Outlining our expectations for community engagement from developers

New guidance is now available regarding expectations for public engagement on planning applications to Wandsworth Council.

The ‘Raising the Bar’ document outlines an approach that shifts the focus of engagement, ensuring community voices are heard in respect of development proposals that are put forward.

For applications that may have a greater potential impact, the expectation will be that decision-making takes into account the views of residents and stakeholders, including when proposals are at an early stage in their development.

Aydin Dikerdem, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:

“This document signals that this council intends to be tough but fair with those looking to develop in Wandsworth.

 “We welcome investment and development but also have clear goals of meeting the needs of our residents.

“We want to provide support to applicants and encourage genuine engagement. These guidelines outline our expectations for public engagement on development proposals in our borough.”

This new approach requires applicants’ engagement processes to be flexible, consistent and transparent.

Applicants are encouraged to start engagement early and thoroughly – recognising that there is no single community view and those that are seldom heard may benefit from different and innovate forms of engagement.

This document supports the council’s Developers Protocol which was launched in November 2023 which encourages developers to prioritise council rent homes.

The council has also recently launched a Neighbourhood Renewal Fund to ensure local infrastructure improvements that are funded by the Levy paid to the Council by developers meet the needs identified by our residents at the local level.