We’ve recently spent time across Oxfordshire, talking to people about development. Specifically, making the discussion more representative. What we found was what I expected to find, but we’re all too quick to ignore as a development industry – enthusiastic support for development.  

In Oxford itself I visited businesses. It is no exaggeration to say every business I walked into got it. The owner of an independent wine shop. The two women on reception at a nail bar. Staff in cafés and restaurants. 

We had a laugh, some honest and open conversations but ultimately people were quite excited someone had taken the time to come to them and give them an easy, straightforward way to have their say. 

We can sometimes forget that the complexities of the planning system and technicalities of a planning application can create a complete barrier for people. It’s always frustrated me as what the planning system does is fascinating and meaningful. 

But it’s the development industry that needs to budge – we aren’t going to solve it by being boring and expecting people to become interested. 

What struck me most was how quickly people understood what we were doing. This was a complex scheme, a new community of thousands of homes. But the conversations weren’t about every technical detail of a planning application. They were about principle. About whether we should be building new homes. Whether Oxfordshire needs space for businesses to grow. Whether we should invest in infrastructure. 

Conversations were focused on what actually mattered to people. We were respectful of the time and bandwidth people had – we couldn’t go through every detail. Instead, like any good campaign, we needed to be disciplined with what we were communicating and what we were asking: “Do you think we should build these homes? Because if you do, there are many who don’t, so I really need you to tell the council you think it’s a good idea”.  

We had a super straightforward for people to do that and they loved it. They wanted to have a say.  

There will always be different opinions. But councillors must be reminded that the people who vote for them also want homes built and opportunities created. Officers and councillors should be braver in encouraging proper engagement, rather than the defensive and even sometimes obstructive engagement that is encouraged. 

Politics is chaotic right now. The changes to the planning system aren’t perfect and we can all list things we’d like to see done differently. But we are in a very different place to where we were two years ago. And if we want things to be better again in two years’ time, we have to keep showing that support exists. If we focus more of our attentions on demonstrating support, whatever changes politically – locally, regionally or nationally – we’ll have a darn sight better chance of keeping the momentum behind building the things we need.  

This is why I love doing this work. Giving people a voice. Helping support surface where it already exists. Making participation human, accessible, and worthwhile. 

If you’re trying to bring a bit more positivity into what you’re doing – start there. Go to people. Meet them where they are. And give them an easy way to be heard. Better still, ask me to do it for you.