Planning Communications
Planning is complex.
We understand the politics and emotions that drive the debate about planning in communities and influence perceptions of your project.
Our people – on the ground across the UK & Ireland – live, work and understand the communities where you work and how to communicate with impact about changes to our villages, towns, and cities.
And our experience, expertise, and knowledge across every sector of the built environment means we understand the issues that matter most to people. We know the right message to engage your audiences, build support for your project, and deliver success.
Local Knowledge & Expertise.
Our network of offices means we have local experts in every part of the UK & Ireland.
People who understand the political and community landscape, the planning regulatory environment, and can advise based on genuine local experience.
Engineered for impact.
We know how – and when – to engage with political influencers, businesses, local communities and pressure groups, creating a clear roadmap that highlights the benefits of your project and keeps risks in check.
We know how to reach your audiences in-person and online, mobilising hundreds of supportive representations and often increasing engagement by over 200%.
Get straight to the point.
What we do
From national infrastructure to land acquisition and everything in between, we help simplify planning communications.
Our tools
We deliver critical, real-time intelligence about the current market landscape, using our unique tools and methodologies.
News and Insights
We keep our ears to the ground and share our thoughts and findings to help our clients navigate the world in real-time.
Our work
Projects to be proud of.
Take a look at our latest case studies – you’ll see you’re in good company.
What we do.
Development Consent Orders, s36 applications, Developments of National Significance, Transport Work Orders, local planning consents – we’ve helped to deliver them all.
We bring together meticulous insight, deep understanding of consenting processes and clever thinking, helping you de-risk the process and find support.
We’re strategic land specialists that have the unique skillset required for it.
Our thorough understanding of the process, consenting routes and policy frameworks across the UK & Ireland means we’re ideally placed to help you cut through the complexity and capitalise on opportunity.
From political analysis to advice on submitting a bid and community engagement strategy, we help you create a compelling proposition.
We know how politicians think, how the local community might perceive your project, and what makes a tender submission stand out. And we’ll work with you to make sure you go in with your eyes wide open, equipped with the insights and tools you need to make the most of the opportunity and keep risks in check.
Build positive momentum for your project from the get-go.
We’ve delivered some of the UK development and planning sector’s most effective campaigns. We know exactly where to reach your audience, utilising our digital tools, mobilising hundreds of supportive representations and often increasing engagement by over 200%.
Development projects run more smoothly (and are much more successful) when everyone pulls the same rope.
Our insight-fuelled advocacy work builds trust and understanding between you, the government, local authorities, investors, developers, the local community, and key stakeholders. Making sure everyone feels they’re invested in the project and working towards a common goal.
Development means change. And change brings up complex emotions that can make the process more challenging than it has to be.
We understand. But, more importantly, we listen and we engage. Designing integrated community engagement programmes that make the most of the latest technologies to engage at the right time. Addressing people’s concerns, and channelling their feedback in a way that enhances the project. Creating spaces that truly serve their communities’ needs.
Built for accessibility and ease of use, our mobile-first digital consultation websites make it as easy as possible for everyone to have their say.
With 600+ projects of all shapes and sizes delivered just in the last three years, we understand the topics that matter and what’s most likely to grab people’s attention and make them engage with the process.
Because building works are inherently disruptive, good communication is key to keeping stakeholders on side.
Whether it’s road closures, demolition, or other inconveniences, we make sure people are informed well in advance and engaged throughout the process, keeping your relationship with them (and your project) on track.
Development projects should bring lasting benefits to the community. Let’s quantify what yours are.
Our social value specialists help you cement your project’s positive legacy, enhancing your reputation with the government, local authorities, and communities. Helping to maximise the value of your project, and to unlock future ones.
Devolution fundamentally alters planning and investment across England. Our specialists can help you navigate this and build relationships with the right people.
Find out more about our devolution service here.
Our tools.
Industry leading insight and engagement
Our engagement tools broaden your reach, increase your impact, and deliver real-time political and community intelligence to guide your project.
What matters to you.
