How many times have you been to pre-app stage only to be stalled by a seemingly simple yet impactful question: “What community engagement have you undertaken?” This question highlights a crucial element of the planning process that demands attention right from the start: early community engagement. The response that this will instil in you will be one of frustration and cynicism. You will need to invest in an exercise that will fulfil your frustrations and leave you doing a tick box exercise type of engagement. It does not need to be this way.
Engage Early, Engage Often
The best way to avoid this is by engaging as early as possible. Over the last couple of decades there has been a seismic shift towards more participatory approaches that emphasise the importance of including community voices and concerns from the very beginning. This evolution isn’t just about adhering to regulations; it’s a strategic shift that can significantly sway the trajectory of a project.
Early community engagement involves initiating contact and building relationships with local stakeholders, residents, and interest groups at the earliest project stages. It’s a strategy focused on listening, engaging and learning and then incorporating community feedback into the planning and design processes. This proactive approach not only ensures that project goals align with community needs but also helps to mitigate potential opposition that could emerge later.
Why bother?
However, the advice to start early community engagement comes with its set of challenges, primarily concerning the initial increase in project costs and timelines. Engaging with the community early on necessitates a commitment of resources for outreach. Yet, this investment is minimal compared to the potential costs and delays of addressing opposition or making significant project modifications at later stages. Our glib line is that our services are cheaper than a planning barrister!
Furthermore, early community engagement offers applicants an opportunity to showcase their commitment to social responsibility and sustainable planning. It allows for the identification of mutual interests and goals, converting potential adversaries into collaborators. By involving the community early, developers can foster a sense of ownership and support among local stakeholders, transforming the project into a collective venture.
Building Trust
Successful early engagement strategies include identifying and reaching out to a wide range of stakeholders, using diverse methods to facilitate engagement, and maintaining transparency and openness. These practices are essential for building trust and respect, laying the groundwork for smoother pre-app and planning processes.
Early community engagement emphasises not only the immediate regulatory advantages but also the long-term benefits, such as improved public perception, increased project viability, and a more harmonious relationship with the community.
To avoid that embarrassing question at the pre-app stage then start your engagement as early as possible. The sensible thing to do is to start the conversation now and lay the foundation for success in your planning and development endeavours. By prioritising early community engagement, you not only streamline the planning process but also build meaningful, lasting relationships with the communities you serve.
Contact us at Silverstone Communications to discover how we can support your engagement strategy, ensuring your projects not only achieve planning consent but also enrich the communities they are part of. Let's create sustainable and inclusive developments together.