While the most suitable method of public participation will depend on the specifics of a particular
planning arrangement, more knowledge-based decisions (e.g. technical decisions) will require lower
levels of participation than value-based decisions. Learning how to effectively communicate complex
ideas to non experts is important, and by developing the public understanding of the issue, the
public’s capacity to enter debate will be enhanced (Frewer and Shepard 1998). Studies have been
conducted on the best ways to present information (Golding et al. 1992), the best medium for
transmitting information to a target audience (Chipman et al. 1996), and the best people to impart
information (Frewer et al. 1996). Less research has been carried out on mechanisms for involving the
public simultaneously at both higher and lower levels of input into decision-making. There is also a
lack of research into the implications of the democratic right of participation in environmental issues
under the Aarhus Convention. This article will examine the key implications of the tension between
the right to participate in the planning process and the need to get the planning process completed
effectively under challenging time constraints, and will develop a framework with which to address
the tensions implied by these implications, as exemplified through energy infrastructure planning
policy.