Commercial community mediation

When there is public controversy and  objection to a planning application, reclamation  of land, compulsory purchase  or changes to public services our mediators may be  the professionals  in the best positon to help  broker an agreement  between the opposing parties.

Our mediators  will remain impartial,  regardless of who is paying our fees

Often members of the public feel  angry, frustrated and ignored when a planning application is submitted  or changes are made by a  corporate or public organisation .   People feel aggrieved when they are not  given an opportunity to discuss their fears, when they need answers or when their written objections are ignored.  Often they would welcome the opportunity to speak to the decision makers from the applicant  organisation.  They want the applicant organisation  to listen to their  ideas and their alternative solutions and to be treated fairly. 

On receipt of an instruction, the mediator will make an appointment to speak to the decision makers from the  applicant organisation .  This meeting will enable the mediator to understand the needs of the applicant, what the timescales are and what solutions they have considered.

The mediator will meet and listen  to all the objectors to the project, this may be in the form of a public meeting, allocated appointment open day or visiting individuals in their homes.  In cases where there are very large number of objections then a random number of objectors who have signed a  petition will be contacted.

Private meeting with members public  help our mediators clarify  and re frame the objection. They help people find achievable, realistic solutions and consider options and focus on agreement points which will suit the needs of the majority.

A highly experienced senior  mediator will chair any public meetings, making sure there is an equal and balanced agenda.  The mediator will keep the meetings calm, clarifying  the positions of both sides.  They will give  equal un interrupted time to the objectors and the applicants with the focus on helping everyone calmly and effectively  explain their concerns and needs. This will make the meetings fair, informative, useful  and create a better understanding of the requirements and merits of both arguments.

The mediator will highlight the points on which the opposing parties agree, draft an agreement of understanding and focus the parties on finding solutions. 

When people find the solutions themselves, feel listened to and respected and an agreement has been reached voluntarily then its most likely that all parties will leave a mediatiated meeting  with the feeling of relief and satisfaction. 

Planning application mediation

Community consultation

Community liaison

Public objection mediation

Impartial chairperson

Impartial community consulation service

Impartial public  consultation