The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) has doubled its advisory team to assist with the development of high quality environments in key Sustainable Communities Plan growth and renewal areas. <p></p><p>More than 160 "enablers," including urban designers, architects and regeneration professionals are now employed by the quango under chief executive Richard Simmons. CABE is urging local authorities and agencies, as well as private sector clients, to work more closely with them in areas such as the Thames Gateway. </p><p>Simmons said: "We have great designers in this country and their talents need to bear fruit in the shapes and patterns of our urban landscape. In the next five years we need at least 1,000 skilled professionals capable of leading Sustainable Communities projects, and CABE is working to help meet this challenge." </p><p>In a recent survey by CABE, 86% of local authorities admitted that their planning departments lacked design skills, and only 47% were using qualified urban designers in assessing planning applications.</p>