Empowering communities: putting the voice of the people at the heart of planning
Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles is a Community Research Associate at the University of Reading. She spoke at our recent Quality of Life Symposium, answering the question: what needs to change in industry and policy to ensure we develop homes that contribute to people’s health and wellbeing? Here she summarises her thoughts.
My experience has largely revolved around working with marginalised communities in and around Berkshire, coupled with my PhD research on young immigrants and roles as a trustee for charities supporting refugees. One recurring issue I’ve noticed in the development process is the absence of the people’s voices in decision-making. We often prioritise building things for people, rather than with them.
The role of participatory planning
The essentialness of co-creation and participatory planning cannot be overstated. It’s a stark departure from the conventional approach of developing plans in isolation and expecting communities to simply endorse them online. The statistics reveal a telling story about the current planning system: a mere 1% of town residents, often around a thousand people, have a say in plans that they had no hand in creating. This leaves the vast majority of the population unaware or not engaged in what is being built in their community.
To address this, I propose a shift towards participatory planning, where communities collaborate with experts on creating, designing, and constructing spaces. This approach rebalances the power dynamic, as it empowers people to take an active role in shaping their environment. When people feel heard, they are more likely to support projects that directly impact their lives.
Making more of dead spaces
The concept of revitalising “dead spaces” has seen successful implementation in Spain and Austria. It focuses on activating underutilised areas in developments and aims to enhance the quality of life for those living in the vicinity. People without access to other leisure opportunities are making use of these “dead spaces”. They’re using them for play, for leisure, and to interact with their neighbours.
This democratises access to leisure and counters economic inequalities, fostering interactions between diverse age groups. Young and older residents can come together to enjoy physical activities during the day and evening; these spaces can transform into communal hubs. Dead spaces can thus become a tool for tackling the major issue of isolation, which affects every age group in our society. A lack of interactive spaces and community engagement intensifies this problem. We can address this by optimising existing buildings and involving communities in their development.
Co-development makes use of crucial local knowledge
The core principle here is co-development. Local residents possess valuable knowledge about their communities, and this knowledge should not be overlooked. For example, in my research work on Oxford Road, Reading and also with the British Science Association in Slough, I’ve seen the value of bringing together individuals from various backgrounds and generations to discuss the changes they would like to see occurring in their town. These conversations reveal insights and concerns that scientific data alone cannot capture.
The heart of co-development lies in understanding the dynamics of the communities we serve. It means engaging with residents, sharing a cup of tea or a meal, and learning about the nuances of their lives. This bridges the gap of power dynamics between those making decisions and those directly affected by them. The minority that imposes decisions should actively engage with the majority, who need to be understood. The voices of the people must regain their significance in shaping the places they call home, as well as policies and services that impact them.
In conclusion, it’s imperative to shift from the traditional model of designing spaces for communities to participatory engagement and creating them with the active involvement of those who will inhabit them. This approach not only empowers people but also leads to more inclusive, dynamic, healthy and vibrant communities.