Some SNN processes such as renaming of streets will require formal public consultation. Whether and how a consultation should take place will depend on which Acts the local authority has adopted in its SNN Policy. The diagram below summarises various SNN scenarios and when consultation is required:
Any consultation must be adequate and fair having regard to all the circumstances and courts have set out some broad guiding principles on what this means:
- Consultation must be undertaken when proposals are at a formative stage
- Sufficient reasons must be given to allow for intelligent consideration and response by consultees
- Adequate time must be given for consideration and response and
- Consultation responses must be conscientiously taken into consideration before making the decision
It is highly advisable to seek further input from the local authorities legal team or other legal advisors when designing standard consultation approaches or the approach to a single consultation.