Engaging communities in decisions relating to land: guidance

Most day-to-day decisions relating to land where the impact on the local community is small or non-existent.

Decisions which can lead to moderately significant impacts on the local community.

This includes:

• short-term but disruptive activities
• activities carried out in irregular circumstances
• changes to regular activities

Decisions about:

• activities which disrupt transport or business activities
• activities causing significant light, sound or smell pollution
• activities carried out at unusual times, or causing more disruption than usual
• other disruptive activities in both the urban and rural environments

Informal engagement can include:

• sending a letter or an email
• a notice on a community notice board
• posting on social media
• a phone call
• visiting in person
• putting up a sign

Regular communication, even when no very significant decisions are being undertaken, can help to prevent problems arising, and build good neighbourhood relationships.

Decisions which may significantly impact on the social, economic or cultural development of a community, access to a good quality environment, and community viability.

This includes:

• long-term or permanent changes with significant impact
• long-term disruptive activities
• activities which impact significantly on the local economy, society and culture, or environment
• decisions likely to alter the local population level or structure, including through intergenerational impact

Decisions about:

• significant long-term changes to land use, for instance changes between agricultural land, forestry, nature reserves, green spaces, industry, housing, regeneration and development
• estate management, where a significant proportion of land in a community is controlled by one party
• a business or service that significantly contributes to local employment or provides vital services
• decisions impacting on the viability of vital local institutions such as schools, doctors’ surgeries, sports centres and cultural centres

Engagement about significant decisions is characterised by being planned and should include feedback to the community. Formal methods of engagement include:

• publishing a written consultation or survey
• holding local meeting(s)
• holding site visit(s)
• carrying out workshop(s), perhaps with a facilitator
• collaborating with the community to co-design a project