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The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Association of Consultant Architects (ACA) Recovery Task Force are set to launch a new introductory course, designed specifically for architects looking to gain a better understanding of the planning system.

Run in conjunction with London Metropolitan University, the course will provide a solid introduction to planning policy, legislation and practice. The course will deliver twelve-units of study over four days in September 2009, enabling architects looking to diversify their skills and services take an effective first step into planning consultancy. Although the course will not lead to planning qualifications, it will count towards CPD requirements for participating practices.

Barry Munday, Chair of the Recovery Task Force said:

"There is widespread consensus that the UK planning system could benefit from increased design expertise, whilst at the same time there are relatively few dual-qualified architect-planners working in local authority planning departments. The Recovery Task Force believes that in the current climate, there would be benefit in architects being able to assist local authority planning departments either as permanent members of staff or as advisors. It is a great opportunity for architects who wish to diversify their service offer and skill base, an important objective in the current recessionary environment. We hope this course marks the start for many other schools offering similar induction courses around the UK. "

Interested practices can get in touch with the Practice Department at the RIBA: practice@inst.riba.org|. The Recovery Task Force is also calling for expressions of interest from other universities who might be interested in working with them to develop such provision.