Our Work
Real-world results delivered for councils and developers
COALFACE has supported planning applications, governance reviews, and community engagement projects across the Country. Our work combines political intelligence with analytical rigor to deliver measurable results.
Rebuilding trust after a previous failed consultation, Armada Way, Plymouth
Designing a legally robust consultation after loss of confidence
Following the nationally reported felling of over 100 trees on Armada Way and a subsequent judicial review, Plymouth City Council commissioned an independent team to rebuild trust and design a credible, legally robust public consultation for a revised scheme. Coalface, working alongside ECF's leadership team, shaped the strategy, governance model and risk approach for the new consultation programme.
Key Outcomes
The Council gained a consultation approach that was procedurally fair, inclusive and clearly distinct from the process that had gone before. Coalface's contribution ensured that governance, legal robustness and transparent audit trails sat at the centre of the programme, demonstrating how public trust can begin to be rebuilt after a major loss of confidence.
Services: Engagement strategy; consultation design; governance
Statutory Consultation for Local Plan Review, West Berkshire
Going beyond the baseline to ttrengthening statutory engagement and trust for a rural authority
The district faces unique pressures: housing need, landscape sensitivity, the AONB, and strong local interest in development locations. The Local Plan Review required a transparent approach that could bring residents, landowners, developers and councillors into a unified conversation.
Key Outcomes
A legally sound, well-governed consultation programme that supported the Council through intensive scrutiny Improved understanding among communities of how planning policy decisions are made Stronger working relationships between the planning authority, parishes and development sector A clear evidence base demonstrating how feedback shaped the refinement of key policies
Services: Local Plan engagement; statutory consultation; stakeholder management
Construction communications and neighbour management,Twickenham Gateway
Ensure the construction timeline wasn't delayed due to a breakdown in neighbour relations, delivered via highly successful Community/development liaison groups
Coalface supported the delivery of the Twickenham Station redevelopment by acting as the project's Community Liaison Officer and chairing a standing Development Monitoring Group (DMG). The redevelopment replaced outdated station facilities with a modern transport hub, new homes and a new public realm including the River Crane riverside walk.
Key Outcomes
Residents, councillors and partner organisations had a clear and predictable route to raise concerns, understand upcoming works and track how issues were resolved. Contentious matters, including riverbank management and the Mary's Terrace wall alignment, were addressed collaboratively rather than escalating. This structured engagement created transparency, supported smoother delivery, and reinforced long-term stewardship conversations beyond practical completion.
Services: Community liaison; governance
Change of Use proposal in Hyde Park Area, Belgravia
Change of use proposal in a highly sensitive area with structured stakeholder collaboration
A prominent listed building close to Hyde Park, Belgravia and the gardens of Buckingham Palace. Strong local interest use change and in design, views, façade treatment and construction impacts Multiple statutory stakeholders including heritage bodies and planning specialists A need for high transparency and trust due to concerns around noise, works logistics and long-term stewardship
Key Outcomes
Reduced objections and strengthened stakeholder relationships.
Services: Stakeholder engagement; community consultation; heritage facilitation
We also work with a number of councils, developers, and public sector organisations who prefer to remain confidential. Our commitment to discretion and professional integrity ensures that sensitive projects receive the strategic support they need while respecting client privacy.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
TESTIMONIALS
Our partners value the clarity, political understanding and practical judgment we bring to complex schemes and programmes.
Coalface provided invaluable insight into our planning committee dynamics. Their analysis helped us understand the political landscape and strengthen our application.
Chief Planning Officer
Planning Lead
Major UK Local Authority
The intelligence and strategic advice from Coalface transformed our approach to community engagement. We secured approval on a challenging site thanks to their guidance.
Development Director
Development
Private Sector Developer
Council Scanner gave us the data we needed to understand how our council makes planning decisions. It is an invaluable tool for applicants and agents.
Planning Partner
Partner
National Planning Consultancy
Working with COALFACE was a game-changer for our governance review. Their understanding of political dynamics and committee structures was exceptional.
Head of Democratic Services
Democratic Services
County Council
The team at Coalface combines planning expertise with political fluency. They understand how decisions are really made in council chambers.
Managing Director
Director
Development Company
Their approach to stakeholder engagement is sophisticated and effective. Coalface helped us navigate a complex political environment successfully.
Project Director
Infrastructure
Major Infrastructure Project
WHO WE'VE WORKED WITH
We're proud to have partnered with leading councils, development organisations, and public sector bodies across the UK.
Let's Discuss Your Project
Get in touch to explore how our experience and approach can support your planning or governance work
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