Community Engagement: Better to test the water early

𝗛𝗟: “So tell me, what do you think the new NPPF means for public consultations?”

𝗢𝗣: “In a nutshell, developers should engage with neighbours and the wider community at an EARLY stage - early enough for their views to shape the plans. Applicants should explain what they heard, how far the proposal changed as a result and, if it did not, why not.”

𝗛𝗟: “So showing people a finished scheme and calling it consultation won’t quite do?”

𝗢𝗣: “The most useful conversations happen while there’s still room to respond. Residents might identify a problem with access, suggest a better place for open space or point out something the team has missed.”

𝗛𝗟: “And does any of that matter when the application is decided?”

𝗢𝗣: “Yes. 𝗗𝗠𝟯 says councils should take account of planning matters raised during pre-application engagement, including 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 responses. Supporters deserve to be heard too.”

𝗛𝗟: “But what’s stopping developers from simply having a pre-app with the Council and then submitting an application?”

𝗢𝗣: “Nothing, if you want to risk a refusal! We recently saw an appeal dismissed in which the Planning Inspector specifically referenced the applicant’s failure to evolve the scheme in response to feedback.”

𝗛𝗟: “Ouch. But you can understand why developers skip this step. It’s not fun being shouted at by angry locals at public consultations!”

𝗢𝗣: “That’s understandable. But, as we know, the new NPPF isn’t about making proposals acceptable to every man and his dog but it 𝗜𝗦 about engaging with the community and then demonstrating that you’ve listened.”

𝗛𝗟: “That’s where The CCP comes in! Anyone developing a scheme should get in touch while there’s still time to listen, respond and improve.”

Kind regards from the jacuzzi,

Henry & Oliver