I’d seek common ground by designing spaces that prioritize safety without compromising commercial vitality. It’s about smart solutions—like well-lit, pedestrian-friendly streets and open plazas that encourage business while making people feel secure. Collaboration with local businesses and the community ensures we strike a balance that works for everyone.

Organize forums, workshops, and public meetings to gather input from various stakeholders, including community members, business owners, law enforcement, urban planners, and local government officials. Foster open dialogue to understand concerns related to safety and commercial interests. Create space for differing perspectives and prioritize active listening.

Balancing public safety and commercial interests in urban planning requires a collaborative mindset. Engage all stakeholders early to align on shared goals, ensuring every voice is heard. Use data-driven insights to craft solutions that enhance safety without stifling growth. Flexible zoning laws can bridge the gap, fostering environments where businesses thrive while communities stay secure.

In my experience balancing public safety and commercial interests, finding common ground requires aligning both goals through design and collaboration. One approach is to implement "safe by design" principles, integrating features like well-lit public spaces, wide sidewalks, and clear sightlines, which enhance safety while attracting foot traffic to commercial areas. Involving business owners early in safety discussions ensures their needs are understood, while also educating them on how safety improvements can increase customer confidence and revenue. Public-private partnerships can help fund safety measures, making it a mutually beneficial investment for both parties.

Ask yourself and demand the developer ask themselves what is the total impact and benefit of their proposal? Any urban development must balance benefits against impacts. Projects are subject to regulations far beyond planning legislation and guidance . Public safety mjst be embedded and must start from being people centred with fast moving transport excised as much as possible from its function. Thus pedestrians must come top of the hierarchy along with accessibility for all for tge lifetime of the development