Influence of local communities


	A typical Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) would involve consideration of a range of community engagement strategies to try to ensure that all parts of the local community have the opportunity to comment on the development of policies and proposals for their areas or which may affect them.

Under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) must be produced as part of the plan-making process and is now a key document that is central to a Minerals Development Framework. The Statement of Community involvement should set out the Local Authority's Policy for involving the community in the preparation and revision of local development documents and planning applications. It is should describe opportunities for consultation and engagement which will enable stakeholders and the local community to be actively involved in the process of plan making.

A typical Statement of Community Involvement would involve consideration of a range of community engagement strategies, to try to ensure that all parts of the local community have the opportunity to comment on the development of policies and proposals for their area or which may affect them. Some of these measures are statutory requirements, generally covering the main elements of the plan-making process, including publicity relating to the process and advertising the critical periods of formal consultation.

These can also include publicity for issues, including special summaries and leaflets explaining the main issues that are at stake, exhibitions, public meetings, focus groups and other initiatives. A dialogue will also be maintained with representative community groups and other interests.

Quarry protest sign. Click photo to visit Scottish Television

Planning application stage
Applications such as aggregate extraction are normally regarded as 'major' development and as such have to be advertised through site notices and press advertisements. In addition, neighbour notification will be carried out, advising neighbouring properties of the application.

In some cases, minerals companies will often consult with local groups, including Parish or Town Council's and make presentations to local groups or hold local exhibitions to publicise their proposals and seek feedback that helps them in the design of the scheme and reflect ideas and issues before a formal application is made.

The material points collated from the representations received on a planning application will be relevant to its consideration.

The officer's report should summarise these. The public perception or fear of the consequences of a development can be included as a material planning consideration, although this will often be more concerned with measures to overcome the issues that may be the substance of the concern, such as noise or traffic.

Many MPAs (but not all) now also have a public speaking
protocol whereby members of the public and the applicant can speak to the committee for a limited period, often lasting a few minutes. Although this does not generally extend to a dialogue between the public and the committee, it represents an opportunity for the public to present their views directly to members.

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