Experience
Chess Engage has experience working across a number of sectors and at every stage of the planning process.
Please click on the projects below to see the full case studies and find out how we can assist your next strategic move in the planning process for your site.
LOCAL PLANALLOCATION
PLANNINGAPPLICATION
POSTCONSENT
SECTOR: HOUSE BUILDING
Client: Berkeley Homes
Project: Kidbrooke Village
Status: Ongoing
LPA: London Borough of Greenwich
The Kidbrooke Masterplan Area aims to create a new London suburb with over 4,800 homes and supporting infrastructure over 20 years. Berkeley Homes is a development partner alongside the Greater London Authority and the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
Our role
Chess Engage has been working with Berkeley Homes on this exemplary estate regeneration project since 2014, providing consultation and community engagement for new phases of the Masterplan as they come forward.
Our approach
Over the past decade, we have conducted numerous consultation and engagement activities for several phases of the Masterplan and the Masterplan review. We worked closely with Berkeley Homes to develop a comprehensive suite of engagement and consultation activities, including exhibitions, project websites, presentations, media relations, stakeholder analysis, and local intelligence reporting.
Due to the project's enduring timeline, shifts in political leadership and personnel have occurred. Our proactive strategy involves maintaining a forward-thinking stance by cultivating strong relationships with pivotal stakeholders within the borough.
In 2023 we designed a new consultation and engagement programme for Phase 5 Buildings A & B. The consultation programme was extensive and included a five-day public exhibition, project website and targeted engagement with politicians and key interest groups.
Results
The Kidbrooke Masterplan is a long-term project with multiple phases. The consultation for Phase 5 Buildings A and B has been completed, and the planning application has been submitted.
SECTOR: LOCAL PLAN
Client: Purelake New Homes and Skillcrown Homes
Project: Former Electrobase site, Crayford, Bexley
Status: Planning application approved
LPA: London Borough of Bexley
A large-scale application for a new residential development of 559 new homes of political, regional, and local importance. The site was allocated in the Bexley Local Plan and has an allocation of GLA funding.
Our role
Chess Engage were recommended and invited to bid for the commission. We successfully secured the contract to lead a programme of engagement on revised plans for a consent scheme[PC1] .
Our approach
Our approach centred around an extensive programme of stakeholder engagement. This included engagement with key political stakeholders including the MP for Bexley and Crayford, the Leader of the Bexley Council, Portfolio Holders, and ward councillors.
Recognising the importance of biodiversity and wildlife locally we collaborated closely with the Bexley Natural Environment Forum (BNEF) during the consultation process to identify opportunities for enhancing site wildlife and biodiversity. We led a site tour with the BNEF, fostering a direct dialogue and encouraging the exchange of ideas on sustainable development practices.
Results
- The feedback from stakeholder engagement and public exhibition was instrumental in refining the project plans. Adjustments were made to the overall scheme, notably a reduction in height, an increase in walking and cycling routes, and improvements to the highway infrastructure.
- The planning application was approved by the Planning Committee of the London Borough of Bexley on 13th April 2023.
- The consented proposals enabled funding to be accessed from the Greater London Authority to support the delivery of affordable housing as part of the application.
- Wider community benefits included the creation of a new riverside walk alongside the River Cray, a new publicly accessible landscape, and enhancements to biodiversity.
SECTOR: CARE HOME
Client: NL
Project: Riverside Lodge Care Home, Rickmansworth
Status: Planning application approved
LPA: Three Rivers District Council
Redevelopment of a brownfield site to provide a 72-bed ensuite care home offering residential and specialist dementia care facilities.
Our role
Chess Engage has a long-standing relationship with NL marked by a track record of effectively leading numerous consultations and engagement initiatives across various residential and care home planning proposals. With our expertise and experience, we were trusted to orchestrate a programme of consultation and engagement to ensure a well-rounded and inclusive approach to the proposed project.
