We have all been following the Government’s emerging policies aimed at getting Britain building and unlocking delivery, but what about when all this work starts and the builders move in?

As an industry, we all work extremely hard throughout the planning process to demonstrate that our plans will create the great places communities and decision-makers want to see and will ultimately support. But how do we make sure we keep those promises? And why should we care?

Well, here’s the thing. If we continue the engagement we started in planning through to construction, we have the chance to continue nurturing local relationships while nipping emerging issues in the bud. We have the opportunity to show communities and councils that we are listening and taking responsibility. We can bring people together to create communities in a way that speeds up the natural community development process, working with new and existing residents to organise events and set up groups.

In doing so, we can create real social value for the residents who are most impacted by developments, going much further than a tick-box exercise and truly giving back.

With residents campaigning against developments from housing to pylons – and some major decisions being taken out of local hands – it is more important than ever that we pay real attention to delivery. If they didn’t want it to happen in the first place, they are going to struggle to live with it being built. Our job is to carefully manage local relationships for our clients, while adding tangible benefits for the residents most acutely affected.

Local authorities are increasingly holding developers to account by requesting community development strategies pre-commencement, but with no central regulation or policy setting out how comms and engagement should be managed through delivery, current approaches in the industry vary wildly. But the benefits of a carefully crafted post-consent strategy are considerable. On a social level, communities are more cohesive and connected. Local politicians are in control and informed – and able to fulfil their role as community leaders. Clients’ reputations and future land interests are safeguarded. Everyone can have greater confidence that the reality will match the dream.

Iceni’s Post-Consent service can be applied to any type of development, from urban extensions and new towns to major infrastructure.

To talk to us about the service, get in touch with Gemma