This guide from Communities and Local Government offers practical advice to local authorities on how to work most effectively with strategic partners in the shaping of sustainable, mixed communities. It aims to improve collaboration between planners and those involved with Local Strategic Partnerships. It is focused on the strategic leadership role of local authorities in shaping good places, creating sustainable mixed communities and delivering better local services. It was commissioned through the Royal Town Planning Institute and Marilyn Taylor Associates and prepared in conjunction with a Sounding Board of practitioners and policy advisers.The guide explains the importance of the relationship between Sustainable Community Strategies and Local Development Frameworks. It stresses that there should be complete coherence between the SCS and all other plans for the area, including the LDF and the Regional Economic Strategy.

The guide is available at: www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=15059067