In its coalition agreement published 12th May 2010, the new Government has reiterated its commitment to localism and the need for thorough community consultation:-

“In the longer term, we will radically reform the planning system to give neighbourhoods far more ability to determine the shape of the places in which their inhabitants live, based on the principles set out in the Conservative Party publication Open Source Planning.”

We work with our clients to establish a positive dialogue with local residents and stakeholders. We believe in speaking to them as early as possible to ensure that the local community forms its opinions based on first hand information from our clients, rather than hearsay or speculation in the local press. We use a range of mediums to consult with the community including: public exhibitions, design work shops, written and phone based consultation, leafleting, newsletters and community meetings.

Our programme of consultation culminates in the production of a ‘Statement of Community Involvement.’ This is submitted alongside the main planning application and includes details of the consultation undertaken, the feedback received and how this has influenced our client’s proposals.

• Public exhibitions & road shows
• Interactive consultation & website construction
• Discussion forums & design workshops
• Media management
• Community S106 discussion
• Draft Statement of Community Involvement
• Community engagement on behalf of local authorities