Students help plan future of Oxfordshire during Brookes workshop

Planning students put their keen minds to thinking about the future as they discussed the Oxfordshire Plan 2050 as part of an Oxford Brookes workshop.

The undergraduates, part of the School of the Built Environment, will be using the Plan as a case study for one of their modules.

They will consider the different challenges facing the county and assess the different strategic priorities the Plan could pursue such as addressing inequality, protecting the natural environment or improving health and wellbeing.

The third-year students will then present a report explaining the decisions they would take and the impact they would have on the county.

Last Thursday, the group got their first chance to find out about the Plan during the Brookes workshop with some of the Oxfordshire Plan 2050 team.

During the lively session, the students learnt about the progress made so far in the plan-making progress.

And they began contemplating the difficult decisions that will have to be made in real life to tackle the housing crisis, ensure economic prosperity so there are good jobs available locally for the next generation while protecting our natural environment and tackling climate change.

A spokesman for the Oxfordshire Plan 2050 said: “We’re delighted Oxford School of the Built Environment are using the Oxfordshire Plan 2050 as a case study for one of their modules.

“Students will get the chance to learn about a real-life planning process that will have lasting impact in Oxfordshire for generations.

“They will also gain a knowledge and understanding on strategic planning and policy that will better equip them for their future careers.

“If the excellent first session is anything to go by, they may come up with some new and exciting ideas we can incorporate into the Plan that will result in positive change for the county.”

Dr Dave Valler, Planning Academic at Oxford Brookes University, said: “Students truly appreciate this type of real-world experience that enhances their employability skills.

“They are the planners, designers and development professionals of tomorrow. Through this opportunity, they can make an informed and dynamic impact on the long-term success of the county.”

You can find out more about courses in the Oxford Brookes University School of the Built Environment here.