APPENDIX B: PLACECHECK INITIATIVE

Purpose of the Placecheck

The options presented in this report were informed by consultation with local representatives. On Saturday 23 February 2008 two Placecheck events were held in the District: one in Rochford town centre and one in Hockley town centre.

Placecheck is a method of assessing the qualities of a place, showing what improvements are needed, and focussing people on working together to achieve them. Placecheck asks questions about the processes of change and the potential for improving the area physically.

Placecheck involves a series of questions, starting from the basic about what people like or dislike about the place and what needs to be improved, to over a hundred more specific questions. Not all of these questions need to be asked; a series of questions and prompts can be used that are more specific to the place. For the purpose of the Rochford and Hockley Placechecks we used the basic questions for the purpose of generating wider discussion.

The Placecheck events were held to help inform ideas and options for future change and improvement in the town centres of Rochford and Hockley, ensuring that the views and opinions of local residents help generate these options. The Rochford Placecheck took place in the morning and Hockley in the afternoon. Invitations to participate in the process were sent to all residents on the Council's Citizens Panel who had expressed an interest in planning for the town centres.

Each event convened with an introduction to Placecheck. Participants were then split into two groups for the purposes of a walking tour around the town centres. During this tour questions were asked about issues and opportunities, likes and dislikes. Following the walking tour a group feedback session was convened, during which participants were asked to report back on their thoughts.