Background
Whilst the land was allocated for residential use and had already been granted outline permission, local hostility towards development and political uncertainty at a council level meant that a thorough and robust consultation programme was implemented to protect the application from any potential Judicial Review and to also protect the reputations of each housebuilder.
Key project information
In order to ensure that the consultation programme was communicated effectively, and key stakeholders were aware of the process, BECG undertook an extensive mapping exercise. This tiered approach made sure that each relevant stakeholder was engaged with at the most effective time and those groups and individuals that were more likely to be hostile were monitored in case any crisis management protocols were needed.
Stakeholders identified throughout this process included councillors, MPs, council officers, parish councils, businesses (such as Jaguar Landrover) and campaigning community groups.
In developing the wider consultation strategy, BECG strictly followed the guidance in Stratford on Avon District Council’s (SADC) Statement of Community Involvement. This ensured that the application was protected from any Judicial Review in terms of its consultation and also ensured the three companies built an open and transparent reputation within the neighbouring communities to the site.
How we assisted
As well as producing an extensive stakeholder map, BECG managed the consultation by designing exhibition boards, managing relations with the local media, corresponding and leading on engagement with local politicians at a ward and cabinet level, and also facilitating community liaison meetings attended by local businesses, parish council representatives, representatives from local service providers (such as the police and neighbourhood teams) and other relevant stakeholders.
Outcome
The application for the development was approved by Stratford District Council in 2019.
