Why engagement is central to better planning outcomes

With an experienced in-house team of strategic communications consultants working alongside our planners, Gravis has always advocated the benefits of early and effective engagement with key stakeholders when taking forward planning and development projects.

Statutory Pre-Application Community Consultation is well embedded for planning applications falling into the ‘major’ category in Northern Ireland and there is no doubt that, overall, this process has led to better planning outcomes.

Consulting with key stakeholders such as elected representatives, community groups and individual residents provides the opportunity for development teams to communicate key messages relevant to their project. This means that a wider audience will understand the social and economic benefits linked to planning approvals, whether that be job creation, infrastructure upgrades, additional rates or improved local services.

The growth of online and remote methods of consultation in recent years has also been particularly evident as everyone had to adapt during the pandemic when social distancing measures were in place. This approach, while necessary to allow planning applications to continue to progress at that time, is now here to stay. Public expectation is that techniques such as answerphone services, project webpages and the ability to submit feedback online are in place for all major projects alongside traditional physical public events and face to face engagement. Where appropriate, virtual consultation rooms, webinars and video production / animation also have an important role to play.

Involving communities before submitting major planning applications allows for feedback to be considered at an early stage and amendments to be made where possible. This approach means that local stakeholders can help shape proposals in their own area, helping to mitigate objection and increase support. Ultimately, it can be a positive for everyone involved.

To find out more about the Strategic Communications services which Gravis can offer, contact John via jfullerton@gravisplanning.com or 07746941704.