Interview with John Dean. Track 7 of 7

Names and comments on books referred to in previous session (Track 2, 11.20) – ‘Responsive Environments’ by Oxford Brookes; ‘Towns and Townscapes’ by Thomas Sharpe. (sound of mains switch being turned on) Talks about flood prevention measures of late ‘60s/early’70s, the ‘Blue Book’ being the strategy. Mentions taking over engineering department, protecting flood plain, final report presented around 1992. Comments on lack of recognition for this work. Comments on local government changes in 1974 causing manpower shortages but Leicester being lucky in recruiting good people who formed a good team with political support from the likes of Peter Soulsby; states it was the right time, right place for planning. Example of difficulty in recruiting for Design & Conservation until Colin Thompson who carried through the Shires shopping centre, then Meredith Evans. Briefly mentions: attitude to conservation may have been more sympathetic than many planners; Urban Design Group originating with Smigielski; luck of starting at Leicester with blank sheet; development of ecology and open space, ‘managerialism’ not a good thing. Points out that Housing Renewal Strategy handed over to housing/planning team for implementation, mentions front walls being rebuilt to good effect in Highfields. Mentions Worthington Street scheme as expression of Wooneven themes proving too costly (see also track 1 1hr 6mins); explains how surreptitiously met transport minister at Worthington St; Chris Gossop now moved on to planning inspectorate, interest in carbon free cities. Comments that recently invited Simon Thurley of English Heritage to speak at University about housing issues in terraced areas of north, Leicester seeming good in comparison. Mentions making a comment at another talk about need to consider Deeplish Study in Rochdale, expands on issues around this. Considers the amount of work done at Beaumont Leys, reflects on ‘error’ of housing all being public sector, comments on ‘mystery’ of why housing not developed at Ashton Green until present. Recalls planning dept. opposition to Loseby Lane proposals in early 1970s, wanting to encourage small shops, discourage tall buildings; comments on lack of high-rise in Leicester with brief mention of Leicester City FC plans, Alexandra House. Mentions trying to advance conservation within RTPI having noted its lack in planning courses. Explains attitude to this. Talks about winning the case against Centre 21 (see also track 5 46.55) process which led to Fosse Park shopping centre, issue of investment. Mentions places of worship strategy being helped by City Council owning land/buildings across city. Reflects that family not affected much by association with chief planner although the post attracts sniping. Expands opinions on public service, mentioning pomposity of some early planners, working with Denis McKellan, changing attitudes to public service, gives examples. Explains situation when retired, comments on how John Phipps ran his department well. Explains further about retirement, becoming consultant for various authorities, example of work done, voluntary work. Gives examples of continued interest in planning, involvement with RTPI. Talks about creation of book ‘The Quality of Leicester’, process, co-authorship, possible improvements, brief mention of Terry Farrell, desire for context, passing mention of unfortunate fad for post-modernism. Mentions previous similar publication, 1975. Reflects that not enough time was spent advertising what was being done, even when awards were being won