WINNING PLANNING PERMISSION FOR A NEW DIY STORE ON A SENSITIVE SITE
A national DIY retailer was seeking planning consent for a new store on a sensitive site. Opposition by local residents and key local figures was entrenched and members of the Local Planning Authority were split.
The problem
- Chief Constable publicly declared DIY retailer’s proposals unsafe in traffic terms.
- National pressure group declared it would make the DIY retailer’s planning application a cause célèbre and campaign against DIY ‘sheds’.
- Much opposition to DIY retailer’s proposals based on belief that new store would damage town centre trade.
The solution
- Research commissioned by the DIY retailer showed that whilst residents and politicians might harbour these doubts, and the fate of independent shopkeepers generated huge public sympathy, the shopkeepers themselves were keen to see the proposed new DIY store open in their town. They believed that the resultant increased footfall would help their businesses.
- Swift rebuttal of false allegations and misinformation, and swift responses to public statements of opposition to the DIY retailer’s proposals from high profile figures and organisations.
- Action to persuade local politicians and public of the case for the new store, including presentations to and meetings with town centre traders and the local Chamber of Commerce, which came out publicly in favour of the DIY retailer’s proposals.
- Comprehensive public consultation, with detailed feedback to councillors and consultation participants showing how the DIY retailer had responded to the points raised.
The result
- Application approved in a close vote.
Case Studies