Working in partnership with communities

Consultation is at the heart of the government's agenda. It is now an integral part of the planning system.

The government and local authorities have now made pre-application consultation compulsory for virtually all developments.

Just as one requires Traffic Impact and Environmental Impact Assessments so a Community Engagement Review (outlining how you involved the local community in the process) is advised.

Public consultation plays a key role in pre-application consultation.  However, one must never lose sight of the fact that members (as the local representatives) will decide on most planning applications.

The government has acknowledged this and in its briefing note "Positive Engagement, a guide for planning councillors" it sets down how councillors can (and we believe should) be actively engaged pre-application.

Green Issues has always advocated a system of consultation which involves the properly elected local representatives as well as the community.

Our tiered approach has brought real results and time savings for developers and local authorities. It has also resulted in schemes being delivered that meet the needs of communities. We believe that guidelines from the DCLG and local authorities clarify this and back up our methodology.

In essence, our methodology is:

1.   Understand the community, the key stakeholders and the local representatives. Ensure you know the local community, key issues and personalities before you approach anyone.

2.   Brief key players early. Inform them before engaging the community in wider consultation. Their comments can add real impetus and insight into proposed planning applications.

3.   Engage the wider community in an open and transparent way. Ensure that you consult widely enough to satisfy local stakeholders and officers.

By working within this system, Green Issues has successfully balanced the needs of communities and developers saving time, money and reducing delay.