investment into the local area
new jobs created
letters of support collected
Hive Aggregates, part of the Hive Energy Group, proposed a new £30 million pulverised fuel ash (PFA) extraction project near Retford, Nottinghamshire. Despite the promise of 100 new jobs, the project faced strong opposition from residents and politcal stakeholders due to concerns over pollution, noise, traffic, contamination and the impact on a nearby nature reserve.
Developed new key messages, led extensive political engagement and advised on strategies to increase registered support for the proposals, including a targeted digital campaign.
The team prepared a committee speech and briefing document for planning committee members and helped increase the number of support letters – from residents, businesses, business organisations such as the Chambers of Commerce, students and university academics. A community survey was also conducted showing 70% of residents were supportive or neutral about the proposals, including those in the closest villages.
The engagement programme resulted in two parish councils changing their minds to support the project, including the parish council in the division of the planning committee chair.
The proposals were approved on the Chair’s casting vote after a 6-6 split.
