Participatory Planning PDF
Participatory Planning PDF
Participatory Planning PDF
Failure
Success
Success
Failure
On the contrary, developed countries have realized the importance of Community Consultation
in plan/policy making process. And consider consultation and engagement as building blocks for
good governance. Several initiatives have been taken by the state and local governments to
encourage community participation. Attempts are being made by the authorities to involve the
community from initial stages of the project inception. Community is often involved from
visioning to development stage, fostering levels of satisfaction and sense of community
ownership of the plan. This increases rate of success and also enables governments to govern
better.
Following below is a short discussion on the process, obstacles and outcomes of participatory
approach adopted for the Master Plan of Delhi, and a general approach followed in preparation
of Development control plans/ locality plans in New South Wales
Stakeholder meeting
Generally as a first step, government representatives and the
engaged consultants will meet with the existing service
providers, key community groups and leaders to provide
detailed information on the need for development plan, its
potential benefit to the community and the effect it will have on
existing structure of the area. After winning the confidence of
from these key players the wider community is informed, usually
through a public meeting.
Public meeting
The community is given information on their role in the project,
need for development plan, process to be adopted, time frame
for the project etc. These public meetings are conducted
formally by giving advance notice of the meeting time. This
helps people plan their attendance and prepare for the meeting.
local media , newspapers, radio/s might also sometimes in
involved to report on the meeting or issuing a media release on
the outcomes of the meeting to reach wider audience and
encourage other people to attend the next meeting.
Govt.
Planning
Steering committee
Officials
Professionals
Community
Stakeholders
Beneficiaries
If the community supports the development, a steering committee
is formed comprising, committee members who represent a
cross-section of the community and understand community
issues, government processes, and business planning. These
include representatives of the community, stakeholders,
beneficiaries and government officials, planning professionals etc
ISSUES
Folllowing up on the discussion above some of the key issues that come to forefront are
discussed below:
1)
Should the community be involved in formulating the vision of an area and what
should be the level of involvement?
The community is no longer simply the target or object of development but an active
subject in the plan development process. There is ample reason to consult with and
involve the full range of community members in all phases of development projects. It has
been observed that too many projects have failed because the consultation process was
incomplete and non participatory. Involving community increases chances of success as it
is more likely to produce set of outcomes actually desired by the community.
2)
3)
Policy and government intervention- how it can assist in making the consultation
work ensuring desired outcomes
Government initiatives can make a great difference in the way the community participation
is approached. It can set guidelines and policy initiatives to suggest actual procedures and
process involved. An excellent example of such an initiative can be observed in New south
Wales, wherein NSW Department of Urban Affairs and Planning has prepared a two part
report called Ideas for Community Consultation. Several councils also have their own
set of guidelines to guide the consultation process. A policy document called Community
Consultation best practice guidelines by Tweed Shire Council is discussed here in brief
4)
5)
Some of the risks of community consultation are associated with almost any
development project. If policymakers do not make an institutional commitment to
consultation, and do not constantly monitor the process, it can become an excuse for
tapping donor resources.
Merely going through the motions of consulting with affected groups can raise
expectations about local involvement in the development process, and when people
realize it is a show, they will become bitter and may well be unwilling to participate
in future projects.
When the consultation process has not been handled properly, the new resources
may be captured by elites, particularly if there is more top-down intervention than
genuine consultation. Clever local leaders create cooperatives for their own benefit
and, in the absence of close monitoring, give donor agencies the false impression
that they are supporting local grassroots organizations. This is a common case
observed in developing countries
6)
Recognizing that the local people are the experts in their community, their knowledge
and experience should be recognised.
Building trust and respect between different participants is important
Clear and agreed agenda will set boundaries for discussion to avoid discussions on
topics which are beyond the scope of spatial planning and development control
formulation.
Make attempts to understand the context for different groups and contradictions the
group might face
Make it timely, the participation should not be so late in the life of an issue that it is
tokenistic, or merely confirms decisions already made.
Make it community-focused. Ask participants not what they want personally or what
is in their self-interest, but what they consider appropriate in their role as citizens.
Make it effective. Although decision-making can strive for consensus, complete
agreement need not be the outcome. Be clear on how the decisions will be made so
that participants know and understand the impact of their involvement.
Make it matter. It is important that there is a strong likelihood that any
recommendations which emerge from the consultative process will be adopted. If
they are not, it is important that a public explanation is provided. Faith in the process
is important by both the power holders and the participants.
An independent, skilled and flexible facilitator with no vested interest is essential in
order to achieve a good consultation and involve active community participation.
Its important to be close enough to the community so that they will let you know if
youre doing the wrong thing.
Ensure that the community consultation is held in the native language so as to invite
maximum participation and good understanding of issues.