• In areas close to existing communities, such as growth points, what levels of social capital already exist in the area and how can new residents link up to these existing networks?
• Where entirely new settlements are built where are the opportunities for fostering social networks, through shared interest groups, cultural activities, local schools, or new residents' associations?
• Are there places that residents' associations and community groups can use to hold meetings? Are there places were residents might naturally meet each other and form these groups in the first place?
• Are there safe green spaces that people can use to walk and sit and where young people can play?
• Are there reasons for existing nearby residents to walk into the new community (or visa versa)?
• Is it possible to identify future residents before they move in and invite them to an event like a festival?
• Is there dedicated funding for community development and capacity building work?
• Do the plans for a new community include some aspect that might encourage the positive development of shared values?
• Is there provision for community development work to encourage contact between different elements of the community?

'Social capital' refers to the ability of members of a community to form social relationships and networks between neighbours, community and shared interest groups and the wider population.

High levels of social capital have been linked to a number of positive community outcomes, such as better educational achievement and resident health. There is also evidence linking high social capital, or sense of community, to lower levels of criminal activity. These positive outcomes are more closely related to residents' sense of community (connection to other people) rather than their attachment to a physical place, which suggests that even entirely new places will benefit from the development of a sense of local community.

It is difficult to measure the degree to which residents have formed relationships with each other and therefore consideration of social capital is rarely overtly included in plans for new communities. However, practitioners involved in the creation of new settlements are able to encourage the development of these social networks through their use of design, community events and groups and by helping to build shared values within the new community. Begining this process early in the life of a community will ensure that these networks are able to develop more fully into the longer term.