An experience of real participation.

Community Involvement in Dolphins Barn Redevelopment Plan.
A private developer was refused planning permission to develop two brownfield sites in Dolphins Barn, Dublin . Their stakeholding represented approx 35% of the entire area and the refusal essentially hinged on the fact that there was no framework plan for the area.  Dublin City Council subsequently appointed a firm of London Architects - John Thompson and Partners, Urban Designers and Community Planners -  to develop a masterplan for Dolphins Barn/Donore Avenue area .

A major part of the development  process for this plan was to involve the local community. The following is what happened:

1. A flier was circulated locally inviting people to participate in Community Planning Events– “Everybody is welcome”the flier proclaimed “Drop in and have your say”. The flier encouraged people to “Come and work with us to explore the opportunities for Dolphins Barn to fulfil its potential as an attractive and vibrant part of Dublin’s inner city”
2.  The consultation took place over two days in the Donore Youth and Community centre-12th and 13th July 2005. The consultants had seven staff in attendance the first day and eight on the next. Also in attendance were two representatives of the developer including his architect. They were made welcome by the local community.
3. A simple and effective workshop format was used:  attendees were divided into small groups,each facilitated by a John Thompson and Partners staff member. Each participant was given a pen and pad and key issues were identified under the headings: Problems; Dreams ; Solutions.

The issues were entered onto a plan of the area and a presentation was made by each workshop group. The second day of the consultation process also included a visit to the development site and a walk-about of the area. A framework plan was developed and circulated to the local residents. The plan encompassed all the requirements of the residents. Many aspects of the  plan were taken on board by the developer in a new application for planning permission which was subsequently granted.  Particular changes in this application related to proposed streetscapes,  building heights, provision of a school, crèche etc. N.B. There were compromises on both sides but essentially the local residents input was recognised and had a significant impact.

It is worth noting that there were over 300 objections (some very strong) to the developer’s initial application for planning. There were 50/60 objections to the second application( mostly minor in nature) after the residents wishes had been taken on board through their participation in preparing the framework plan.

This experience involved real and meaningful public partcipation