A CONFERENCE is set to be held to discuss how greater devolution of powers to local regions is transforming the way local authorities plan for growth and deliver sustainable development.

The Royal Town Planning Institute is holding the event at Southend Pier on Thursday, October 22.

The event entitled LEPs and Devolution – Planning for Growth is being held by RTPI East of England and RTPI South East will be taking place at the award-winning Royal Pavilion.

As well as featuring key note speeches examining the opportunities being catalysed through devolution, the conference will also highlight progress to date in the process of delegating funds to local partnerships from central government.

This process includes a share of the £1,400m Local Growth Fund allocated through competitive bidding, getting LEPs to draw up plans for local growth as the basis for negotiation on money from the Fund and realigning the management of EU Structural and Investment Funds in England to follow the plans made by LEPs.

There will be an opportunity to share knowledge and experience of working in a rapidly changing governance context and how planners, economic development officers and other professionals can work with businesses to deliver sustainable growth and create greater opportunities for our citizens.

Councillor David Norman, executive councillor for housing, planning and regulatory control at the council, said: “The rise of Local Enterprise Partnerships and the greater devolution of powers to the regions is giving town planners an unrivalled opportunity to unlock the economic potential of their communities."