Utilities & Infrastructure Policy Challenge. Nicola Coppen.
POLICY FELLOWSHIPS PROGRAMME:
Civil or public servants with responsibility for policy or service design in any sector, with the ability to influence and impact public policy in their field
THE CHALLENGE
How could infrastructure & utilities issues be considered far earlier in the concept and planning processes to: Reduce disruption later in the project
Enable the best opportunities of time, cost, quality or environmental benefits (eg in the quest for a Zero Carbon Westminster)
Increase air quality, better delivery of services, building of quality developments - across the borough
CONTEXT
As part of a new London-wide infrastructure coordinationserviceinpartnershipwiththeGLA&Mayor ofLondon,myroleatWestminsterCityCouncilinvolved facilitating liaison between developers & infrastructure asset owners to proactively plan, design & construct London’sinfrastructure
By providing design advice & coordination, informing local policy and plans, and developing and implementating innovative infrastructure that contributes to more liveable, health, sustainable and biodiverseplaces
SYSTEMS THINKING IMPACT
Ability to plot, demonstrate and coordinate project utilityrequirements.
Collaborationbetweenclosedevelopmentprojectsin sharingcableroutesordeliveryofgoods;enabling savingsindeliverycosts,reduceddisruptiontimefor largevehicledeliveries&sharingcostofthebulkof routesforutilities
Planningguidanceinclusionforearlierconsideration of utilities and infrastructure in the pre-application forPlanningPermission
Support from the Infrastructure Coordinator is available to the Local Authority, Developer, Consultants, Land Agents, Contractors & other stakeholders - for the overall goal of successful projectdelivery
Identifying streamlined options through discussion andsystemsthinking
Creatingbestpracticethroughprojectexperienceat all stages of the Project (Inception, Feasibility, Construction,Completion&Handover)
AT A GLANCE
Challenges
Planning Authority & Planning Applicants - better guidance for utility requirements
Utilities being delivered late or returning work for additional projects - prolonged or repeats of disruptions
Developers & Land Owners often delegate roles via a Land Agent or Project Consultantshow do we affect change?
Outcomes
Planning Guidance incorporates a Utility Impact Assessment Ability for major projects to collaborate, making time & cost savings for all Stakeholder engagement & Utility Process coaching
Enabling change with less disruption, less frustration and better results
SUCCESS BY-PRODUCT
SystemsEngineeringoffersa simplisticviewtoteachcomplicated processesortoovercomechallenges
Recognitionoftheelementstoreach agoal&seeingthierinterlinking& relationshipoffersbehaviourchange asaby-productofthesuccess, whichthenhelpswiththenextscenario
RESULT
SystemsThinkingisagreatskilland thePolicyChallengeismycareergoal asitimprovestheUtilitiesIndustry
