This is the worthy continuation of part 1, which you must read before perusing this article. Part 2 was published on the Idox Knowledge Exchange on 1 March 2023.

The article reviews 7 out of 12 principles for effective, “well-tempered” public consultations in planning that take stock of best practice in blended engagement. The discussion is most relevant for both reflexive practitioners and hands-on researchers in participatory planning for development management and policy-making.

The article takes as its starting point the 11 Consultation Principles published by the UK Government in 2018. Beyond consultation on national policies, the principles are largely applicable across a wide range of projects, policies and initiatives at multiple geographical and spatial scales.

Fittingly, like Bach’s clavier, the principles fit in two parts.

Happy reading! (~4 minute read)

Acknowledgements

Although modest in scope and nature, such research outputs as these are the product of long-term collaboration with fellow researchers. With due gratitude to Dr. James Charlton who helped me become a professional researcher and has been the best PhD supervisor and research colleague (hint to those wishing to pursue a PhD at Northumbria University!).

Whatever insight I can now share would never have been possible without the kind and generous participation of dozens of planning professionals, councillors and software company representatives who shared a wealth of first-hand insight about what works, and works less well, in the field of blended, aka “phygital”, engagement in town planning.

A full-fledged thesis is available for the most avid readers, as are summary articles on this website about the observed objectives and influence of digital participatory platforms in urban planning. The insight is still fresh!