DPP has submitted and managed an application for a mixed use scheme incorporating a 15,000 sq ft foodstore and residential units on a site in Ballycastle. This site is zoned for housing in the area plan but has been vacant for over 12 years given the lack of demand for the site for housing. DPP worked in association with Streets UK and Davidson Cockcroft Partnership to consult with the community on a mixed use Tesco and residential scheme in Ballycastle.

This consultation was based on best practice as presented by the RTPI, The Government Code of Practice on consultation and the Consultation Institute.

Services Provided
The public consultation followed a five step approach of consultee analysis, stakeholder engagement, consultation, feedback, reporting and evaluation. This covered a wide range of groups ranging from local  residents, local traders and public and voluntary sector partners. It included Moyle Council and Ballycastle Town Centre Partnership, Business and First Step Toddler Group.

• DPP assisted in the production of leaflets detailing the plans, which were distributed throughout the area inviting feedback.
• We drafted survey questionnaires and helped to arrange independent street surveys by MRNI.
• We helped organise and participated in public exhibitions so that people could discuss the plans with follow up meetings arranged with interested parties including councillors and MLAs and the press.
• The Community Services Department of Moyle Council agreed this was comprehensive and post consultation feedback including comment cards and letters of support were considered, along with evaluation of various suggestions which were transferred where possible into the scheme plan.
• A Statement of Community Involvement was produced to enable Planning Service to evaluate the public support for the scheme.

Achievements
The scheme was amended to reflect the views of local residents and dialogue has continued post submission of the application to keep those involved updated with the application. Over 50 letters of support where submitted by the general public on the planning application and we will shortly be undertaking an update session for the local community including a progress leaflet and editorials in the press.