Fredrikstad’s environmental plan contains guidelines for the development of a good local community. A local community project was carried out in each local community with place analysis as a central element. By the end of 2001, 20 of 23 projects had been carried out.

Project information
Place: Local community projects (place analyses) in 23 local communities of Fredrikstad
Local Council / population: Fredrikstad / 68505 (2002)
County: Østfold
Work carried out by: Local council planning and environment section/town environment project in cooperation with external consultants.
Work period: 1995-2002
Sources: place analyses, Fredrikstad local council 2002
Council website: www. Fredrikstad.kommune.no

Background

As one of five towns involved in the Environmental Town Program of 1993-2000, Fredrikstad established a program focusing on local community development. Schools were given an important place in the projects and thus also in local planning; their catchment areas being used as project areas. 20 of 23 local projects were under way by the end of 2001.

Through these local community projects, a planning model has been developed which guards the interests of the community in the council’s planning process. In this model, the place analysis is an important element. Local community projects lead to other, smaller local projects, larger initiatives can be incorporated in council plans and budgets. Even though the place analyses are not legally binding, they have precedence when new initiatives in the area have to be considered.

Pilot area -“The East-side Project”

The first place analyses were carried out in 1995-7 in Torp, Nabbetorp/Lundheim, Sellebakk og Begby, a combination of characteristic settlements and modern building development. On the basis of these analyses, work on a plan for East-side was begun. This is included as part of the council’s area plan. As part of this plan work, an area atlas has been developed – at local community level. This will eventually be a planning tool for the whole county. Experiences from the East–side projects have been used in the other local communities; one way is through establishment of local committees. These committees are given real means of influence through funds earmarked for local community development.

Targets and target groups

The preface to “Cicignon local community project” states:
An important effect of the ‘local community project’ should be a debate about the overall organization of local community work. The goal is to create more meeting places for those willing and able to develop their local community and to improve contact between the voluntary sector and Council planning/administration. In other words, create an arena for common solutions while strengthening democratic processes and encouraging people to take part.

Central challenges in local community planning:
• To define the local community and its limits.
• Necessary services for everyday needs must be secured and developed.
• Most functions should be within walking distance of the home.
• Collective transport should be given priority over private vehicles.
• The school as a centre of the local community should be a resource for every member of the community. All age groups need their own social meeting place.
• Local commitment must be acknowledged and used as an important drive craft for community development.
• Place identity can be strengthened through safeguarding of local building traditions and good design of new developments.
• Place identity can also be strengthened by more knowledge of the history and qualities of the place.

Content and method

These place analyses, or ‘local community reports’, have the same form but with adjustments made to suit local character and needs. Use of different architects and landscape architects has given variation in layout and subject matter investigation.

These local community reports have two parts; one place analysis part and one initiative part. Up until 2002, both were in the same report, but the latest reports present analysis and initiative separately. This is done on the grounds that the analysis is a more lasting document whereas suggested initiatives are linked to the present.

The place analyses show a wide range of themes. As well as themes like historic development, nature and landscape, settlement structure and cultural heritage, the reports discuss relevant local problems and challenges like social meeting places, local identity, condition of playgrounds, traffic safety etc.

Choice of method is not a central point. Mobilization and involvement of all groups of the community are in themselves an analysis method. Formal knowledge is used to generate activity and discuss approach, initiatives and future opportunities. As far as it is possible to identify specific methods, they are adapted forms of: Realistic Town analysis, Kevin Lynch’s mental map and the Workbook analysis.