Solar NSIP: Using targeted engagement with local residents

Brief: We have been tasked with devising and delivering the communications and engagement strategy for a solar NSIP in Lincolnshire. With a large amount of residential properties in close proximity to site, engagement with near neighbours has been crucial to the relative success of the project at the consultation stage.

Solution: Our consultation programme was crafted to consider near neighbours as a distinct stakeholder group, with multiple touchpoints both inside and outside formal consultation periods. This involved door knocking and a private meeting prior to the scheme launch, with dedicated home visits and meetings during the non-statutory consultation period. Between consultation periods, we also held a series of resident design workshops with those who had a Resident Visual Amenity Assessment conducted at their property. This showed how the design was evolving and gave attendees an opportunity to understand the considerations that go into the masterplanning process.

Outcome: To date, opposition to the project has remained at a low level and generally non-specific. The majority of near neighbours continue to maintain constructive relationships with the project team despite their opposition to the project, and others have expressed soft support following changes made to the scheme. In addition, this approach has helped to secure buy-in from local authority members and officers for our approach to consultation and engagement.