Is sympathetic regeneration the key to de-risking planning?

COMMENT Developers know that getting planning permission is often one of the largest hurdles in bringing a project to fruition. It can take months or even years, and the costs of engaging with the planning process can run into the millions of pounds. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that all of this investment will result in a successful outcome. So what can be done to make the planning process smoother and less risky for developers? It turns out there is a way to de-risk the planning process and even save millions of pounds in the process. This approach is called sympathetic regeneration, and it is all about engaging with the local community to build support for development projects. By involving the community in the planning process, developers can not only save money but also create a better outcome for everyone involved. The traditional approach to planning involves hiring expensive specialists to create technical reports and engage with local authorities. While this approach can be effective, it can also be risky. The decision on whether or not to approve a development project often comes down to a political decision made by the planning committee, which is usually made up of local councillors. This means technical reports and other evidence-based materials may not be enough to sway their decision. The solution is to engage with the local community to build support for the development project. By involving local stakeholders, developers can create a more sympathetic plan that takes into account the needs and desires of the community. This approach is not only more effective in terms of securing planning permission, but it can also create a better outcome for everyone involved. Shifting the mindset So how can developers go about implementing this approach? The first step is to shift the mindset from viewing the community as a nuisance to seeing them as valuable assets. Developers should seek out opportunities to engage with the community and build relationships with local stakeholders. This could involve hosting community-focused events (not just public consultation) and workshops to get feedback on development proposals. Of course, not everyone will be in favour of development, and there will always be opposition from some quarters. However, by engaging with the community and taking a sympathetic approach, developers can mitigate the risks and create a development that benefits everyone involved. Developers should also consider using social media and other digital channels to engage with the community. This can be an effective way to build support and create a dialogue around development projects. By using social media, developers can reach a wider audience and get feedback from people who may not have attended in-person events. Another key strategy is to involve the community in the design process. By creating opportunities for local stakeholders to have a say in the design of development projects, developers can create a plan that is more sympathetic to the needs and desires of the community. This approach can also help to build support for the project and create a sense of ownership among local residents. Win-win situation Finally, developers should be prepared to listen to feedback from the community and make changes to their plans accordingly. This approach requires a willingness to be flexible and adapt to the needs of the community. By doing so, developers can create a more successful project that is more likely to be approved by the planning committee. Ultimately, sympathetic regeneration is about creating a win-win situation for everyone involved. Developers can save money and create a better outcome, while the community can benefit from improved infrastructure and a better quality of life. It’s time for developers in the UK to embrace sympathetic regeneration and build stronger relationships with the communities they serve. Hanna Afolabi is founder of Mood and Space Image © Louise Haywood-Schiefer