Our innovative survey and engagement tool energises campaigns and public consultations. This product automates the process, seamlessly integrating with social media platforms to reach a more diverse demographic. With “What Matters to You”, engaging with your audience becomes more effective and inclusive, ensuring every voice is heard and every opinion is valued.
Video and content production.
We bring your projects to life, engaging stakeholders at every stage. Whether it’s subject matter, project overviews, site flyovers, social media content, or exhibition materials, our creative expertise ensure purposeful content for any audience and any channel.
Cavendish Insights Platform.
Discover the power of tailored data intelligence. Our innovative data platform tool offers sector-specific data insights, customisable to meet your unique requirements. It provides real-time access to the performance of your campaigns or consultations, ensuring you stay agile in strategic decisions. Cavendish Insights is your key to deeper understanding and achieving superior outcomes.
Cavendish insight.
Like, Comment, Build.
Anyone involved in development knows that those who shout the loudest are usually the most negative. Capturing the voices of those who are more likely to be positive about development has always been a challenge.
Our new report, shows how people across the country engage with planning applications, and what they want to know about.
The Rise of Reform.
Reform UK is no longer a fringe movement. With a foothold in Parliament, control of key councils, and a digital presence that outpaces the major parties, Reform is rewriting the rules of political engagement – and putting brands, policies, and reputations in the firing line.
Our latest report explores how this populist insurgency is transforming the UK’s political and cultural landscape. And what it means for businesses and organisations operating across the UK.
Reports vault.
Oxford to Cambridge Insight Report
Councillors’ perspectives on the Oxford to Cambridge growth corridor.
Northern Ireland and the future of energy
Working with LucidTalk, Cavendish polled the public in Northern Ireland to understand their perspectives on net zero, the likelihood of reaching it and the relative popularity of different energy sources.
Build-to-Rent: Do politicians care?
In partnership with YouGov, Cavendish surveyed MPs across all parties regarding their housing focuses for their constituencies.
Attitudes to Net Zero
The main political parties aren’t aligned with each other or within themselves about the best routes to Net Zero. So understanding their current thinking and preferences is crucial to engage with them.
YINBY or NIMBY?
Our report goes beyond the ‘NIMBY’ title, taking a detailed look at public views on infrastructure. It looks at what type of infrastructure developments the British public would support in their area.
Labour Manifesto
We’ve pulled out the key policy offerings that will likely form the majority of Labour’s manifesto.
Want to know more?
News and insights
We keep our ears to the ground and share our thoughts and findings to help our clients navigate the world in real-time.
Our Expertise
From strategy development to crisis communications, brand to video and animation, we have the skills to deliver your objectives with impact.
Recent planning approvals.
Work to be proud of.
Supporting new restaurants in UK & Ireland.
Cavendish was selected to help McDonald’s achieve ambitious growth targets across the UK & Ireland. Our approach, working closely with the development and communications teams at McDonald’s, is considered by McDonald’s as the global standard for supporting new restaurant projects.
Pembroke Green Hydrogen.
Cavendish is supporting RWE’s planning application to deliver a 100-110MWe green hydrogen facility at its Pembroke Power Station site. The project will help to provide a clean alternative fuel source that will support the decarbonisation of (and secure the future of) local industry in South Wales.
Our people; your team.
Max has a deep understanding of the political process in local and regional government. He is one of the leading communications professionals in the built environment, providing expert advice and insight on the intersection between politics, community, and media within the planning process. With over 15 years experience in planning communications and community engagement, he has worked with the Berkeley Group, British Land, McDonalds, as well as large public sector bodies on some of the UK’s most high-profile and complex projects. Max was previously a political advisor to a London borough and is responsible for the delivery of planning communications and community engagement for all our clients across the UK.
Steven has over 20 years experience working in the Public Affairs and Communications environment and is one of Scotland’s leading specialists in the politics of planning in the built environment sector. Having represented a diverse mix of clients and sectors, Steven’s vast experience coupled with his knowledge and understanding of the political landscape, provides clients with unrivalled strategic guidance and support ensuring that their investments and commercial aspirations are robustly looked after. Steven is responsible for all client projects across Scotland and Ireland.
