Planning Communications & Consultation

Understanding the political lie of the land before you invest in a site can save both time and money. We can run a ruler over sites in which you have a potential interest, advising on the likely political and community reaction to development. We review political stability at the local level and uncover reaction to previous development proposals in the local area, building a picture and profiling risk. 

Early stakeholder support is now ever more critical: we work to help you secure site allocations and local buy-in from the start. Through analysis of competing sites and the likely level of opposition to them, as well as gaining an understanding of a community’s future aspirations, we create compelling narratives that can persuade stakeholders to back your option.

Community engagement is now an important consideration at planning committees: we can deliver a robust consultation programme that will withstand scrutiny and meet any relevant statutory requirements. Not only can it provide valuable feedback to help the evolution of your proposals, it will also lead us to identify potential sources of support. Working alongside our digital team, we are able to deliver targeted online engagement campaigns designed to reach groups who may otherwise not be engaged in the planning process. 

We continue to support our clients once the application is submitted, whether that’s ensuring that planning committees have access to accurate and balanced information, mobilising support, or meeting requirements for the acceptance and examination of NSIPs.

This is the time when future reputations are made: get it wrong and difficult headlines and awkward conversations can impact on sales. We can provide a ready interface between our clients and local residents: fielding inquiries, issuing newsletters and hosting community liaison meetings.

Development of all types makes a good news story. We develop the relationships with local media that ensure you have a voice when there is a story to tell.

Sometimes things don’t turn out as you planned. When difficult times arrive, we have an experienced team of crisis experts who can advise on strategy, liaise with the media and create the right narrative.