| Περιγραφή: |
Green infrastructure has become increasingly embedded in planning policy, with community engagement being regarded as a fundamental mechanism to delivering sustainable design. However, community engagement in planning practice is frequently criticised for being consultative rather than genuinely participatory with residents' influence being limited in final outcomes. Debates surrounding tokenism, power imbalances and the institutional constraints of participation raise questions about whether current engagement frameworks within planning policies are meaningful in decision making. This research examines the extent to which community engagement in the design of green spaces within newly developed neighbourhoods moves beyond consultative approaches and more towards sustainable and meaningful participation. As part of my research, I will use a case study, focusing on Barton Park,Oxford, a newly developed neighbourhood. The study will evaluate the depth, quality and impact of the community engagement process in the delivery of green infrastructure within developed neighbourhoods. The research adopts a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative resident surveys with qualitative semi-structured interviews involving stakeholders, residents and planners. This will enable a comparison between lived experience and professional perspectives allowing for an accurate understanding of how engagement is practiced. In addition, the research will also be an analysis of both national and local planning policies and will consider whether community engagement is effectively supported in those frameworks or whether further policy support would be needed to reflect local communities. The findings will aim to contribute to the wider understanding and discussion of participatory planning and practical challenges of delivering meaningful community involvement. |