Toby-
look, I can agree on this: Only hold a vote if there is an actual substantial number of dissenters, and if there isn't, just move on with the project. New project plans would have to be announced in the proper places so that every dissenter gets an opportunity to object. Silently ignoring dissenters, starting projects without giving people a proper opportunity to voice their objections or letting them bog down the whole process even though they are just a small minority is all not desirable. Consensus can not always be reached, and in these cases, we use voting.
Regards,
Erik