Co-op
CO-OP – How do we gain stakeholder and residential support for planning applications?

Challenge:
Co-op wanted to engage stakeholders and residents on planning applications for new stores. Co-op wished to see its core values of a different, fairer and better way of doing business reflected, seeking to understand the real views of local communities.
Action:
We helped to create bespoke engagement plans for each prospective new store site, including in-depth research of the area and local issues, delivering plans to engage local political stakeholders. After spending time listening to views from communities, we helped Co-op prepare for Planning Committee presentations.
Result:
Engagement has resulted in many constructive meetings with stakeholders to help Co-op further understand local views. Community outreach has demonstrated that the majority of participants are generally supportive of new stores and we have been able to share this with local authorities.