Managing Director of Burlingtons Real Estate Rob Prince argues that the primary responsibility of logistics and industrial developers to the local community is engagement, in Logistics Manager.
What responsibilities do developers and occupiers of industrial and logistics properties have with regards to the local community?
“The most fundamental responsibility is engagement. From the initial draft plans, through to the development and delivery, it is essential to take local residents’ views into consideration. Public consultation meetings and regular updates throughout the process are not only requirements of the planning process but also create a long-term sense of trust within the community. If a local community can feel that they have played a role in a development, however small, they are far more likely to support it.”
What kinds of things can a developer or occupier do to allow the construction of a new site to have a net positive impact on the surrounding area?/What can be the biggest concerns local residents have when a new facility is being built, and what can be done to address these concerns?
“From lengthy experience at public consultation events, the biggest concerns local residents have initially are noise, light pollution and traffic impact. The impact of light and noise cannot be underestimated, particularly on residents that may have previously ‘enjoyed’ a semi-rural location with minimal interruption.
“In terms of the main environmental impacts whilst a new facility is actually being constructed, concerns are noise, vibration and dust. As part of any planning consent, a contractor will be expected to have considered operational impact and use Best Practicable Means (BPM) to minimise them. Strict working times often form part of any planning terms as part of a ‘scheme of protective works’ to control noise, vibration and dust impacts.”
How difficult is it to get local residents on-side of the development and operation of a new facility?
“Early engagement and information flow is essential to build a relationship with local residents. Direct contact with neighbouring residents initially by mail and then direct meetings at an early stage is key to foster a sense of trust. Any contact needs to be recorded, so engagement can be detailed and recounted at a later stage if required. This should occur prior to any application (or indeed occupation) and be maintained throughout the build stage to delivery.
“Residents should be issued with a clear line of contact to express any concerns, complaints or enquiries they may have. By doing this, the contractor/owner becomes the contact point to vent any issues and not local media or social networks, which can result in groups mobilising against a new facility.”
What impact can a new site have on job opportunities in the local area?
“A new site brings both direct job opportunities and indirect job opportunities. The stimulation of a new development has a knock-on effect, benefiting the direct supply service as well as the local economy, including restaurants, hotels, shops, supermarkets, housing developments and any local goods provider.”
What are the benefits to a developer/occupier of opening parts of a site to the public or local community groups
“This builds local cohesion and ensures that the site is viewed as a community asset, rather than just ‘another’ commercial development. It also ensures that the site plays a key role in terms of value to a council, creating a service for local residents, which is not funded by the taxpayer. The value, by way of ongoing positive marketing, also boosts the occupying brand value in the local community.”
Rob’s comments were published in the April edition of Logistics Manager.
