Planning for people: how can we make consultation more meaningful?

Written by Chloe Sell, Architectural Assistant at Fluid

Credit: Image generated with AI

Public consultations have long been a crucial part of the architectural and planning process, a moment where designs leave the drawing board and are opened up to those who live and work in the area. At their best, these events should feel like a two-way exchange. A chance for local voices to be heard and for professionals to gain insight into the lived experiences of a place.

But in recent years, these forums have, all too often, lost that sense of shared purpose. What should be an opportunity for collaborative thinking can sometimes feel tense, even hostile, and the experience can be disheartening for everyone involved.

Last year I attended a consultation for a residential development of 98 homes. The scheme had been carefully designed to sit comfortably within its context, respecting local character, maintaining green buffers, and offering much-needed housing. But on the day, the tone in the room quickly turned from curiosity to confrontation. One local resident, clearly upset about the proposed development behind his garden, repeatedly refused to address me by name, even though it was clearly printed on my lanyard, choosing instead to refer to me dismissively as “blondie.” While minor in isolation, this kind of language reflects a growing disconnect between what these events are meant to be and what they sometimes become.

And yet, I completely understand where the frustration comes from.

Change is difficult, especially when it happens close to home. For many local residents, a public consultation may feel like the final step in a process they’ve had little say in. They may feel powerless, unheard, or even blindsided by proposals they don’t fully understand. Too often, the broader national picture, housing shortages, affordability issues, or policy drivers, feels abstract compared to the very real concern of losing a green view or dealing with additional traffic. So it’s no surprise that emotions run high.

The problem isn’t that people care, that’s a good thing. The problem is that consultation has, in many cases, stopped feeling like a space where care and concern are met with respect, clarity and honesty. Instead, it can feel like a battleground. That helps no one.

So how do we bring public consultation back to what it should be, a meaningful, inclusive, and ultimately positive experience for everyone involved?

First, we need to recognise that good consultation isn’t just about presenting ideas, it’s about listening. That responsibility falls partly on the architects, developers, and consultants. It means making the time and space for early engagement, being open to suggestions that can genuinely improve a scheme, and being transparent about what can and can’t be changed. It’s also about language, avoiding jargon and speaking plainly, so that everyone can participate confidently in the discussion.

But the public also has a role to play. For consultation to work, there needs to be a willingness to engage constructively. That doesn’t mean agreeing with everything, healthy scepticism is part of the process, but it does mean coming to the table with an open mind. Behind every drawing is a person (or team of people) who has worked hard to consider the context and constraints. Respect, even in disagreement, goes a long way.

Crucially, we can’t overlook the role of local authorities and national government in setting the tone. Communities need better access to information about planning, housing need, and local policy. When people understand the ‘why’ behind a proposal, they’re far more likely to engage with the ‘how’. And when they see the outcomes of their feedback genuinely reflected in schemes, no matter how small, trust is slowly rebuilt.

The truth is, the challenges facing our towns and cities are not going away. We need more homes, better infrastructure, and more sustainable communities. But none of that can happen without open dialogue and mutual understanding.

Public consultation is a vital opportunity to build that, not just between architects and residents, but between everyone involved in shaping our built environment. When it works well, it doesn’t just improve a design, it helps create a place that feels truly shared. And surely that’s something worth striving for.