The planning system is changing to make it easier for people to involve themselves in decisions and activities that affect where they live. Planning Aid is helping these changes by providing information, training and expert help to enable people to benefit more from planning processes and decisions.

Each Region in the UK has an outreach programme of 'Community Planning', which identifies groups who have previously been excluded from the planning system or are disadvantaged from years of not 'having a voice'. The Community Planning programme works with these groups to develop their ability to understand their opportunities and rights within the planning system. Planning Aid also helps them find the right channels to communicate their views better.

Planning Aid can help people to:

• Understand and use the planning system
• Participate in preparing plans
• Prepare their own plans for the future of their community
• Comment on planning applications
• Apply for planning permission or appeal against refusal of permission
• Represent themselves at public inquiries.

With Planning Aid's help, community groups will be in a better position to positively influence the areas in which they live.

Planning Aid will develop links with Local Planning Authorities, regeneration agencies and other voluntary sector groups to work together on projects that are currently being implemented throughout the regions. This will ensure that service does not overlap with others, but adds value by increasing the number and range of groups reached by Community Planning.