Challenge
Following the closure of Manston Airport in 2014, RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP) set out to secure planning permission through a Development Consent Order (DCO) to reopen the site as a hub for international air freight and some passenger services.
Copper was brought on board in 2017 to:
- deliver communications and consultation for a highly controversial and closely scrutinised project
- build public and political advocacy in the face of vocal opposition
- guide RSP through the complex DCO and the Civil Aviation Authority’s airspace change process (ACP).
Approach
Copper led a comprehensive and multistage communications and engagement programme, including:
- DCO strategy – delivering three rounds of formal consultation (2017–2018), including 20+ public events and the processing of nearly 3000 consultation responses
- advocacy building – identifying and engaging grassroots supporters, local stakeholders and campaign groups to counterbalance opposition and demonstrate public interest
- airspace engagement – leading stakeholder engagement for ACP Stages 1 and 2 since 2019, including hybrid focus groups and 15+ tailored briefings with local authorities and specialist stakeholders.
Value delivered
- Successfully delivered robust DCO consultation that withstood scrutiny, supporting the project’s submission and acceptance for examination
- Built a base of vocal advocacy that has underpinned long-term support for the airport’s reopening
- Completed Stages 1 and 2 of the Civil Aviation Authority’s ACP with clearly recorded stakeholder input and compliance – putting the project in a strong position to begin Stage 3 following DCO approval
- Demonstrated Copper’s capability in navigating complex aviation infrastructure planning and regulatory processes