Our approach
Upon identifying sensitivities surrounding the proposed site's proximity to the Parish Church of St. Mary and the river Colne, Chess Engage took proactive steps to address these concerns and ensure a balanced approach to the development.
In response, we developed tailored outreach with residents, community groups, heritage organisations, and key stakeholders. We also created a forum for key stakeholders to contribute to the design and specification of the scheme, fostering a collaborative and inclusive process.
Throughout the process the emphasis was on illustrating how the proposed care home would bring value to the area by improving and enhancing a delipidated site, as well as effectively addressing a growing community need for older people's accommodation.
Results
- The planning application received no objections and was approved. Construction of the care home was completed in 2023.
- Contemporary new facilities for elderly residents, strategically alleviating pressure on local GPs and hospitals as well as freeing up family homes.
- The scheme's notable contribution to the job market is reflected in the creation of 175 direct and indirect positions.
SECTOR: STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
Client: McLaren Property
Project: London Road, Brighton Student Accommodation
Status: Planning application approved
LPA: Brighton and Hove
A planning application for a student accommodation block comprising 159 rooms, complemented by approximately 5,000 square feet of ground floor retail spaces.
Our role
Chess Engage was appointed by McLaren Property to deliver a programme of stakeholder and community engagement for a new student accommodation scheme in the heart of Brighton.
Our approach
Brighton and Hove Council's lack of overall control posed a challenge in engaging with political stakeholders, given the diverse range of political viewpoints within the council.
We provided political intelligence and strategic advice to the client. We also carried out a programme of political engagement to ensure that councillors understood the proposal and that their key concerns were addressed.
We also devised and executed a comprehensive community consultation strategy, leveraging the power of online platforms. This included a dedicated website which was the central hub for all project-related information, presentations, and webinars. In addition, we disseminated regular project updates and newsletters through various channels, fostering transparency and trust in the community.
Results
- We secured resounding support from a wide range of key stakeholders, including the ward councillor, the London Area Action Group, The Regency Society, and residents.
- The planning application was approved, and the build will be completed in 2024, fulfilling the need for, high-quality student community in Brighton that will enhance the overall appeal of the University of Brighton as an attractive and desirable place to study.
- The revitalisation of existing, run-down retail spaces, enhancing Brighton’s retail offer.
SECTOR: GREEN BELT RELEASE
Client: Churchgate Services
Project: The Meadows, Extra Care scheme
Status: Planning application approved
LPA: Woking Borough Council
A planning application for a 34-bed extra care development on a Green Belt site, which was recommended for refusal.
Our role
Churchgate Services appointed Chess Engage to craft an engagement strategy for their planning application, situated on a Green Belt site. Despite facing initial recommendation for refusal by officers, the collaboration aimed to address concerns and gather wider support.

Our approach
We devised a strategy for engagement which included crafting a compelling set of key messages to convey the need for the new extra care development. We then implemented a programme of targeted engagement which included community canvassing to gauge public sentiments and gather feedback on the proposal. Our approach allowed us to address any concerns, as well as establish a platform for community involvement.
Recognising the role of key strategic stakeholders, we briefed our existing contacts - Surrey County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Services, the Director of Adult Services, and the Director of Commissioning. These interactions were instrumental in ensuring that the strategic aims of the project were not only understood but were consistent with the policy approach of Surrey County Council. [P1]
Results
- We secured the support of more than 50 residents, prompting them to submit positive representations to the planning authority in support of the planning application.
- We secured the support of the ward councillors, who called in the application to ensure it would be determined by the Planning committee, and attended and spoke in favour of the application.
- The officer recommendation for refusal was overturned achieving a favourable outcome for the client.
