Love Thy Neighbour

Let's face it. Happy neighbours, happy life.

It doesn't really matter what you want to do, if you get on well with the folks over the fence then generally things are smooth sailing. Keep a few chickens, enjoy a celebration or two, let the lawn and weeds get away or even have a neighbour with weed of a different variety - if the relationship is strong factors which could otherwise become civil disputes (and sometimes legal enforcement) can easily be overlooked. The same applies for development.

Almost ten percent of all development applications end up at the state administrative tribunal in Victoria (Aus). That is massive! - it's resource intensive, time and cost consuming and a general headache for all parties. Too often you see development applications recieve objections or even action groups form purely on the basis of an underlying tension. Often on the back of a prior dispute, be it minor or major.

For our development we have decided to be as transparent and upfront as possible with the neighbours.

It's all about face-to-face conversation

Through the statutory process of applying to the local Council for a planning permit to subdivide and develop the land the surrounding owners and occupiers will each get notice of the application and be given the opportunity to view the plans and make a submission - objecting, supporting, making general comments for consideration or nothing at all. Most just run through the process of advertising the application and dealing with submissions as they occur. We are trying a different method.

The Council can follow due planning process but there's nothing stopping us from doing our own engagement upfront. So last weekend we literally took a drafted plan, some basic material ideas and went door knocking! Three neighbours were home and this is what they said:

House #1
Us: introduction and proposal    
Neighbour: Go your hardest! Cheers for letting us know

House #2
Us: "                                  "      
Neighbour: Looks good - thank your for keeping me informed

House #3
Us: "                                  "      
Neighbour: It's your property but thank you for coming over

Moral of the story - People are happy just to know what's happening  - If there are issues you can just talk them through. The simple undertaking of face to face communication is truly valued and people can now expect a formal advertising notice in their letterbox and (hopefully) understand what it is, and the proposed outcome. People only fear the unknown - so be clear, honest and friendly.

For larger projects here's a link to developing a comprehensive plan for communication Preparing an Engagement Strategy

So anyway - so far so good in relation to the proposed plan and how it's digested within the direct neighbourhood. Once the formal advertising period commences (which will be in a a month or so as per the project plan) we will also laminate a copy of the plan and attach it on the fence along with contact details for anyone to have a chat. There still could be issues, we certainly haven't extinguished objections, but by genuinely respecting the neighbours and their right be informed and lodge comments, we think we have a good chance of avoiding problems and moving through to contruction phase, as planned.