Project Type : Master Planning
Client : Swale Borough Council
The Neighbourhood Initiatives Foundation was appointed in by Swale Borough Council to undertake a “Planning for Real” consultation exercise in the communities of Queenborough and Rushenden on the Isle of Sheppey.
The purpose of the consultation exercise was to ensure that the communities of Queenborough and Rushenden are given a stake in the future regeneration of the area, from the very start of the process. Specific objectives included providing a better understanding of the existing community situation; and helping to identify issues, wants and needs anticipated to arise as a result of the major developments proposed.
The appointment was the result of crucial collaboration and partnership working between Community Development and Planning disciplines at Swale Borough Council.
The “Planning for Real” (PfR) consultation process, ties in with the issues identified in the Development Framework for the regeneration area (Area Action Plan Queenborough and Rushenden). This document identifies the area as a major strategic regeneration opportunity encompassing new employment opportunities; new housing; new and improved community facilities; physical, environmental and economic measures which will improve the quality of life for the existing and new communities; and new transport measures.
The PfR approach was fully supported by the Queenborough and Rushenden Regeneration Partnership (led by SEEDA, including Swale Borough Council, Swale Forward and Kent County Council). The findings of the consultation exercise will feed into the Master Plan which is being developed by Rummey Design Associates. This reflects the approach recommended by Egan/ODPM in order to develop ‘Sustainable Communities’.
The Planning for Real process has been a success. Residents were provided with a number of opportunities to access the consultation process at different venues and locations throughout the area. The success of the Planning for Real approach as a method of consultation and dialogue for this regeneration scheme is demonstrated in the fact that nearly one third of people living in the area came along and gave their views, (5003 suggestions), providing a clear indication of how important the local area is to them.
Undoubtedly, there are some concerns about how the proposed new development will affect Queenborough and Rushenden and it was apparent from conversations around the model that there is concern that it will become another isolated community rather than one that bonds the area together. Other residents see the proposed development as a real opportunity to bring much needed facilities to the area, whilst others are concerned that Queenborough and Rushenden are not large enough to cope with a development of this size. The process has given all of these local people a stake in the development of their community at a very early stage in the regeneration process, by specifically enabling them to highlight their concerns about issues in their neighbourhood in an open, informal and anonymous manner, The commitment and foresight of the Borough Council and the Regeneration Partnership to community involvement at such and early stage has brought benefits by building confidence and credibility to a ‘change’ process that, although essentially long term, will undoubtedly raise concerns and apprehensions in local people. The Planning for Real results reinforce the need for master planning that has ‘community cohesion’ at the heart of its approach (integrating Queenborough, Rushenden and the ‘new’ community).
The Planning for Real process has also demonstrated the importance of the need for strong leadership and commitment by those commissioning the work i.e. the Borough Council on behalf of the Regeneration Partnership (SEEDA, Swale Borough Council, Swale Forward and Kent County Council). The benefits can be seen both in the positive effect this has had on community perceptions of the regeneration process, and in the number and range of service providers, and other organisations involved in the prioritisation events. Not least because the technique offers the opportunity for all of those involved in the regeneration scheme to better understand each others’ roles, responsibilities, issues and concerns.
The consultation process has provided a mechanism for many people to become more active in the community and it is crucial that opportunities are developed to continue their involvement. Equally, it has provided an opportunity for all concerned to better understand the roles and interrelationships between the local resident and business communities and the local service providers. However, this continued involvement and commitment will only be achieved if a strong partnership is maintained and developed, which relies on all the partners continuing their involvement.
The work that has been going on in parallel to the Planning for Real by the key partners in the regeneration process (SEEDA, Swale Borough Council, Swale Forward and Kent County Council) through the setting up of the Community and Skills Group which includes local residents and representatives from most of the key players within the area, the introduction of a community newsletter and the establishment of the dedicated web-site (www.qrregen.co.uk) offer opportunities to continue this process.
In addition, the role of the Community Development Worker will be crucial to ensuring that the momentum created by the consultation process is continued, and that the Action Plan is delivered. He will have a vital role to play in ensuring that the community stay involved and are fully engaged in commenting on the draft Master Plan and maintaining their involvement once that process is complete.
One of the most effective ways of ensuring that the Action Plan begins to be delivered quickly is to develop a number of working groups that can tackle some of the key issues highlighted in this report. These working groups will provide an opportunity for Service Providers to continue to work closely with local people. However, it is important that these groups are focussed on particular issues and when solutions have been realised the work of that group is then complete. This will create an effective use of people’s time and ensure that they are only involved in the issues of concern to them, for some residents and service providers it may mean involvement in more than one group. Again, there is potential perhaps for these working groups to report back to the Partnership via the Community and Skills Group.
Whilst a thorough prioritisation process has been undertaken it is important to recognise that not everything can be achieved immediately and this message will need to be conveyed to local residents. However, it will be possible to develop a plan that will give some indication of what is going to be achieved. The starting point will be developing actions around the issues that were identified as of High Importance to the community. Some thought will also have to be given to how some of the needs highlighted by the community, that may be addressed through the master plan will be dealt with in the short term.
The consultation on the draft Master Plan will provide an opportunity for further discussions on these issues with the community. The re-building of the model represents the first stage in this process.
Undoubtedly the consultation process will have raised expectations locally and these will have to be carefully managed at all times. Regular feedback on progress should be provided through the Queenborough and Rushenden Regeneration Newsletter and via the website. It will be important to inform residents when progress is not going to plan, or if it becomes apparent that something cannot be delivered on so that other ways could be developed to address the problem.
It is crucial now that the Master Planning process takes over from the PfR consultation and builds on the momentum already created. The draft Master Plan will be developed by Rummey Design Associates and it will be important for them to present to the community how the consultation results have linked into the future plans for the area. It will also be important to highlight the suggestions that cannot be achieved within the Master Plan and explain why this is not possible.
Finally, consideration will need to be given as to how the consultation process will continue once the Master Plan has been drawn up and as the whole scheme progresses, to maintain and build on the momentum the Planning for Real process has begun. This is an issue that the Regeneration Partnership will need to address sooner rather than later.
for more information on this please contact NIF on 01952 590777 or email admin@nif.co.uk
