Masterplan Consent Area Regulations: consultation responses summary

Question 10

Question 10A) Draft Regulation 4(2) provides how consultation in relation to a MCA scheme is to be undertaken. To what extent do you agree with this approach?

Responses to Question 10A are set out by respondent type in Table 9 below.

A total of 52 respondents answered this question. A majority – 73.1% of those who answered the question – strongly agreed or agreed with the approach to provide how consultation in relation to a MCA scheme is to be undertaken. 11.5% disagreed or strongly disagreed and 15.4% remained neutral. Organisations were more likely to agree or strongly agree than Community and Individual respondents, at 63.4% and 50% respectively. There were high levels of agreement from both the Development, Property & Land Management sector and Agents (78.6%), Key Agency & Other Public Sector (100%) and Planning Authorities (89.5%).

Question 10B) Please explain your view.

41 respondents provided further comment at Question 10B.

Summary /Themes

The responses showed a high level of support with the proposed approach as to how consultation in relation to a MCA scheme is to be undertaken. The supportive responses noted that the proposals were similar to the approach for other planning requirements for planning applications and development plan requirements, and as such were considered appropriate and robust.

A small number of respondents disagreed with the consultation approach believing it was inadequate, with a suggestion for a longer consultation period of 6-8 weeks.

Two Planning Authorities suggested there should be a requirement for planning authorities to produce hard copies of MCA scheme proposals for inspection.

Other responses recommended that planning authorities should encourage a wider and more inclusive engagement programme, which should include community bodies and community development trusts.