Community Affairs & Planning
Educating and winning the arguments
Over the past few years waste, environment and energy issues have been at the top of both political and media agendas.
The focus has now shifted from the disposal of waste to the extraction of value from it. Recycling and reuse has grown in importance, as has governmental emphasis on energy from waste. This transformation has diminished (but not removed) the role of landfill but also requires the construction of a new waste infrastructure and associated facilities such as MRFs, EfW plants and composting facilities.
The focus has now shifted from the disposal of waste to the extraction of value from it..
Whilst the industry may understand the requirement for and benefit of such facilities, this is not so obvious to the communities that may have to live in the vicinity of them. We cannot simply assume that companies and organisations will be supported in their proposals – no matter how ‘worthy’ the proposals may seem. It is therefore up to us to explain the benefits and to correct misunderstandings.
We believe that correctly managed local communications helps prevent opposition by creating trust. This doesn’t simply mean talking at communities; it also involves listening and being seen to listen. This is where our vast experience in the field of community relations can support you.
Utilising a well-developed framework of tools we can help your organisation to develop and maintain positive relationships with neighbours and local stakeholders on an ongoing basis. We can also help you limit the impact of negative protest and develop the relationships that will support your expansion and planning applications.
Few subjects stir as many prejudices and emotions as the location and operation of waste facilities but our experienced team can take the pain out of the process and help you to achieve the outcomes you require.
While we will work with you to develop an individual strategy for each site here is an overview of some of the more common tools that our team can expertly implement on your behalf:
- Political Research
- Community Consultation
- Liaison Committee Management/Meetings
- Public Events - exhibitions, site visits
- Communications - newsletters, websites & media relations
- Crisis Communications
Please click here for more information on our Planning Services
If you are interested in finding out more about our Community Affairs Services please contact Niall Dologhan on 020 8789 2587 for a discussion.