“We were delighted with the work undertaken by Chess Engage on our challenging green belt site The Meadows Woking, in mobilising resident and local political support for our Extra Care proposals – ultimately overturning an officer recommendation of refusal. Chess Engage were instrumental in helping deliver this amazing result and we won’t hesitate to use them again on other projects.” [PC1]
SECTOR: COUNCIL REGENERATION
Client: Guildford Borough Council
Project: Weyside Urban Village
Status: Ongoing Project
LPA: Guildford Borough Council
The Weyside Urban Village Regeneration Scheme is an award-winning regeneration project that aims to enhance Guildford's community and address the housing needs of the borough through a large-scale brownfield development.
Our role
Chess Engage was appointed by Guildford Borough Council in 2020 to lead the engagement for the outline planning permission. Following a successful competitive tendering process, we subsequently secured a three-year contract in 2022 to lead strategic communications activities to ensure all communication and engagement activities align with the regeneration objectives.
Our approach
Chess Engage worked closely with the project delivery team and the council’s communications team to refine the key messages and craft a compelling narrative.
We developed an annual rolling communications and engagement strategy, serving as the cornerstone of our approach. Our mandate extends to advising and guiding all community consultation and engagement activities across diverse workstreams. This encompasses overseeing reserved matters applications, conducting statutory consultations, and ensuring seamless coordination with relevant stakeholders.
Our knowledge of the regeneration, the local area and key partners is key to the development of content and collateral to ensure that relationships are maintained with councillors, the local community, amenity groups and contractors to ensure information is shared.
Results
- Allotment Decant Programme – we successfully led a consultation programme with allotment holders which led to the Secretary of State approving a disposal under the Allotments Act 1925.
- Reserved Matters Applications – we have coordinated four reserved matters applications; three have secured planning approval. The fourth is yet to be determined.
- S16 and S38 Common Land Applications – working closely with the council's legal advisors, we advised and delivered a consultation in compliance with statutory requirements. Our approach went beyond the standard consultation guidelines and helped secure approval of the applications by the Secretary of State (DeFRA).
The Weyside Urban Regeneration Scheme is an ongoing project.
SECTOR: FILM STUDIOS
Client: Blackstone
Project: Sunset Studio Waltham Cross Film and Studio Campus
Status: Planning application approved
LPA: Broxbourne Council
A new world-class film and television studio campus comprising 21 state-of-the-art sound stages with ancillary workshops, offices and amenities.
Our role
Based on our extensive knowledge of the local area and our specialist expertise in large scale film studio projects, Chess Engage was commissioned to manage the engagement on the new proposals and secure support for the application.
Our approach
We worked with the client to formulate the vision and key messages for the proposed development. We then devised a strategic plan for community and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on cultivating support for the proposed development. This included a coordinated local and social media campaign and a programme of stakeholder engagement.
Due to the extensive economic benefits associated with the proposal we prepared presentations for and led the engagement with the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Hertfordshire Regional College, Hertfordshire Growth Board, the Employment and Skills Partnership, Hertfordshire University, and Hertfordshire County Council. This secured wider support for the application and helped inform a skills and training framework that was submitted as part of the planning application.
Results
- We consulted with more than 1000 people with 94% expressing support for the scheme. 800 people have signed up for further updates.
- Planning application unanimously approved by the Broxbourne Borough Council Planning Committee. Consent for the scheme was achieved within a year of acquiring the site.
- Transformation of a 91-acre site into the UK's largest world-leading film and television studio campus, creating new jobs and investment into the local and UK economy.
- Sunset Studios was shortlisted in the Promoting Economic Growth category by Planning Awards 2023.
SECTOR: FILM STUDIOS
Client: Shinfield Studios
Project: Shinfield Studios Film Studios
Status: Planning application approved
LPA: Wokingham Council
A new world-class film and television studio campus comprising 18 state-of-the-art sound stages with ancillary workshops, offices and amenities.
Our role
Based on our extensive knowledge of the Wokingham area and our expertise in large-scale film studio projects, Chess Engage was commissioned to manage the engagement on the new proposals and secure support for the various applications. We brokered the initial conversations with the Council and Shinfield Studios which led to the project.
