Pre-commencement Neighbourhood Consultation

What is pre-commencement neighbourhood consultation?  

Local authorities will often require contractors/developers to have undertaken neighbourhood consultation prior to the commencement of works on-site. Feedback received during the neighbourhood consultation process should be used to inform the final version of the Traffic Management Plan.

All local residents and businesses who are likely to be affected by construction works including vehicle movements should be consulted, local residents association should also be included within the consultation process where one exists.

The following are examples of what local authorities would consider to be “meaningful engagement”:

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea state within their Code of Construction Practice:

“Developers/contractors should give at least two weeks’ notice to neighbours of their intention to start works. The following key project information is expected to be provided to the occupiers of neighbouring premises:

• the anticipated start and end date of the work

• the nature of the project

• the hours of work

• the principal stages of the project i.e., demolition, ground works, construction

• all operations that have potential to cause disturbance from noise and vibration

• approximate start and end dates of potentially noisy works

• outline details of noise and vibration mitigation steps that are to be used

• contact names and numbers of appropriate project and site personnel:

• developer; project manager; site manager/foreman; community liaison

• manager (large projects)

Further information regarding neighbourhood consultation requirements can be found here.  

The City of Westminster state within their Code of Construction Practice:

“The Council requires early discussions between developers, those neighbouring their development and any other parties that may be potentially impacted by their development. These discussions and engagement should include details such as the duration of the project, works involved, a point of contact, signposting to further information. Early discussions are in the developers’ interests, as they are likely to identify any site-specific issues early, so that working methods and practices can be tailored to accommodate the needs of the neighbours where practicable.

Engagement should be carried out after planning permission is granted, before development commences, and throughout the construction process.”

Further information regarding neighbourhood consultation requirements can be found here.  

The London Borough of Camden states within their Community Liaison Guidance:

“Before you submit your CMP to the Council:

a. Who to consult:

• Neighbouring residents, business, schools and organisations that will be affected by the demolition and construction of the development.

• This should be proportionate to the scale of the development and should include as a starting point:

• All the properties along the street on which the site is located and those who back onto and front the site.

• Ward councillors.

b. How to consult:

• Send letters and/or emails allowing at least 14 days to comment on the proposals.

C. What to include in your letter:

• A statement making clear that the consultation is about the CMP.

• A summary of the key details of the construction process and a copy of the CMP, or a link to a website where the CMP is available to view and download.

• The deadline for comments.

• Contact details of who to contact with any questions and where to send comments.”

Further information regarding neighbourhood consultation requirements can be found here.  

We are experienced in the provision of pre-commencement neighbourhood consultation so please feel free to contact us if you would like to talk about your project and how we may be able to assist you.