Involving stakeholders will help reveal their concerns and enable them to develop their understanding of the project. The intention is to allow them to express any concerns or queries they have and therefore help decision-makers progress towards a smooth planning process. Waste Infrastructure Delivery Programme (WIDP) planning systems guidance includes reference to stakeholder engagement.
Appropriate levels of stakeholder involvement early in a project are important to ensure that accurate information is conveyed and that people's opinions can be heard. This process can also help to generate confidence and trust. If third parties are consulted too late in the design process, their requirements cannot be easily accommodated in the design without abortive work, often at significant cost. Involving local councillors presents an opportunity to explain the background to the proposed development and councillors can play an important role in disseminating information to local residents through local meetings, surgeries etc.
Internal consultation and discussion within the project team should not be forgotten. The team will include the client and often a group of technical advisers. Sufficient time must be allowed for all stakeholders including the design members of the team to work through their ideas, communicate with the rest of the team and provide maximum added value. The client needs to be clear about how it will contribute to design reviews and make sure that it has adequate design expertise available to help them do so.
Community involvement routes The local community can be involved in the proposals in a variety of ways including: ■ face to face consultation ■ meetings ■ focus groups ■ questionnaires ■ newsletters ■ exhibitions and open days ■ posters ■ internet sites ■ the media, particularly local newspapers ■ television and radio stations. |