Planning for People — Community Engagement and Social Infrastructure
Planning is often associated with buildings, roads, and land use. But fundamentally, it’s about people — their needs, their voices, and the places they live, work, and grow in.
Planning for People — Community Engagement and Social Infrastructure
Planning is often associated with buildings, roads, and land use. But fundamentally, it’s about people — their needs, their voices, and the places they live, work, and grow in.
Planning isn’t just a technical process. It’s a social one. And when done well, it has the power to build stronger communities, create meaningful engagement, and deliver lasting social infrastructure that supports wellbeing and equity.
At Boyer, we see every project as an opportunity to do just that.
What do we mean by 'social infrastructure'?
Social infrastructure refers to the facilities and services that support the quality of life in a community. That includes:
- Schools and nurseries
- Health centres and GP surgeries
- Libraries and community halls
- Playgrounds and sports facilities
- Cultural and religious spaces
These may not be headline-grabbing developments, but they are essential. Planning ensures that these spaces are integrated into development — not bolted on afterwards.
Boyer works closely with local authorities and developers to ensure the right infrastructure is identified, costed, and delivered in the right places and at the right time.
Genuine engagement: more than a consultation
True community engagement is not just a requirement — it’s a vital part of shaping good outcomes.
When local people are invited to participate early and meaningfully, their insights can enhance a project, address potential objections before they become barriers, and build trust between developers and communities.
At Boyer, we advocate for early, inclusive engagement that informs design and builds local support. This might take the form of:
- Public exhibitions and drop-in events
- Online platforms and digital feedback tools
- Stakeholder workshops
- Youth outreach and targeted focus groups
We work with clients to tailor their engagement strategy to reflect the unique character and needs of the community.
Equity and inclusion in planning
Not all communities have the same access to planning conversations — and we believe that must change.
Through our work, we champion inclusive practices that reach underrepresented groups, reduce barriers to participation, and ensure that social infrastructure reflects the full diversity of the communities we serve.
Good planning doesn’t impose solutions — it listens, learns, and responds.
Real outcomes, not just policies
When planning prioritises people, the outcomes are tangible. We've supported developments that have:
- Delivered new health hubs alongside housing
- Created school places as part of major urban extensions
- Provided community centres that host services, events and outreach
- Ensured green space is accessible to all, not just a privileged few
This is planning with purpose — and with people at its heart.
Planning builds communities, not just buildings
The best developments do more than meet housing targets. They create places where people feel connected, supported and empowered.
That’s what social infrastructure and engagement achieve. And that’s the kind of planning Boyer believes in.
Want to deliver a development that puts people first?
Let’s talk. Boyer can help you integrate meaningful engagement and strong social infrastructure into your next project.