This was one of the largest overseas investments in 2021, recognised as one of the best film and TV studio complexes in the world. We facilitated conversations with the Government as a key advocate for the project.
Our approach
We worked with the client to formulate the vision and key messages for the proposed development. The initial conversations scoped the need for a short and sharp campaign to achieve temporary planning permission for four stages and four workshops. This was achieved within six months of the project beginning and involved intense community engagement recruiting supporters and advocates. The application was unanimously approved at the committee.
We then devised a strategic plan for community and stakeholder engagement for the wider in detail major application for eighteen stages, workshops, ancillary buildings, and permissions associated with the bigger site. This included a coordinated local engagement campaign with parishes, schools, community groups and councillors, building on our initial programme of stakeholder engagement.
Due to the extensive economic benefits associated with the proposal we prepared presentations for and led the engagement with the local public authorities, the Berkshire LEP and wider groups such as colleges and Berkshire film and cultural bodies. This secured wider support for the application and helped inform a skills and training framework that was submitted as part of the planning application. Chess Engage wrote the Employment and Skills Strategy for Shinfield Studios, as well as the Community Strategy both adopted by the Council at as approved plans for the Studios.
Results
- We consulted with more than 2000 people who overwhelmingly expressed support for the scheme.
- Planning application unanimously approved by the Wokingham Borough Council Planning Committee. Consent for the scheme was achieved within a year of acquiring the site, following temporary approved which was achieved within six months.
- Transformation of a brownfield site into the UK's fourth largest world-leading film and television studio campus, creating new jobs and investment into the local and UK economy. State of the art facilities built to US standards.
SECTOR: COMMERCIAL
Client: Acklam Group
Project: Chobham Road, Woking Grade A Office
Status: Planning application approved subject to S106 agreement
LPA: Woking Borough Council
New Grade A, 10-storey office building in Woking Town Centre.
Our role
Chess Engage was appointed to provide communications and engagement support for Acklam’s proposal to secure planning permission for new office buildings in Woking.
Our approach
Woking Borough Council had recently changed political control. The new administration had commissioned a new town centre masterplan, having been critical of the heights of some of the developments that had previously been consented and built. We recognised that our approach needed to align with the new draft town centre masterplan; reflecting the priorities of the new administration would be crucial for the project's success.
We knew that it was important to engage with the council leadership early on and secure the support of businesses and business organisations as this would be key to the scheme's success. Discussions were held with the Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Economic Development throughout the consultation phase. Presentations were delivered to influential business organisations, and community feedback was actively sought through traditional and digital channels, including a project website, digital advertising, leaflets, and a public exhibition.
Results
- 100% positive feedback for the scheme at the public exhibition.
- Ten positive representations from key businesses including the Surrey and Woking Chambers of Commerce submitted to the planning authority.
- Planning application unanimously approved by the Woking Borough Council Planning Committee.
SECTOR: GARDEN VILLAGE
Client: Crest Nicholson
Project: Longcross North and Longcross South
Status: Planning application approved
LPA: Runnymede Borough Council
Longcross is one of the Government’s fourteen designated Garden Village sites. The development is split into two phases, north and south, delivering over 1700 homes overall, with 1,500 in the south, together with new green open space, transport and highways infrastructure improvements and community facilities.
Our role
Chess Engage has been working with Crest Nicholson since 2015 providing consultation and community engagement services. We were commissioned to deliver the strategy for the Longcross Garden Village, building on the experience gained from our previous work on their strategic site in Arborfield, Berkshire which secured outline planning permission.
Our extensive local knowledge in Runnymede coupled with our approach and methods have proven invaluable as the project has changed over the years. We’ve maintained the consistency of contact and engagement as the project team changed and the strategy developed. We have guided the scheme through each stage to the point of determination.
