Draft engagement strategy

2. Principles of engagement

2.1 In preparing the Minerals Local Plan 2045, the Councils will be guided by the following principles:

Inclusivity

Seeking to engage all sections of the community and ensuring opportunities are available for those who may otherwise find it difficult to participate.

Accessibility

Providing information in clear formats and offering a range of consultation methods, including digital and face-to-face opportunities where appropriate.

Transparency

Clearly explaining the purpose of engagement activities, the matters under consideration, and how stakeholder feedback will contribute to decision-making.

Proportionality

Using engagement methods that are appropriate to the scale and significance of the issues being considered at each stage of plan preparation.

Collaboration

Working with communities, elected members, statutory consultees, neighbouring authorities, the minerals industry and environmental organisations throughout the process

Responsivity

Reviewing consultation responses carefully and considering whether changes to policy approaches or engagement methods are needed.

Equality, Diversity & Accessibility

Commitment to inclusive engagement

2.2 Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council are committed to ensuring that the preparation of the Plan is supported by an engagement process that is fair, inclusive and accessible to all.

2.3 The Councils recognise that different individuals and communities may experience barriers to participation. We will seek, wherever reasonably practicable, to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to engage with the plan-making process regardless of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership status, gender reassignment or sexual orientation. The Councils are committed to meeting their responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and to promoting equality of opportunity throughout the preparation of the Plan.

Identifying and reducing barriers to participation

2.4 The Councils recognise that traditional consultation methods may not be accessible to everyone. In designing consultation and engagement activities, consideration will be given to potential barriers that may prevent participation. Where barriers are identified, reasonable adjustments will be considered to support participation.

2.5 Appendix A1 demonstrates Accessibility Measures Associated with Consultation Activities.

2.6 Consultation materials will be prepared in a clear and understandable manner wherever possible. The Councils will seek to:

• Use plain English and minimise unnecessary technical terminology;
• Provide summary documents where appropriate;
• Use maps, diagrams and visual aids to explain proposals;
• Publish documents in accessible digital formats;
• Ensure online consultation platforms meet recognised accessibility standards

2.7 Alternative formats may be made available upon request, and a small fee may apply.

2.8 The Councils recognise that some individuals and communities may be less likely to participate in planning consultations. Where appropriate, additional engagement activities may be undertaken to encourage participation from these groups identified in chapter 4. This may include targeted communication, partnership working with community organisations, attendance at existing community events, or the use of alternative consultation methods.

2.9 Whilst digital engagement will play a significant role in the preparation of the Plan, the Councils recognise that not all stakeholders have access to, or confidence in using, digital technology. To support wider participation, the Councils will seek to provide alternative opportunities for engagement where appropriate, which may include:

• Consultation events and exhibitions;
• Paper response forms;
• Written correspondence;
• Telephone enquiries;
• Access to documents at appropriate public venues or Council offices where available.

Equality Impact Assessment

2.10 The Councils will consider the potential equality implications of the Plan and associated engagement activities. An Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) will be undertaken to help identify:

• Any disproportionate impacts on protected groups;
• Opportunities to improve accessibility and inclusion;
• Measures that may be required to reduce or mitigate adverse effects.

2.11 The findings of any Equality Impact Assessment will help inform both the preparation of the Plan and the design of engagement activities.