Public interest (citizens, investors, interest groups, NGOs, media and
similar) in the urban planning process and proposed planning solutions,
certainly is not negligible, however, according to the opinion of the
professional public, it has often been wrongly directed and conducted. The
legal basis, which in rudimentary outlines prescribes the procedure of the
public insight/hearing, i.e. the presentation of the planning document, does
not provide sufficient input, however, also does not prevent organization of
more qualitative and productive communication with the interested
individuals, not only at the very finalization of plan development, but also
at the initial phases of the initiative for decision making or forming the
conceptual solution. In order to better comprehend the real needs of the
citizens, urban planners should much earlier than the public insight i.e.
presentation of already formed solutions, get in touch with citizens,
interview them, organize workshops, insights and meetings on specific topics,
trying to explain the planning procedures, standards and norms, as well as to
present all that which is required in order to raise the quality of life in
the neighborhood and provide some level of public interest and good, and thus
increase the value of real estate. On the other hand, the citizens knowing
their living environment the best should participate more actively in its
creation, by indicating to the problems and needs, reacting to certain topics
and thus assisting the professionals in shaping and committing their planning
solutions. To that respect this paper provides certain recommendations, based
on international experience, by implementation of which the satisfactory
level of democracy (more transparency, inclusivity and effectiveness) of the
procedure should be provided in Serbia as well.