Public ConsultationESHA has substantial experience in public
consultation, particularly in the "Enquiry by Design" method developed
by The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment which directly
involves residents and authority officers in developing design proposals
in intensive three or five day workshops. The partners have formed part
of the professional team for these events at Nelson, Aldershot,
Newquay, Crewkerne, Alderhay (Liverpool), Harlow, Romsey, Crewe Green,
Sherford, Cherry Knowle and Cloughton.
The objective is to achieve a consensus between all those with a stake
in the development which the residents are happy to support. Therefore
representatives of all relevant organisations (as appropriate to the
particular project) are invited to be involved in the event so that the
outcome has taken full account of all the various factors involved.
What makes an EbD completely different from the consultation which
normally takes place as part of the planning approval process is that
the final decision about the design proposals is taken by the local
residents attending the event.
The EbD process cannot of its very nature carry statutory authority, but
it can establish the basis on which planning approvals can be obtained
for urban developments which local residents broadly support.
