Stone Town Council is delighted to announce that the Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan Project has been shortlisted as a finalist in the RTPI South East Awards for Planning Excellence 2026.
The project has been recognised within the Royal Town Planning Institute’s prestigious annual awards programme, which celebrates outstanding planning achievements and projects that have made a positive impact on communities across the South East region.
The Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan has transformed one of Stone’s most important public spaces through a long-term vision focused on recreation, wellbeing, biodiversity, accessibility, and community engagement. The project has delivered significant investment into leisure infrastructure and public realm improvements, helping to create a vibrant and inclusive destination for residents and visitors alike.
The awards shortlist places Stone Town Council alongside some of the region’s leading planning initiatives and highlights the council’s commitment to high-quality placemaking and community-focused development.
The submission to the RTPI Awards was prepared and submitted by the council’s planning consultants, Graham Simpkin Planning, who have supported the development and progression of the masterplan project.
The council wishes to recognise the wider partnership and professional team involved in delivering the scheme. The project was jointly funded by Stone Town Council and Dartford Borough Council, with both authorities utilising Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding to support the delivery of the masterplan and its associated improvements.
The contribution of GPS Projects Ltd as principal contractors, Liberty QS as quantity surveyors, and One Creative as project architects and designers must also be acknowledged. Their expertise, professionalism, and collaborative approach have played an important role in bringing the vision for Stone Recreation Ground to life.
Mayor of Stone, Councillor Jessica McQueen, said:
“We are extremely proud that the Stone Recreation Ground Masterplan has been recognised as a finalist in these prestigious regional awards. This project represents years of planning, investment, partnership working, and community ambition to create a recreational space that meets the needs of both current and future residents.
This recognition reflects the ambition behind the project and the value of strong partnership working in delivering meaningful community infrastructure. By combining investment through Community Infrastructure Levy funding with high-quality planning, design, and delivery, the project has created a recreational space that will benefit residents for many years to come.”
The RTPI South East Awards for Planning Excellence recognise and celebrate planning achievements across a range of categories, showcasing projects that demonstrate innovation, positive social impact, environmental sustainability, and design excellence.
Further information about the awards can be found on the RTPI website:
https://www.rtpi.org.uk/find-my-rtpi/rtpi-english-regions/rtpi-south-east/south-east-awards-for-planning-excellence/
The winners of the RTPI South East Awards for Planning Excellence 2026 will be announced in an award ceremony on 9 July 2026.
