Agency is that ‘Creative Flood Management’ could lead to more cost effective and sustainable planning of major investments as a result of more effective and positive interaction with major development proposals and working more closely with local communities and stakeholders who have a clear understanding of flood risk management (as opposed to the traditional approach of flood defence).
There is a wealth of experience to be gained through transnational working. However the investment of time in getting to know transnational partners, understanding their systems and ways of working is critical to the successful development of an INTERREG project. The EA would be the first to admit that it seriously underestimated the effort required to prepare the project. However, close working with transnational partners, is maximising the opportunities arising from the project for the development of flood risk management in the UK.
The development of the ‘Creative Flood Management’ project highlights the need to ensure that projects are led by their transnational aims and objectives (with spatial planning writ large) and not by local actions with only local benefits. The aim and objectives for this project were negotiated with partners over several months. As a result the planned pilot actions of partners have been developed, amended and refined to ensure that they contribute fully to the achievement of those objectives. This has required negotiation and compromise between partners, testing the resolve of the partnership to proceed.
INTERREG is concerned to ensure that the general principles of the European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP) are tested and taken forward. It advocates integrated strategies based on areas rather than sectors. This is an opportunity to think on a wider scale, not constrained by administrative boundaries and to enter into different working relationships with new partners. However, for those used to working in sectors, integrating spatial planning thinking into project development is quite a challenge. This is where the involvement of planners in INTERREG projects could provide a major boost, securing the spatial planning dimension.
So is it worth it? The answer must be ‘yes’, the benefits could be significant. From our experience so far, the big tip for successful project development is ‘preparation is everything’.
Jo Talbot is an Associate of Roger Tym and Partners, supporting the EA in the preparation of INTERREG IIIB applications. The views expressed here are her own. Further information on ‘Creative Flood Management’ can be obtained from Rachael Hill, Environment Agency, tel 0208 305 4186
