Challenge
Tarmac’s planning application for 300 homes, retail units and open space in had been stalled for five years owing to political sensitivities.
Located in a marginal ward, the project had become a political flashpoint, facing opposition from both elected officials and community stakeholders.
Approach
Copper devised a communications strategy designed to depoliticise the application and refocus it around community value.
Key actions included:
- rebranding the project to spotlight tangible local benefits such as green spaces and infrastructure improvements
- shifting the narrative away from housing numbers to alignment with local needs and policy
- targeted engagement with council leadership, framing the proposal in terms of local plan compliance, financial implications of appeals and the value of Section 106 community contributions.
Value delivered
- Repositioned a contentious project to gain traction with political and community stakeholders
- Improved relationships with local authority leadership
- Created a clearer and more positive pathway toward planning consent