How to involve communities in local development

As a mutual organisation, Nationwide Building Society wanted to look at each stage of housing development to see where it could trial new approaches. The company believes it is vital to understand exactly what communities want and need and enable their full participation in the process.

Although it has previously been involved in the development of Letchworth garden city and supported the rebuilding of homes after both world wars, a scheme under construction in Wiltshire marks the first time it has sponsored a scheme.

Oakfield is a sustainable, not-for-profit housing scheme consisting of 239 homes being built on a brownfield site in Swindon. A total of 71 of these will either be affordable housing or offered for shared ownership. Nationwide is focusing on making sure the completed homes are what people want, and that the new neighbourhood strengthens the existing community.

A prominent view throughout the community feedback was to ensure that homes were inclusive for all. Nationwide engaged with the team at consultancy Living Well at Home to learn what could be done to make some of the homes more accessible for older people. For example, a room downstairs could be transformed from a study or snug into a bedroom so the resident wouldn't have to use the stairs so often. The upper floor can then be used by a carer or family member.

Nationwide has committed itself to addressing these concerns through Oakfield and documenting the process so others can follow. In particular, it wants to involve those who would not usually take part in the planning process. It therefore hired local community organiser Keith Brown, who set out to hear what residents and businesses value, listening to their ideas and understanding their concerns.

During the 18 months before Nationwide submitted its planning application in January 2019, Brown knocked on at least 600 doors and organised more than 25 events for the community and the building society's employees. He made sure the Oakfield team fully understood the community's ideas and aspirations when designing the development.

To make sure the whole community was heard, Brown sought out individuals whose participation in planning is usually limited because they don't have time or the means to travel to consultations, or who feel their opinions aren't valued.

Brown and the Nationwide team took part in coffee mornings and organised pop-up events outside shops and leisure facilities to meet people during their day-to-day activities. These were held at varied times and across multiple neighbourhoods and included activities for children to enable their parents to attend.

Alongside online events, this variety of approaches provided more opportunities for people to participate and removed any barriers to communication that the traditional planning process creates. Brown is continuing to engage with the community throughout the project to keep them updated and involved in the project. Some members of the community have been so inspired by the concept of community organising that Brown is now training them to take on the role to further social action projects in their neighbourhoods.  

As a result of this research, Nationwide has specified that eight homes are designed in this way so they can be transformed easily as the residents grow older. This will enable residents to put down roots and not feel they must move out of their home and community as they age.

The neighbourhood is designed to thrive after residents have moved in, supported by a management company owned and controlled by the residents. The votes will be shared out equally no matter what the individual's tenure, or whether the resident owns or rents the property, to create an inclusive environment and give everyone a voice.

Recently, the local community has taken part in helping name the new streets and a construction site safety campaign, as well as children's activities during lockdown. Although employment is an increasing worry during the pandemic, Nationwide's construction partner Mi-space has so far been able to create multiple new jobs for local people (some of whom were previously unemployed), including a site manager, gateman and site cleaners as well as two apprentices. Mi-space is a specialist residential contractor and part of the Midas Group, which aims to maximise the value of every project it delivers for local people, the community and local economy.

A lot of progress has happened on site since construction started in March 2020. More than 1,200m of roads have been tarmacked, sewers have been fitted, and the piling has been put in place for the foundations. Foundations for the community hub have also been laid, which will provide a shared activity room for clubs and events, with residential flats on the ground and upper floors of the building.

Acknowledging Nationwide's innovative approach to community involvement by employing a local organiser, the company was a joint winner of the Brownfield Award for best public engagement and participation in November. Along with understanding the community, this has created considerable value already. Nationwide is now keen to share its approach and findings by creating blueprint chapters for organisations interested in pursuing similar projects.