Let’s write a planning application for a ‘messy loitering’ space.
This was inspired by a conversation with Dr. Ben Dalton - whose contribution to the Festival of Wrong Conversations can be found live on our website.
1. Describe the proposed development
A messy, unoptimised, deliberately incomplete outdoor space for the purposes of loitering, spontaneous gathering, randomised connections, unsupervised play, unstructured conversation, and the general inconvenience of being human in a public place.
2. Location
The unused green space adjacent to *insert any NHS hospital, health centre, or building in England*
3. Applicant's statement
We propose to do almost nothing to this space, and intend to leave most of it alone.
We will add one bench, plant some trees and add a small water feature. We will stop cutting the grass in at least one section, probably plant some wildflowers, and will make sure it is still accessible.
We will not install CCTV. We will not add signage explaining what the space is for, because we believe the people using it are far better qualified to decide what that use should be that than we are. We certainly will not cover it in signs stating ‘You cannot do *insert the thing you cannot do*’.
4. We anticipate responses highlighting objections following areas
Liability - We say that there will be some elements of liability that need considering. But all risks can be assessed, mitigated and managed.
Maintenance costs - These are minimal by design.
Anti-social behaviour - We would like to gently suggest that a space where people feel welcome is less likely to attract anti-social behaviour than one that makes them feel like they are being watched and are not trusted by those watching them
Failure to fit any existing ‘category’ - That is entirely correct, and kind of the whole the point.
5. Supporting evidence
We refer the planning committee to every well-loved park, village green, and public square in human history.
Oh, and to basic human psychology.
6. What we are really asking
When did it become radical to suggest that people should have somewhere to go that isn't ‘optimised’, risk-managed, or tightly controlled? What does it actually cost to leave a bit of space alone and trust local people to decide what it's for?
We’d like to ask you what you think is the worst that could happen? (Remember - we can always remove the bench)
7. Application status
Pending.
(Spoiler: It’s been being validated for eleven years)
