People in Planning: Considering Consultation Content is now published by Bang the Table.  The e-book is the first in a series on consultation in planning and can be downloaded here.

It addresses consultation content – not how, or with whom we consult, but is what is consulted upon. 

It considers, do consultations work best when the community is asked very focused questions to shape the planning application? Or should people be given a blank sheet of paper on which to offer a wide range of thoughts and suggestions?

To what extent is this affected by location, sector, demographic and other variables? Should the approach be determined by the timing of the consultation in the planning schedule – more general earlier on, more focused as the submission date approaches?

The original research presented includes findings from a series of interviews with industry professionals in the UK to whom I am very grateful.