Comment

Digital-first approach to consultation

Our Strategic Communications team continue to positively engage people and communities in planning through digital methods of engagement. Whereas previously digital engagement supplemented face-to-face methods, as we emerge from lockdown it is clear that digital, in its enhanced role, is here to stay. In the future we expect consultation to be digital-first, with physical events and meetings held only where they add value or are a local or client requirement.

Digital methods have long been a feature of our approach, but their value has been immeasurable in recent months as lockdown and social distancing measures could have brought all consultation to an immediate halt.

In a matter of weeks, both sides of the planning system have successfully put online communications at the forefront of their engagement. Local authorities across the UK and Ireland have quickly and actively sought to encourage the use of online engagement methods, and applicants, led by ourselves, have delivered successful pre-app consultation with better outcomes. With the UK Government placing digital engagement at the heart of the latest planning reforms, we can be sure it is here to stay.

To achieve our digital transformation, we developed a robust and accessible digital-led consultation offer. Our digital-first approach focuses on people not platforms, allowing meaningful community consultation to take place without the need for physical events. We offer:

• Interactive websites suitable across all devices
• Digital drop in and Q&A events 
• Webinars and virtual briefings
• A live chat function during office hours
• Targeted social media promotion
• Dedicated project email inbox
• Digital break-out rooms for detailed discussion
• Support building campaigns

Our enhanced digital consultation programmes have significantly increased the level and diversity of interaction with members of the community. We have seen a significant uptake in responses, in some cases registering increased levels of feedback via telephone calls, online feedback forms, social media and emails. Even before lockdown, we had seen digitally led engagement secure feedback from a broader range of individuals than was previously achieved through more traditional methods of communication. For example, on the recent ReefLive consultation for a new state of the art aquarium in Belfast, 86% of the feedback forms received were submitted online – with the most responses from the 18-30 age group, a demographic previously under-represented in planning consultations.

The introduction of digital public information events and live Q&A, including breakout room discussions, has been welcomed by our clients, local authorities and residents alike.

We’re delighted to be working on digital-led programmes with public and private sector organisations across the UK and Ireland including Northern Ireland’s public transport operator, Translink; Belfast City Council and McAleer & Rushe on the transformation of the former Telegraph building; Packaged Living a leading build to rent provider and Etopia at the forefront of modern methods of construction and eco-homes; Amber Infrastructure a national social infrastructure provider; and the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust on the redevelopment of North Manchester General Hospital.

Click the links below to visit a selection of our live project websites and explore how digital consultation is working in practice:

• Yorkgate Rail Station development, Belfast - Translink
• The Sixth, Belfast – Belfast City Council and McAleer + Rushe
• Heyrod Street, Piccadilly East, Manchester – Packaged Living   
• Later living community for Broadway – Amber Infrastructure

Further information on our digital consultation approach is available to download below. Please contact a member of our Strategic Communications team to find out how we can help with your project.

7 September 2020