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In its white paper “Strong and Prosperous Communities”, the government pledges to give local authorities the potential to exercise greater leadership. That means they could be playing a stronger role in place making, but does it also mean that better places will result?

It could do, but Cabe is concerned that it may not. Cabe chief executive Richard Simmons says: “Not enough people at senior level in local authorities understand the range of value that good buildings and spaces can bring.

“They are missing a trick because well designed development can help create places that local communities love, and can be used to help local authorities meet wider objectives under local area and public service agreements.”

Specifically, what values could better place making deliver to local authorities?

Cabe says values range from the more obvious “exchange value” (the market value of a building, its rent or yield) to the less tangible “image value” (a development’s contribution to corporate civic identity, prestige, vision and reputation). It has summed up six ways in which value could be gained in a new guide called The value handbook, getting the most from your buildings and spaces.

Walsall Art Gallery has added cultural value

How can local authorities help to improve place making and achieve these values?

The guide gives plenty of advice on what to do, such as suggesting local authorities establish a value-based policy for design, run value management workshops and make sure contractors are fully briefed about the need for quality design.

Does Cabe give any examples of successful projects?

Yes, a number of projects are highlighted in the guide. For example, it mentions the ecology and art pavilions at Mile End Park, in east London, for their environmental value, and Walsall Art Gallery, designed by architect Caruso St John, for its cultural value.

The guide also highlights the work of beacon councils, mentioning Chelmsford Borough Council, which has improved the quality of its greenfield developments and transformed canal banks, and West Dorset District Council which has protected local identity through design statements and development briefs.