The most likely source of objections about a planning application is the people living closest to it.
According to a study by the Urban Land Institute, one or more objections do not necessarily mean the application will be rejected, but it is better to have as few objections as possible.
Consult with local residents
Consulting with local residents is a crucial step in the planning application process.
If you have a good relationship with the residents in the area, it may be beneficial to bring up the proposal as early as just an idea to gauge their reaction.
However, if you suspect that someone will reject the proposal regardless of what it is, or if you do not have a good relationship with that person, it may be best to avoid discussing the proposal altogether.
When preparing to submit a proposal, the likelihood of acceptance can greatly depend on the relationship between you and the person reviewing your proposal.
A good starting point for consultation is often as close to the project’s scope and potential impact as possible.
Talking to your neighbours
Talking to your neighbours is an essential step in involving them in the design process and ensuring their interests are preserved.
According to the National Trust, facing neighbours early on to discuss the design and its potential impact can build trust and demonstrate a willingness to listen to their concerns (Source: National Trust, “Resolving Neighbourhood Disputes”).
Explaining the plans and showing how they address neighbourly concerns, such as non-obstruction of views or preservation of gardens, can help alleviate potential issues.
When communicating with your neighbours, consider that some individuals may feel uncomfortable discussing their concerns in public.
Respect their wishes while also ensuring that their concerns are heard.
Take the time to carefully consider whether changes can be made to accommodate them.
As suggested by the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), “sometimes, making a small adjustment can lead to a much greater outcome” (Source: RIBA, “The Importance of Communication in Building Design”).
Schedule another meeting with your neighbours after any possible updates have been made.
This allows for a fresh start and provides an opportunity to clarify any doubts or concerns.
Considering the perspectives of your neighbours can have a positive impact on the overall community.
By involving your neighbours in the design process and addressing their concerns, you can create a more harmonious and mutually beneficial outcome.
One effective way to do this is by enabling them to write a letter, which can then be submitted along with the proposal or sent separately after the proposal has been filed.
This approach can alleviate concerns about discussion in public and provide a written record of their support.
By involving your neighbours in this process and addressing their concerns, you can create a stronger and more resilient design proposal.
Even if someone would love to write a supportive letter, there’s always the possibility that they’ll take their time.
To ensure you don’t forget about providing this essential document, consider drafting a letter and sending it over to them in advance (1).
This approach ensures that the letter is timely and not delayed, as suggested by a study by the National Association of Realtors, which found that timely communication is crucial in maintaining a positive relationship with clients (2).
Remember to customize each letter as much as possible so it doesn’t seem like a generic and impersonal mistake (3).
One way to get neighbors on-side is to contact them and ask what they think of your plans.
This approach is supported by a study by the American Planning Association, which found that involving the community in the planning process can lead to increased acceptance and support (4).
If you do this, you might want to write it down in case they mention any information that could be useful to include in a planning application letter or statement later down the line.
This way, you can capture the key points and concerns, and use them to craft a more effective letter.