Thames Example - Significance and Engagement Policy

We have:

• Included a two-step process for making decisions about the significance/importance of a proposal or issue and how we’ll engage with our community about it. First, we’ll determine its importance on a scale from low to high, using criteria set out in the policy. Second, we’ll use that assessment to inform decisions about the appropriate type and form of engagement used to obtain community views. This could range from providing information to asking for feedback to more direct collaboration with communities through to empowering our communities to make the final decision. The exact form of engagement and the resources we’ll allocate will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
• Listed criteria for assessing significance. For example, we’ll consider if the proposal affects any aspect of the social, economic, environmental or cultural wellbeing of a specific community or the district as a whole? Will the impact be major and long term? Will a level of service be affected? What are the financial implications?
• Identified key strategic assets:

1. Roading and footpath assets
2. Water supply, wastewater, and stormwater networks
3. Reserves
4. Community housing (land owned by our Council where this housing is located)