The independent Land and Society Commission, established by RICS, has published its report into how the property industry can support local communities to take on additional powers and responsibilities under government’s plans for localism in England.

The report contains 24 recommendations which outline a radical new basis for the relationship between the property industry and local communities to help to deliver increased and better development.

Evidence to the Commission highlighted the need for greater cooperation between developers and communities, with a view to dismissing preconceptions that community involvement can hinder private sector investment. The Commission found that by consulting communities before initiating proposals, developments could be constructed more sustainably and to a higher specification.

Other recommendations include the need to re-examine the role of local authority planning officers – recommending they move away from the town hall and into their local communities. Through working with local people on a regular basis, they will find it easier to make informed decisions which are of long-term benefit to the community and local business.

The Commission also recommends the property industry should do more to support the community-led housing sector by engaging with local authorities, housing associations and community groups to help build the large scale community-led housing programme that would enable volume lending to the sector.

Trevor Beattie, Land and Society Commission chairman, said: “The professions have much to learn from communities as well as much to share with them. Early and active community engagement is good for business and good for communities. Developers and planners should not fear greater community involvement and accountability since this can speed up the planning and construction process