GNLP 2045 Regulation 20 Scoping Consultation

12. Consulting on Plan Making

Part B - Consulting on plan-making

Introduction

1The following section of the scoping consultation sets out how the Greater Norwich authorities intend to involve (“engage”) stakeholders in the preparation of the GNLP 2045 under the new plan-making system. At the end of this section, we ask whether there are any additional/ alternative engagement opportunities that we should be considering alongside those identified below.

Why do we need an Engagement Strategy?

2We understand that the next local plan will affect everybody who lives, works or visits Greater Norwich. For these reasons, we understand the value and importance of proactive engagement during the preparation of the GNLP 2045.

3In accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026, we need to understand how the stakeholders of the GNLP 2045 wish to be engaged with the plan-making process. To effectively engage with stakeholders, it is important that we:

• clearly understand and communicate the purpose of the engagement to all audiences;
• recognise and address the target audience; and
• identify the objectives of the engagement.

4The new plan-making process is more prescriptive and requires local plans to be prepared at a much faster pace than previously. For this reason, engagement will need to be more focused to be effective.

5It may not always be possible to engage with all stakeholders at every stage, and it may be more effective to target audiences with different engagement tools, depending upon (a) their interest in the plan and (b) their previous experience with the planning system. Whilst the GNLP 2045 will take a digital-first approach towards communication and engagement, it will be important to recognise that there may be stakeholders who are unable to access digital options and these groups should also be catered for in this strategy.

6Following the scoping consultation, the Greater Norwich authorities will finalise the engagement strategy having regard to the feedback received, as well as the streamlined and time-bound approach to plan making. This will help to ensure that a proportionate but effective level of engagement is embedded throughout the preparation of the GNLP 2045.

Proposed engagement throughout the preparation of the GNLP 2045

7The following tables set out the three statutory stages of consultation in the new plan-making process (as set out in government guidance), as well as the objective(s), target audience(s) and our suggested engagement methods. The Greater Norwich authorities will need to engage with stakeholders through these key stages. This scoping consultation is the first of these formal engagement stages.

• Scoping consultation (Regulation-20)

• Proposed local plan content and evidence consultation (Regulation 23 stage)

• Consultation on the proposed local plan (the draft plan, Regulation 27)

8Separately, we are also in the process of mapping out our wider communication and engagement strategies, from the initial project set-up through to final adoption of the GNLP 2045. These strategies will be flexible, ‘living documents’ that can be updated as the project progresses, following reviews of the effectiveness of earlier engagement undertaken. It is intended that they will be updated on a regular basis with changes potentially reflecting evolving best practices or technologies, levels of engagement to consultations, and the wider feedback received on the approach to engagement.

Clear engagement

9Planning can be complex and technical; however, we want to ensure that our consultations are clear and accessible to all groups. As a minimum, we will aim to:

• Publish and maintain a website for the GNLP 2045, clearly identifying the current stage of the plan-making process;
• Ensure consultation material is accessible across different types of electronic devices;
• Use plain-English, avoiding unnecessary technical language in consultation documents as far as possible;
• Publish a glossary of terms and acronyms alongside consultation documents, recognising that the content of the consultations will at times be technical in nature;
• Where possible, illustrate datasets through engaging and easy-to-read infographics and the use of digital storytelling;
• Publicise consultation events in a timely manner, and with a clear summary of their scope and purpose;
• Undertake consultations at the appropriate stages, and supported by relevant evidence;
• Provide clear details about how to respond to each consultation and by when; and
• Publish a summary of the responses received to each consultation stage.

Digital first approach to engagement and addressing barriers to engagement

10The most effective engagement tools are typically those that use digital technologies and our preference will be to receive feedback via our dedicated online engagement platform. This makes it quicker and easier for us to process the responses that we receive; however, we recognise that this ‘digital-first’ approach to engagement can adversely impact on some groups within our communities.

11We are therefore proposing to complement our digital activities with additional engagement tools to allow these groups to contribute meaningfully to the plan-making process. This could include:

• Town and parish council briefings (a combination of events and email updates) to enable town and parish councillors to inform and update their local communities of the progress of the GNLP 2045, including of any forthcoming engagement stages;
• Local member updates – in recognition of the key role that members take in supporting local communities in responding to matters that are important to them;
• Displaying leaflets at places the local community meets (for example, council offices, libraries, transport centres, schools and leisure centres);
• Publication of ‘easy read’ documents to accompany key consultation material;
• Ensuring hard copies of key consultation material is made available at identified sites for the duration of the consultation period; and
• Providing appropriate support to those people who are unable to submit their consultation comments via the engagement platform (this may be assistance to submit via email or to submit a postal response instead).

12It will be important to reflect on consultation feedback to identify any groups that are experiencing barriers to engagement that prevents them from getting involved in the process. Additional or alternative methods of engagement may need to be identified to overcome this issue appropriately.

What happens after each consultation?

13Following the close of each consultation stage we will consider all the responses received. These will be assessed and summarised and, in due course, a summary of these comments received will be made available for review. This will encourage ongoing engagement in the preparation of the plan and will evidence how comments have been taken into consideration. However, it is important to recognise that plan-making is often controversial and can lead to high levels of engagement – the material planning considerations raised in the comments submitted will be of greatest importance when considering the issues identified locally as being important within the Greater Norwich area.

14In combination with the technical evidence base, and the availability of appropriate sites for development, the responses we receive will help to shape and inform the emerging GNLP 2045 and its supporting evidence base. At a later stage in the process, responses to these consultations will be submitted alongside the draft plan for examination.