Client Problem
- Our client wanted to re-develop a derelict wharf building and build a large residential development in London
- The site was in an urban residential area, adjacent to a large council estate and close to three local schools
- The client was very aware of their ‘good name’ and wanted to be a ‘good neighbour’ to the various local communities
- The local authority was sceptical over the height and massing of the new development
Our Approach
- We completed an intelligence gathering exercise and created a strategy to achieve the client’s objectives
- We created a coalition of local residents to support the re-development of the site
- We also created and maintained a relationship with the local council leadership and ward members. These relationships helped to ensure that the s106 offer was targeted to encourage political support for the development
- We organised a comprehensive residents’ response to the council’s consultation, which ensured that the number of supporters responding outweighed the objectors. We organised exhibitions and regular communication over the lifetime of the application
- Our local intelligence network ensured the client was always aware of objectors’ activities and views
Result
- Councillors and officers were aware of considerable support for the development. The leader of the council became an advocate for the development
- Planning committee members saw and heard from a large number of supporters at the committee meeting
- The development was approved by the planning committee
“The word ‘politics’ is derived from the word ‘poly’, meaning ‘many’, and the word ‘ticks’, meaning ‘blood sucking parasites.”
Larry Hardiman