Challenge
Copper supported Oikos Storage Ltd in delivering a major upgrade to critical national energy and port infrastructure in South Essex. The project aimed to double jet fuel storage capacity to serve all South East airports and expand import terminal capability.
The scheme faced intense local and environmental scrutiny, with concerns around health, safety, climate change and potential ecological impact, requiring highly sensitive and strategic engagement.
Approach
Copper worked with the client to:
- deliver a robust and compliant Development Consent Order (DCO) consultation process, underpinned by an advocacy strategy that emphasised Oikos’s role in supporting national infrastructure
- develop a compelling project narrative and key messaging to communicate need, benefits and mitigation clearly to diverse stakeholder groups
- create an accessible suite of consultation materials to clarify complex aspects of the scheme and address misconceptions
- build and maintain constructive relationships with local, regional and national stakeholders to enable early issue resolution and establish long-term trust
- implement an issues management process to respond proactively to stakeholder concerns and reinforce the strategic inmportance of the project.
Value delivered
- Delivered an effective statutory consultation process, meeting all DCO compliance requirements
- Strengthened stakeholder relationships and trust at all levels, laying foundations for long-term community engagement and project delivery
- Mitigated risk by addressing issues early and positioning the project’s national significance alongside clear local benefit messaging
- Enabled the project to move forward with a strong evidential base and demonstrable public engagement outcomes