http://www.beacons.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=8473183

As a major part of their dissemination activities, the four beacon authorities which have been addressing the issue of promoting sustainable communities through the planning process, jointly hosted two learning exchanges in York and in London. The main objectives of the events were: to consider the Government’s key messages on planning and the skills local authorities need to meet the new requirements, and report on how the beacons have addressed some of these issues and what lessons they have learnt.  Each of the beacons identified their area of specialism and developed workshops based on the following themes: embracing growth (Ashford); the benefits of working with local strategic partnerships (Basingstoke and Deane); delivering community aspirations through the Local Development Framework (Hambleton); and tackling climate change at the local level (Woking). Presentations from these events are available online.