Developers urged to get locals more involved

Local people must be involved by developers before major planning applications are lodged if delays due to community opposition are to be avoided, according to the president of the Irish Planning Institute Andrew Hind.

Mr Hind said the way to achieve consensus was through a "public consultation toolbox" which would include public meetings, workshops or focus groups and greater use of the internet.

Referring to new Government guidelines for the preparation of development plans, Mr Hind, addressing a planning institute conference in Dublin yesterday, said developers and promoters of major infrastructural projects such as metros or motorways should have such a toolbox in future.

The guidelines from the Department of the Environment require developers to have regard to the involvement of citizens in the planning process.

They especially suggest this process should engage those not normally part of the planning process, as well as allowing for innovative methods of consultation.

The aim is to build consensus around development which can be delayed for years in planning appeals and even the courts due to local opposition.

Workshops or focus groups could include 10 to 12 people based on each topic or theme, and this method would suit consultation with organised stakeholder groups.

Public meetings would allow the sharing of information, an exchange of ideas and the introduction of new concepts which would be more suited to certain people.

Looking at the role of the internet, Mr Hind said e-consultation would allow for the dissemination of high-quality maps and documents. Interactive potential could also achieve the same results as traditional consultation techniques.

However, he said internet-based surveys showed a bias towards middle and upper social groups, and there had been disappointing results from some development plan internet consultations which have taken place.

Mr Hind advised planners to use coherent, well-structured, jargon-free language during any public consultation, while documents should be user-friendly and visually attractive. Explanatory leaflets and posters should also be made available.