The requirement for public consultation is enshrined in several pieces of legislation and guidance documents that ensure communities have the opportunity to participate in and influence planning decisions.
Key aspects of public consultation in the UK planning process include:
1. The Town and Country Planning Act 1990: This Act requires local planning authorities to publicise planning applications and allow the public to comment on them. Notices may be posted on-site, in local newspapers, and online.
2. The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004: This Act introduced the requirement for Statements of Community Involvement (SCI). Local planning authorities must prepare an SCI that outlines how they will engage and consult with the public and other stakeholders in the planning process.
3. The Localism Act 2011: This Act strengthened community involvement in planning. It introduced the concept of “neighbourhood planning,” where local communities can develop neighbourhood plans to guide future development in their area. It also requires developers to consult local communities before submitting certain types of planning applications.
4. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF): The NPPF emphasises the importance of public consultation and engagement in the planning process. It encourages local planning authorities to involve all sections of the community in plan-making and decision-making processes.
5. The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015: This order sets out the procedures for publicizing planning applications and specifies the types of applications that require consultation. It includes requirements for notifying neighbours, posting site notices, and publishing information online.
6. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations: For developments requiring an EIA, public consultation is a mandatory part of the process. The EIA regulations require the developer to publish the Environmental Statement and provide opportunities for the public to comment on it.
Key Requirements for Public Consultation:
Notification: Local planning authorities must notify affected parties, including neighbours, statutory consultees, and the general public. This is often done through site notices, letters, newspaper advertisements, and online postings.
Consultation Period: There is typically a statutory period during which the public can submit comments on a planning application. This period is usually 21 days.
Consideration of Comments: Planning authorities are required to take into account all valid public comments and representations before making a decision on a planning application.
Feedback: Authorities often provide feedback on how public comments have been considered and incorporated into the planning decision.
Practical Steps for Public Involvement:
Pre-Application Consultation: Developers are encouraged (and sometimes required) to engage with the community before submitting a planning application. This can include public meetings, exhibitions, and consultation events.
Public Meetings and Hearings: For significant developments, public meetings or hearings may be held to allow community members to express their views directly.
Online Platforms: Many local planning authorities provide online portals where planning applications can be viewed, and comments can be submitted.
Public consultation is crucial for ensuring that development proposals consider the needs, concerns, and aspirations of the local community. It helps to improve the transparency, accountability, and quality of the planning process.