RTPI launches campaign to dispel online misinformation about planning process

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has launched a campaign aimed at tackling misinformation online by raising awareness of the role planners play in planning decisions.

The Institute said local planning issues had become vulnerable to the influence of online misinformation, with the freedom to express opinions anonymously online seeing individuals manipulating discussions on local planning decisions.

In March, a study conducted by the RTPI magazine The Planner found that 87% of planners believe that social media is responsible for spreading misinformation about local planning matters.

A further report from the RTPI found that 41% of respondents from local planning authorities said social media had affected their well-being.

The campaign materials and resources published by the RTPI set out common misconceptions about planning.

The resources detail the qualifications chartered planners must have and the professional standards that planners must adhere to under the RTPI's Code of Professional Conduct.

It also details the reasoning behind 15-minute cities – a concept that has been the subject of conspiracy theories online – stating that they do "not require restrictions on the public's freedom of movement within any single neighbourhood".

Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: "Too often we are seeing the impact of misinformation online spill over into reality. While a social media posts can seem like a minor issue, they can have serious, real, and detrimental impacts on people's lives.

"Only by addressing the challenges planners face, showing our support for planners and tackling misinformation head-on, can we ensure that our planning system continues to create liveable, healthy communities. I hope that you, whichever profession you work in, will join us in sharing your support."

Adam Carey