Public consultations are both a privilege and a challenge. That’s why I enjoy working with Urban Splash – they don’t shy away from difficult conversations but make consultations fun and educational thanks to their ability to engage directly and take responsibility. Over the years, I’ve seen how people respond to that approach. It’s one they respect, and it builds trust.

Urban Splash colleagues speak openly about the complexities of creating great places. Key figures, like director Nathan Cornish are skilled at addressing concerns with honesty and providing factual responses. While not every concern can always be fully addressed, the Urban Splash team are transparent about what can and cannot be changed, explaining the decision-making process clearly. This helps communities understand the facts and form their own conclusions.

So, how do Urban Splash and their team – including Made it Together – get it right?

The key is engaging early. We start long before submitting a formal application, working with local communities from the outset to build trust and address concerns. This approach is currently underway in Windermere, where we held early-stage public consultation events, and also proved successful at the Cole Brothers building in Sheffield. The latter, a beloved former department store, attracted many emotionally invested locals. Urban Splash opened its doors for early engagement and handed parts of the building over to cultural organisations for meanwhile use, allowing people to connect with the space.

It is not just about the formal consultation events themselves, another crucial element is the follow up, and more informal discussions. Urban Splash excels at this, holding stakeholder workshops to introduce concepts and gather preliminary feedback before formalising plans. The Windermere Stakeholder Group is a great example – the Urban Splash development team has been working closely with the group for years, with groundwork that will make a big difference when future applications are submitted.

Perhaps the biggest key is simplicity in communication. Urban Splash avoids jargon and uses plain English to ensure the community understands the proposals. Ongoing communication is essential too – even after planning is secured. Urban Splash continues to keep communities informed, as seen at Park Hill and Port Loop, through newsletters, online updates, and residents’ meetings.

Of course, there are always challenges, and we’re constantly learning from each engagement.

One challenge is ensuring a diverse range of voices are heard. Reaching those who stand to benefit most from a development but are least likely to engage – like time-pressed working parents or young people who may feel they have little say because they’re not homeowners – can be difficult. However, these groups are the future and could gain the most.

Another challenge is resistance to change. Opposition often stems from fear, even when a project has clear benefits. Sometimes, opposition arises from misunderstandings or misinformation, which is why consultations are so important to clarify the facts. Different groups – homeowners, businesses, environmentalists – often have conflicting priorities, and it’s impossible to please everyone. Some may prioritise preserving green spaces, while others might support more affordable housing to help them get on the property ladder.

Ultimately, consultation is about building relationships and fostering dialogue between developers and the community. Regeneration companies like Urban Splash engage effectively, leaving a lasting and positive legacy in the communities they serve.

It’s been a fantastic year of consultations, and we’ve shared plans for developments that will enrich existing communities – whether that’s new phases at Park Hill and Old Mill Street in New Islington, to cultural icons like Cole Brothers, to major placemaking initiatives at Campbell Park in Milton Keynes and Orrest Head Farm in Windermere, each project was approached thoughtfully, tailored to capture the attention and sensitivities of the local community.

As we move through the planning process, we look forward to continuing our engagement and supporting Urban Splash in realising their vision of creating transformative places where people can live, work, and play.