Developers urged to consult public

Developers need to make an effort to reach out to the public when embarking on major projects, planners warned today.

The Irish Planning Institute (IPI) urged entrepreneurs driving major property schemes to talk directly with residents about their plans as early as possible.

Andrew Hind, IPI president, insisted that open dialogue with the public about proposed developments was crucial in a democratic society.

"I would strongly suggest that planners should reach out more to get the public involved through better and more effective forms of public consultation," he told an IPI conference.

"I also believe that there is a role for developers in consulting directly with people living near their projects to iron out more of the problems at an earlier stage."

Mr Hind called for greater public involvement in the planning system through "focus group" meetings.

"Effective and meaningful public consultation is at the heart of the planning process in a democracy," he said.

"Greater consensus through more effective public consultation delivers stronger, longer-lasting and more effective plans."

The IPI president also said the internet could play a significant role in providing the public with information about development plans.

He advised planners to use easily understood and jargon-free language with user-friendly documents during consultations.