Engagement principles

Most of the respondents who agreed with the principles made no further comment (see ‘agree’ Table 2). Others noted that the principles seem appropriate, although they could be improved upon, or that they are not specific enough. In these cases, a number of respondents provided further views on what could be improved. This was especially true for responses relating to the first five principles on engagement, where several responses included thoughts relating to how to carry out engagement.

Principle 1. Why and Principle 2. When

Responses largely supported the idea that engagement is important in order to arrive at good design for town centres and busy streets.

Respondents supported the guidance document on early engagement with the community, one suggesting that residents could have input on the method of engagement as well as engagement continuing throughout the project. Another respondent suggested going further, to have an ongoing or even permanent consultation process. One response indicated support for engagement continuing after the project is completed as this can help pick up any issues.

Separately a respondent noted that there may be time constraints on projects due to how funding is organised, resulting in potential challenge for engagement processes.

Principle 3. What

Regarding the form the engagement takes it was noted that having at least some events in person and some events online at different times of day/of the week would allow for the best level of participation. Publicly available information and means of response that can be looked at and returned to, was considered to be a key form of engagement by one respondent. Another suggested going door to door with leaflets and seeking opinions in shopping centres, via schools or other locations to reach the local community. One respondent noted that consultation notices should be posted at a height readable for wheelchair users.

Principle 4. How

Training for the engagement team to be aware of different groups of people who may want to engage, and their needs would facilitate engagement according to one participant. Another asked that the designers be fully involved in the consultation process, so that they understand the subtleties of different sets of needs (which may conflict). Also suggested was for materials to be available in Easy Read format in order to make the planning and design processes more accessible.

Some responses suggested that it can be challenging to engage with proposals. One respondent suggested using examples, followed by artists impressions of the environment in question, which need to be suitable for public understanding and reaction. A respondent recommended using the Place Standard tool in order to effectively engage communities.

Principle 5. Where

Regarding engagement event location a number of respondents felt it is important for this to be accessible (e.g. with Hearing Loops) and have good public transport access. One option suggested by several respondents is to conduct engagement in locations already used by local organisations and groups in the community. When the location is the town centre or busy street where the project is proposed care should be taken, a respondent suggested, to consider different weather conditions and light levels in order to include feedback in the context of a range of conditions for the new design. Another respondent suggested using the format of a walk-through in order to gain views from local people and identify any context-specific challenges.