A new report has highlighted the growing importance of social media as a way for property developers to engage with the public as part of the consultancy process.
The report, from communications consultancy Remarkable Group and pollster YouGov, asked over 1,400 UK councillors their opinions on social media in relation to planning consultation. The report revealed that social media is now a key area for planning consultation, and that 60% of local authority members believe that property developers should be using it to engage with the public.
75% said that social media was an ‘important’ or ‘very important’ engagement tool, while 74% believe responses gathered via social media would add value when reviewing planning applications.
However, the survey also showed that traditional methods such as community meetings and public exhibitions are still regarded as the most valuable method of public consultation by local councillors.
