Since 2015, AECOM has provided a national programme of technical support to groups engaged in preparing neighbourhood plans. This project draws specifically on the delivery of over 50 Heritage and Character Assessments, which apply the best of local landscape planning practice.AECOM clearly believes in strong communities – that work for all age groups, cultures, abilities and incomes. This relies on people living in places that are well-planned, designed and built, and communities who celebrate what makes these environments distinctive. Its landscape studies demonstrate that the skills required to develop an understanding of landscape and townscape character can be applied in even the most challenging of urban environments. They have made a strong case that the landscape profession should play a central part in forming policies for the future development of villages, towns and cities. It is also clear to see how the community have been engaged proactively and consulted upon the initial findings of each assessment.