Transitional planning process
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Jam today: unleashing the power of meanwhile use | David Warr | TEDxSt Helier
TEDx Talks· 2025-06-25 16:32
Core Argument: "Jam Today" - Immediate Action & Use - The speech advocates for "meanwhile use" of underutilized spaces, urging immediate action ("jam today") instead of waiting for long-term plans ("jam tomorrow") [2][5][13] - It emphasizes prioritizing people's needs over rigid policies, advocating for creative and courageous decision-making to address immediate problems [6][20][26] - The speaker calls for a shift in mindset, encouraging governments and individuals to identify and address current needs rather than deferring to future plans [5][6][27] Housing Crisis & Vacant Homes - The speech highlights the issue of vacant homes amidst housing shortages, citing 135,000 long-term vacant homes in London alongside 55,000 homeless individuals [9] - It points out the inefficiency of having vacant homes while numerous people are on housing waiting lists, using the example of 13,790 people on the waiting list in Wandsworth, London [10] - The speaker shares an initiative in Jersey where public engagement led to the identification of 260 vacant homes in 6 months, demonstrating the potential of community involvement [12] Transitional Planning & Site Utilization - The speech proposes a "transitional planning process" that mandates alternative uses for sites if development doesn't commence within a year [16] - It criticizes the practice of leaving brownfield sites unused while developing greenfield sites, advocating for the utilization of existing spaces for parks and playgrounds [14][15] - The speaker uses Fort Regent as an example of a challenging site requiring immediate action to prevent closure and ensure continued community use [16][18][19] Call to Action & Policy Change - The speech urges governments to be brave in making decisions and to serve the economy by addressing immediate needs [24][25] - It suggests changing planning rules to allow for temporary or prefabricated homes on currently restricted sites, addressing the housing crisis [22][23] - The speaker envisions a global platform ("Jam Today" website) where individuals can highlight underutilized sites and propose solutions to their governments [27]