Planning processes are inherently communicative. Success depends on building trust with communities, articulating vision to decision-makers, and navigating technical complexity.
I support projects through every stage, from pre-application consultation to approval and beyond, ensuring communications strengthen the planning process rather than complicate it.
What this includes
- Stakeholder engagement strategies — identifying audiences and designing targeted engagement
- Community consultation — running meaningful dialogue that informs design and builds support
- Public exhibitions — creating accessible, compelling presentations of proposals
- Design & Access Statements — writing and art-directing documents that communicate design intent clearly
- Planning support documents — producing supporting materials for applications
- Press strategy — managing media engagement before, during and after planning decisions
- Political messaging — shaping narratives for elected members, officers and decision-makers
Planning communications: why it matter
Planning communications are often treated as compliance exercises: tick-box consultations, formulaic statements, reactive press responses. But, done well, communications can clarify vision, build genuine community support and position projects for approval.
For the Phoenix in Lewes, I led communications throughout a contentious planning process, working closely with the team on stakeholder engagement. The Design & Access Statement, which I worked on, was described by editor Juliette Mitchell as “the best I’ve ever seen”; not because of technical detail, but because it made an ambitious project accessible and compelling.
I integrate communications into the design and planning process from the start, working alongside architects, planners and project teams to ensure messaging is consistent, accurate and persuasive. I produce materials that serve multiple audiences – planning committees, communities, investors, press – without losing coherence.
Get in touch to discuss planning communications →
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Audits & analysis
In-depth reviews of websites, social media, publications and stakeholder engagement – identifying strengths, gaps and opportunities with actionable recommendations. Learn more →
Strategy & planning
Evidence-based frameworks defining audiences, messaging, campaigns and tone of voice – from stakeholder mapping to editorial calendars. Learn more →
Content creation & creative direction
Websites, reports, campaigns, social media and publications, delivered with clarity, consistency and creative rigour across all formats. Learn more →
Newsletters
Strategy, editorial planning and delivery for newsletters that build engagement and grow audiences. Learn more →
Workshops & training
Bespoke training in messaging, writing, social media, stakeholder engagement and planning communications for teams in the built environment. Learn more →
