The Public Insight and inclusivity in the Planning Process

Abstract

Planning of space with all demands that are sharing an idea of the public interest can be provided only in the democratic culture. Public insight and hearing, according to the opinion of the professional public, has often been wrongly directed and conducted. The legal basis, which prescribes the procedure of the presentation of the planning document in rudimentary outlines, does not provide sufficient input, however, also does not prevent local authority to organize more qualitative and productive communication with the interested individuals or groups. In order to better comprehend the real needs of the citizens, urban planners should much earlier than the public insight i.e. presentation of already formed solutions, in concept phase, get in touch with citizens. Implementation with satisfactory level of democracy, transparency, inclusivity and effectiveness of the procedure, should be provided. Some of participations techniques are interviewing, organize opinion polls, workshops, insights and meetings on specific topics, mapping common goals, indentifying opportunities and problems of the space, trying to explain the planning procedures, standards and norms, as well as to present what is required in order to raise the quality of life in the community. On the other hand, the citizens knowing their living environment the best should participate more actively in its creation, by indicating to the problems and needs, reacting to certain topics and thus assisting the professionals in shaping and committing their planning solutions. An extraordinary phenomenon is the way that people who have experienced such event and encouraged to be involved in developing and exploring ideas and options, 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.