5. Waverley’s Approach to Consultation on the Local Plan 5.1.
Waverley recognises the different individuals and groups that make up its community, their differing needs and expectations, and the various roles they perform. There is no ‘one size fits all’ and the methods of engagement may need to be tailored to maximise their opportunities to influence the way in which their local area should develop.
5.2.
As a minimum for all public consultation on the Council’s draft planning policy documents we will normally email or write (depending on stakeholder preference) to the relevant consultees on our database, issue a press release, post notices (if required) and other information on our website and consultation platform CommonPlace. For development plan documents we may have exhibitions or drop-in sessions or online webinars.
5.3.
Whilst involvement in the preparation of planning policy documents is open to everyone, the Council will try to target consultation towards those most likely to be affected, for example by holding events in particular areas.
5.4.
All documents will be available on our website, at the Council Offices and in most cases at all local libraries. We will also use social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter and Nextdoor, if appropriate.
5.5.
In order to maintain high standards of customer service and continually improve engagement with the community, we will use the following principles:
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Make it relevant Focussing on issues that matter to particular groups Explaining the role of planning and the way in which people can have an influence Avoid consultation overload Maintaining our planning service database to keep it as up to date as possible, and making it accessible to allow consultees to update their own records Ensuring regular information on what we are doing is provided through the website, social media, press articles and Council newsletters Joining up with other consultation events whenever possible and using the results of other consultations as evidence Make it readable and easily accessible Providing clear and jargon free consultation materials Recognising the importance of the internet in improving accessibility to information but also its limitations for consulting with some groups or individuals