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Developments of National Significance - A community perspective Elwyn Thomas, Planning Aid Wales 30th September 2015

Fact: DNS will have significant impacts on host communities.

Some quotes from earlier speakers: ‘An open, fair and impartial process, with proper consultation and engagement.’ (Steve Quartermain, PINs) ‘The whole shape of planning is changing.’ (Mark Newey, WG) ‘We should aim to manage the politics in planning.’ (Carl Sargeant, WG Minister)

Previous speaker (Elizabeth Dunn) looked at DNS from a process / developer perspective – this presentation looks from a wider, cultural / community perspective.

With reference to five ‘C’s (culture, context, capacity, connection, continuity). 1. Culture

Positive Planning agenda = recognition of need for culture change in all sectors. Strong connection between culture change in planning and broader sustainable development agenda / Future Generations Act.

Culture change requires empathy with different perspectives, and new ways of working.

Communities recognise the need for planning, and that different types of planning decisions should be made at different levels.

Introduction of DNS is an opportunity to clarify with communities how planning for big schemes works at the local level.

2. Context

Communities need context (analogy: you need a map to navigate new terrain) - good context is the map.

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Planning practitioners and developers sometimes forget to provide a usable map.

So, how best to convey context ? One example is the triangle diagram below – simple, illustrative and contextualised.

Context for DNS is the process, from national policy statement through to decision on specific scheme.

Providing DNS context is an opportunity to develop public understanding of planning process, and the roles and relationships of different actors (community, government, developer, etc).

Preparation of context (map) requires thought and empathy – not business as usual.

3. Capacity

Local communities’ capacity to engage with DNS is limited (David and Goliath).

Positive Planning suggests help and support should be made available to level the playing field.

Resources could come from both public and private sectors.

4. Connection

Need for better, more explicit connection / communication between main DNS players (LPAs, developers, PINs and local communities).

Develop good practice (in providing context, developing capacity, making connnections) and disemminate to ensure continual improvement.

Consider drawing on external impartial facilitators to build bridges and cement new links.

5. Continuity

Keep DNS process and practice under review – what works ?

Use DNS engagement processes to build capacity and public understanding.

Culture change is incremental and needs sustained effort.

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A community perspective

Development

Developers, landowners

Planning consultants, architects, agents

Business interests

Government

Welsh Government

Local Planning Authorities

Planning Inspectorate

Local community

Community councils, local groups, civic societies

Local authority councillors

Individuals, neighbours, third parties, residents

Interest groups - environment, access, business, language, amenity, agriculture, ethnic, etc, etc

Planning

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