Consultation with local communities prior to action that will impact on them has always been desirable but rarely undertaken effectively. Whereas most manufacturing and service industries regard market research as fundamental to the development of their product or service, those involved in property planning and development have, until now, undertaken little or no practical research.

Planning authorities and developers have until now, exhibited their proposals in a way that makes them appear as a “fait accompli” and the local communities can feel excluded and ineffective.

The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and accompanying regulations impose dramatic new requirements for community consultation on planning authorities and the wider property industry.

The Government’s principles for community involvement are:

Community involvement that is appropriate to the level of planning. Arrangements need to be built on a clear understanding of the needs of the community and to be fit for purpose;

Front loading of involvement. There should be opportunities for early community involvement and a sense of ownership of local policy decisions;

Using methods of involvement which are relevant to the communities concerned;

Clearly articulated opportunities for continuing involvement as part of a continuous programme, not a one off event;

Ensuring transparency and accessibility; and

Planning for involvement. Community involvement should be planned into the process for the preparation and revision of local development documents.

Local planning authorities are required to prepare a clear Statement of Community Involvement explaining how the community will be involved in the preparation of local development documents.

Developers prioritising significant schemes will necessarily undertake consultation to a statement that satisfies government requirements and conforms to local planning authority standards.

The recently published Planning Policy Statement 12, Local Development Frameworks, states that “local development frameworks are intended to streamline the local planning process and promote a proactive, positive approach to managing development.” One key aim of the system is “strengthening community and stakeholder involvement in the development of local communities. Local communities and all stakeholders will be involved from the outset and throughout the preparation of local development documents”. This document is relevant to Local Authorities and Developers alike.

ICA has been developed and refined to exceed all the current Government requirements and contains the crucial element of measurement.

ICA:

Fulfils LPA requirements for the Statement of CommunityInvolvement  

Is a time and cost effective consultation process

Works for strategic and project specific consultation

Is a robust source of information to support local development frameworks and development proposals

Provides tangible evidence of corporate social responsibility