Engaging young people to build new communities: Why and How?

Young people’s perspectives are vital in shaping the planning and development of our communities, both now and for the future. Traditionally, engagement efforts have concentrated on established stakeholders, but there’s a growing recognition that young people—whether students, young professionals, or those starting families—are an essential demographic who should not be overlooked.

As someone in my late twenties who has navigated the London rental market for the past five years, I am acutely aware of the pressing issue of safe and affordable housing facing younger people. By actively involving young people in planning applications across all sectors, we can create communities that genuinely reflect their needs and values. 

They are also more likely to be enthusiastic about new developments, as long as they are built in a way that works for them, providing jobs, homes, and community spaces.

Why should we engage with young people?

Young people are the future residents of the homes, shops, businesses, and community spaces being planned today. Their ideas, preferences, and concerns are often innovative and forward-thinking, shaped by a keen awareness of sustainability, technological advancement, and social inclusion. By tapping into these fresh perspectives, the planning process can be enriched, designing projects that not only address immediate needs but are future-proofed.

While young people are sometimes labelled as ‘hard to reach’ in consultations and community engagement, we at Cratus find this term misleading. Young people are not difficult to engage; rather, traditional approaches to consultation often miss the mark. Many are balancing work, studies, or caring responsibilities on limited budgets, making traditional consultations challenging. Recognising these practical barriers is essential for effective engagement.

The good news is that young people are eager to engage when consultations are designed with their lifestyles in mind. By offering flexible, accessible engagement methods—like virtual consultations or pop-up events in local areas—we can unlock their enthusiasm and give them a meaningful voice in shaping their communities.

How do we include young people in our engagement?

To genuinely capture the interest and involvement of young people, developers and councils may need to rethink their approach to consultation. The Planning and Communities team at Cratus employs various strategies to ensure comprehensive engagement across all age groups. Interactive digital platforms such as Cratus Engage allow people to visualise proposed developments—perhaps through 3D models or Virtual Reality. Social media also plays a crucial role in reaching younger audiences. While platforms like Twitter and Facebook have their place, it’s essential to engage on those where young people are most active, such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Creating short, engaging content—like polls, explainer videos, or interactive stories—can spark conversations and gather quick yet valuable feedback. But beware not to patronise!

In-person engagement remains important but needs a fresh perspective rather than the traditional town hall exhibitions. Hosting pop-up consultations in familiar spaces, such as cafés, university campuses, or parks, can create a relaxed environment where young people feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts, allowing spontaneous discussion opportunities that can lead to more meaningful interactions than a standard digital feedback form.

Collaboration with community groups and local charities can amplify engagement efforts by partnering with trusted voices in the communities they serve. These ambassadors help bridge the gap between formal planning processes and the more informal digital spaces where young people often engage. Whether developers tap into existing networks or create new ones, Community Champions play a crucial role in connecting with younger audiences. Offering paid partnerships can also be a meaningful way to offset costs like travel or subsistence, ensuring that involvement is accessible and inclusive for all participants.

When young people are engaged early and meaningfully in the planning process, developments are more likely to receive broad-based support. The Communities and Placemaking team at Cratus can assist in gathering support for your projects whilst helping young people become champions of the developments right from the start.

Ultimately, engaging young people in planning applications is essential for creating vibrant, sustainable communities. By adopting innovative engagement strategies, we can harness the energy and creativity of younger generations, making our future spaces inclusive, sustainable, and reflective of the diverse voices within our communities. Get in touch with the Communities and Placemaking team at Cratus today!