As the Olympic Park takes shape, it becomes easier to see how London is regenerating the former wasteland on which the park is being built.

CNN: London marks three years until Olympics

But some have said there might already be easier and faster ways for local residents to get involved, and help shape planning policy.

BBC: First planning referendum held in Cumbria

There may already be faster and easier ways for people to engage with the planning process - perhaps by trying to help shape the local plan dawn up by the council for the whole area covered by the local authority.

BBC: Will a planning referendum in Cumbria catch on elsewhere?