ACHIEVING COUNCIL ‘VOLTE-FACE’ AND PLANNING APPROVAL, FOLLOWING REFUSAL SIX MONTHS EARLIER
Winning public statements of support from key councillors for a new (duplicate) planning application for a supermarket extension, and positive press coverage, following widespread public criticism from both politicians and residents regarding the original application.
The problem
- Planning application for an extension to an existing store refused by a large majority.
- Client’s public consultation programme and design of extended store publicly criticised by councillors.
- Site-adjacent residents ‘up-in-arms’ at existing store management.
- Wider local public critical of supermarket’s ‘massive profits’ and perceived lack of community commitment or involvement.
The solution
- Liaison with councillors to identify key areas of concern.
- Written communication with all members of the Local Planning Authority to explain how concerns were being addressed.
- Focused media relations programme to highlight supermarket’s community activities and fund-raising for local charities.
- Following submission of new (duplicate) planning application, close liaison with client and client’s planning advisers regarding ongoing appeal strategy, combined with rapid response to media enquiries regarding same.
- Securing public statements of support from key councillors for new (duplicate) application, immediately prior to its determination.
The result
- New (duplicate) application unanimously approved.
Case Studies