Why Trust and Understanding Win Consents

by
Councillor Oliver Patrick
Liberal Democrat Councillor and Vice Chair of Planning Committee South, Somerset Council

One of the most persistent myths about planning is that decisions are made purely on policy compliance and technical merit. Of course, policy does matter. So do the drawings, CGIs, and viability appraisals. But anyone who has spent time in a committee room knows that decisions are also shaped by something less tangible but just as decisive: trust.

At The CCP, our work starts from that reality. We help organisations communicate clearly and credibly with councillors, communities, and planning officers so that the benefits of proposals are properly understood by those who ultimately shape decisions. Just as importantly, we feed local and political insight back into schemes, helping clients refine proposals in ways that genuinely address local concerns and improve the prospects of consent.

Planning works best when councillors and communities are not treated as obstacles to be managed, but as part of the process itself. Early, meaningful engagement does more than generate goodwill. It surfaces issues that might otherwise emerge late in the process, hardening opposition or forcing last-minute compromises. When people feel heard, the tone of debate changes - and so does the quality of decision-making.

A recent planning committee speech we shared illustrates this point well. What appears on screen as a few minutes of scripted advocacy was actually the culmination of months of careful engagement with a wide range of stakeholders.

Local concerns had been listened to, tested, and reflected back into the application. By the time the proposal reached committee, councillors were not being asked to take a leap of faith; they were being invited to recognise their own priorities and concerns within the scheme before them.

This is where our team’s experience makes a practical difference. As serving and former councillors, we understand how schemes are received in the room. We know which issues tend to carry the most weight, which arguments build confidence, and which approaches can unintentionally trigger resistance. That first-hand insight allows us to help clients focus on what really matters - not just what looks good on paper, but what resonates with decision-makers and communities alike.

Good planning outcomes are rarely accidental. They are usually the product of sustained dialogue, political awareness, and clear communication. When engagement is done well, it strengthens proposals rather than diluting them and turns technically sound schemes into deliverable ones that politicians can support.

If you have a scheme coming forward in 2026 and want engagement that builds trust and gets results, we would be very happy to talk.

oliver@theccp.net
020 4538 7200