One of the biggest consultation mistakes is overpromising early in the process. When expectations have to be scaled back, trust disappears, objections grow, and the planning journey becomes slower and more expensive. Clear, honest communication from day one matters.
Last week was busy. New business enquiries, updated case studies and several recent consents to reflect on. Hannah attended the 24th CSG meeting at Middlesex Street Estate, while others were in Harwell and Soho working on new projects. A big week, with exciting conversations.
16 Charles Street, a Grade II* listed townhouse in Mayfair, is being sensitively restored and transformed into a fine dining restaurant. We supported Loulou Groupe with neighbour engagement, heritage communication and consultation. A major step in securing the building’s future.
Proud to share that our MD Jessica Stewart, has been named one of the Top 100 Political Consultants in The Mace’s 2025 Westminster Index recognising the professionals shaping policy, planning, and communication between business, government, & communities.
https://t.co/cAa6y4zIZ8
Social value isn’t a new idea, it’s a new way of recognising the positive impact great developers have always created. It’s not a legal requirement, but a choice to invest in people as much as in places.
How do you define social value in your projects?
Project Flourish at Kensal Canalside has been granted planning consent after four years of consultation and detailed design work. The scheme delivers over 2,500 homes, new green spaces, a flagship Sainsbury’s, workplaces and better transport links. A huge milestone for the area.
When I started, community consultation was seen as PR, something to tick off at the end.
Now it’s central to delivering better schemes, building trust, and shaping places with communities, not for them.
🎥 Watch my reflections and share what’s changed in your work.
We attended the House of Commons launch of @Plunkett_UK 2025 report Community Ownership: A Better Form of Business. Inspiring discussions on how rural, community-owned enterprises are revitalising local economies, and why they need more support.
https://t.co/nzF1B6siir
Meet Jake Cunliffe, Project Manager at Comm Comm.
With over 12 years’ experience in communications and PR, Jake’s known not just for his technical expertise, but for his calm, supportive approach and knack for storytelling - qualities that make him an invaluable part of the team.
Comm Comm began as a simple idea… clear, human communication between people and projects.
Years later, it’s more than a name. It’s how we work.
🎥 Hear the story behind the “Comm Comm” name, and why it still perfectly captures who we are and what we stand for.
We led the community engagement strategy, securing unanimous planning approval from the council at Buckingham Palace road
✨ A revamped public realm & retail spaces
🚌 Upgraded Bulleid Way bus station facilities
🏛️ A modern two-storey roof extension
https://t.co/XG0B6T8rtX
The biggest mistake developers make? Starting consultation too late.
Early engagement builds trust, reduces objections, and keeps projects moving. it’s an investment in smoother approvals, better structures, and stronger community support.
A calmer, more focused Conservative Conference this year.
Full of thoughtful discussion on housing, planning, and growth. I left encouraged by the next generation’s engagement but concerned by the lack of industry voices.
Jess's full reflections in blog.
https://t.co/wTYKbqNlA9
Big news for Barnet - Mill Brook Rise has received unanimous planning approval 🎉
The project will deliver 320 new homes, improved play spaces, and greater biodiversity, shaped through open, consistent communication with residents every step of the way.
https://t.co/FSHJDGUAqD
A busy week for the Comm Comm team 👇
🗣️ PlanningFutures Supper Club with Alice Lester, inspiring reflections on purpose-led planning
🏘️ Hosted a final Raven Housing Trust webinar for the Preston renewal
🏗️ Chaired Golden Lane Estate RLG showing collaboration in action
What Makes Comm Comm Stand Out? 🤔
✅Talented & agile team - every project is tailored
✅Politically agnostic - Fair to all all councils & communities
✅Transparent & innovative - built on integrity & trust
✅A high success rate in stakeholder engagement & planning approvals
In his latest blog, Chris argues that rebuilding Britain’s social contract starts with fixing planning. Faster, fairer, and community-led systems can restore trust and deliver the homes we need.
Read the article and let us know your view on the subject?
https://t.co/tAWl30wp0J
It’s been a month of milestones for the team, with multiple new planning consents granted across London.
🎉 From Barking to Soho, we’ve helped secure over 5 approvals for major schemes bringing new homes, restaurants & workspaces to London.
A huge thank you to everyone involved.
Exciting to see 180 Piccadilly taking shape. We led consultation for both the original scheme & its Section 73 amendment, reusing steel from another London building to reduce carbon. A good example of sustainable development made possible through early engagement & collaboration.
Welcome Pearce to the Comm Comm team.
With 7+ years’ experience in the built environment, he’s delivered planning consents across the UK, from masterplans to regeneration schemes, bringing political insight, strategic thinking and community focus to every project.