Kevin has a deep understanding of the politics of planning having specialised in political advocacy, community consultation and campaigning for clients across the built environment over the last 13 years.
Leading our team across the North & Midlands, he has experience across the property, energy and infrastructure sectors, supporting clients including Aldi, BAM, CEMEX, Miller Homes, National Grid, Peel and Uniper. He works with local communities and their elected representatives to understand the need for and build acceptance of change to our built environment.
Laura is an experienced planning communications and public affairs specialist having worked in the built environment industry for over 15 years. Leading our team across the South, Laura has experience across numerous sectors including infrastructure, retail, retirement and residential working with clients such as McDonald’s, Southampton Airport, AGS Group, McCarthy Stone and Lovell.
Steven has worked in public affairs for the last decade, establishing himself as a leading expert in planning communications in Scotland. In addition, Stevens strong analytical skills, combined with his political awareness, ensures he is well placed to advise clients on how best to navigate the regulatory and policy landscape in Scotland, crucially lifting barriers to assist clients with their investment. Steven has worked extensively on projects throughout Scotland across many sectors including energy, renewables, house building, retail, commercial property, logistics, domestic manufacturing, waste wood recycling, health and science & technology. Steven leads the Glasgow office and operates throughout Scotland.
Sarah has extensive experience in developing stakeholder engagement and public affairs strategies for clients within the Built Environment. With nearly 10 years experience, Sarah has worked across all tiers of government, and across different consenting regimes, advising clients such as Unibail Rodamco Westfield, Crest Nicholson and National Grid.
Krystian has a decade of experience in planning communications and has substantial insight into the local, regional and national political dynamics that impact the built environment. He has led multiple high-profile engagement programmes for property, energy and infrastructure clients including EDF Energy, DLUHC, Homes England, Newlands Developments, Supermarket Income REIT, L&G and several major housebuilders and strategic land promoters. Krystian drives Cavendish’s growth across the UK, whilst continuing to deliver strategic planning communications advice for clients.
Adam has a track record of delivering effective and engaging communication campaigns. He understands the Midlands political landscape and has a well-established network of contacts, from MPs to councillors and council leaders. He has over 10 years experience working within political communications and local government. He has advised some of the UK’s biggest brands including Aldi, McDonald’s, and St. Modwen Homes. Adam leads our Midlands region, heading up teams operating out of our Birmingham and Nottingham offices.
Matthew creates impactful communications strategies that generate excitement and engage target audiences. He has advised the public, private and third sector for over a decade, devising campaigns, managing reputations, securing planning consents and reducing risk for clients.
Combining in-house and agency experience spanning the property, infrastructure and energy sector he has an in-depth understanding of TCPA, DCO and Welsh PAC consultations, with clients including Aldi, National Highways, RES, Serco and United Utilities. Matthew leads our North team in Manchester.
Ben has over 10 years experience working across Public Affairs and the Built Environment. He provides senior counsel to clients and has a track record of securing policy change, managing risks, and navigating political turbulence. With a deep understanding of the built environment, he provides strategic guidance on planning communications and community engagement. Ben’s vast experience in Brussels, Westminster and the Northern Ireland Assembly, coupled with his knowledge of the political landscape, provides clients with unrivalled insights.
We’ve also built quite a reputation for ourselves.
Sector specialists.
At the forefront of possibility.
Energy and utilities
Energy, water, and utilities are extremely complex, highly regulated sectors that impact the whole nation.
Consumer technology
Centred on delivering cutting-edge devices and services aimed at enhancing convenience and entertainment.
Business technology
Driven by rapid innovation this highly competitive sector demands organisations stay ahead of the curve.
Healthcare
Brand reputation and strategic comms have never been so critical in today’s consumer health, OTC and pharmaceutical sectors.
FMCG
FMCG is highly competitive, driven by brand loyalty, consumer demand for convenience, and constant innovation.
Property and construction
Large-scale development has many moving parts, from government advocacy and planning to PR and Community engagement.
Professional and financial services
Profile and reputation are paramount for expert advisory and consulting firms, driving their success and client trust.
Infrastructure
Roads, water and sewage, airports, schools, hospitals… the big things that keep the nation moving.