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Stakeholder engagement is all about understanding your audience.

Our Services

Consulo knows that messages and promotions of applications need to be tailored to suit the people they are being aimed at – what is important to a Planning Committee Councillor or Member of Parliament is likely to be substantially different than that of an immediate neighbour. It is fundamentally about working out what drives each interest group and adopting a suitable strategy to deal with each.

Pre-site Acquisition Audits

Before committing yourself to a site, understand the political and community environment into which you will be heading. Consulo's audits offer advice on how any planning application is likely to be viewed locally (both politically and by the community) and a difficulty rating of achieving a local consent – looking at everything from the stage of neighbourhood plans, previous responses to planning applications, proximity of key councillors to the site, electioneering pledges, presence of residents’ associations and other lobby groups, use of the media to raise profile and much more.

Political Liaison

Politicians come under great pressure as elected representatives. Consulo speaks their language and understands their constraints. Written, telephone and face-to-face briefings allow for open and constructive dialogue from the outset, helping guide the development process and identify early on possible areas of contention and/or agreement. Political engagement greatly improves your opportunity for securing a local consent, helping to reduce the number of costly and lengthy appeals.

Public Consultation

Meaningful engagement with communities can often help shape developments for the better, allowing for greater understanding between all parties about the reality of the situation and what can be delivered. Often it is the fear of the unknown and a lack of communication that results in objections to schemes. Consulo's role is to challenge perceptions with the reality and ensure that informed decisions are made.

Using traditional methods such as public exhibitions and meetings, to leaflets, websites and social media, Consulo ensures its consultation is open, transparent and inclusive providing clear feedback for developers and communities alike.

This approach is supported by Government in the both the Localism Act 2011 and National Planning Policy Framework and at a local level within Local Authorities’ Statements of Community Engagement. Consulo ensures you adhere to all consultation requirements.

Neighbourhood Plan Promotion

As communities start to come together to form Neighbourhood Plans, ensure your site is recognised for its potential. Let Consulo promote your site to the steering group and unlock dialogue - helping ensure that all the benefits that it brings are fully recognised and constraints addressed, increasing the opportunity of your sites inclusion.

Media Management

Help control how your planning application is portrayed in the media. Don’t leave it to chance or the whim of a journalist, take control of the agenda. Consulo can promote the benefits of your proposals, pursue balanced and positive reporting and offer instruction on best strategies for engaging with the media, whilst tutoring in interview technique.

Construction Public Relations

Protecting your corporate reputation during the build process is essential. Let Consulo manage your community relations during your build, enabling your site team to concentrate on hitting their deadlines and delivering your vision. Through dedicated update newsletters, construction website, attendance at local meetings and a Freephone hotline to respond to enquires seven days a week, Consulo takes the strain during what is often a high pressure environment for all parties involved.