The Public Insight and Inclusivity in the Planning Process

Abstract

The quality of planning of space and demands of the public interest can only be provided within a democratic culture. Public insight and hearings, according to the professional public, have often been wrongly directed and conducted. The legal basis, which prescribes the procedure for presenting the planning document in its rudimentary outlines, does not provide sufficient input, however, it does not prevent the local authority from organizing more qualitative and productive communication with the interested individuals or groups. In order to better comprehend the real needs of citizens, urban planners should include them much earlier than the public insight, i.e. presentation of the already formed solutions, but rather in the concept phase. Implementation with a satisfactory level of democracy, transparency, inclusivity and effectiveness of the procedure should be provided. Some participation techniques are interviewing, organizing opinion polls, workshops, insights and meetings on specific topics, mapping common goals, identifying the opportunities and problems of the space, trying to explain the planning procedures, standards and norms, and presenting what is required in order to raise the quality of life in the community. On the other hand, since citizens know their living environment the best, they should participate more actively in its creation, by indicating problems and needs and reacting to certain topics, thus assisting the professionals in shaping and committing their planning solutions. An extraordinary phenomenon is the way that people who have experienced such an event and been encouraged to be involved in developing and exploring ideas and options have become convinced of its value. The final solutions, or the compromises, should be the real reflection of the wishes, needs and standpoints of the majority of inhabitants.