The project has now been successfully granted planning permission, and Chess Engage were commended for our engagement work.
Our approach
Given its complexity and high-profile nature, we conducted a comprehensive audit to identify the multiple stakeholders we needed to engage with over a sustained period. We have kept that local knowledge up to date and focused. Our links and contacts are second to none and have enabled the project to traverse some complex ground over the years. It was understanding the wider community, bringing them together and facilitation of meaningful engagement which allowed the scheme to progress with little if any vocal opposition and actually a lot of support.
We developed a stakeholder and community engagement strategy to help shape the development proposals from a formative stage. In recognition of the different phases, our approach was to build lasting relationships with a wide range of local political and community stakeholders through a programme of meetings, forums, events, and newsletters. We established and have maintained a Stakeholder Liaison Group so that there is continued input into different aspects of the development proposals. Meeting at regular intervals, this group has discussed transport, housing, open space and environmental improvements. The detail considered has been helpful to the project team and allowed the proposals to develop iteratively and constructively.
We organised open days where stakeholders were taken to see Arborfield and we arranged for local advocates of that scheme to inform people of the way Crest had gone about its work and development. We held numerous exhibitions that at each stage allowed Crest to showcase the latest iteration of the proposals and so people had the opportunity to input and shape key themes such as the layout and housing designs. We sent out newsletters informing people of the changes and updating them as elements of the final scheme changed. We held councillor feedback sessions to ensure members where fully briefed on an ongoing basis.
Our role was to devise ways and means of ensuring meaningful consultation and engagement that was inclusive and constructive. The balancing of community and political priorities has been essential in ensuring continued engagement and input into what is a complex long-term project.
Results
- Over the last decade Chess Engage has undertaken a programme of work that has resulted in positive local engagement and maintained Runnymede Borough Council support for the Local Plan allocation.
- The Longcross North development has been completed and the Longcross South outline application was submitted in late 2022.
- We helped support the Upper Longcross Residents’ Association and built an effective relationship with its membership in engaging over development proposals.
- The quality of engagement for Longcross South has been commended by both political and community stakeholders.
- Longcross South was unanimously approved by councillors at the Planning Committee held on April 24th.
SECTOR: SCIENCE PARK
Client: Mission Street
Project: Land South of Coldhams Lane – Science Park
Status: Planning application approved
LPA: Cambridge City Council
A year-long consultation and engagement programme for a new destination science and innovation park in Cambridge.
Our role
Following a competitive tendering process, Chess Engage was commissioned to deliver a bespoke communications and stakeholder programme. Our extensive local knowledge and understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the region played a pivotal role in our selection for this project.
Our approach
Recognising the local historic controversy surrounding the site our approach centred on rebuilding and reinforcing existing relationships within the Cambridge community. We developed a programme of engagement with political stakeholders, as well as the expansive network of local groups, recognising the importance of their involvement in the engagement process.
To ensure meaningful participation, we recommended and delivered a 12-month consultation programme to provide ample opportunities for stakeholders and communities to shape and contribute to the proposed plans.
- We met with over 30 groups, individuals and organisations across the City and especially locally in Cherry Hinton;
- Worked alongside the Cambridge Centre for Science;
- Held a drop in event & two public exhibitions with approx. 250 people attending;
- Undertook a school engagement programme focused on promoting science and STEM subjects, supported by the City Council School Outreach officer team;
- Met local City and County Councillors;
- Held officer-led briefing meetings for Councillors;
- Presented at the Cherry Hinton Residents Association AGM;
- Informed over 2500 households of our events through regular direct mail letters;
- Wrote to neighbours of the site to keep them informed, as well as objectors to ensure transparency and engagement;
- Met with the Mayor of the Combined Authority;
- Made a presentation to the Cambridge East Community Forum and provided subsequent updates.
We also designed a school outreach programme, strengthening relationships with the younger community and creating opportunities for them to put forward their perspectives and ideas.
Results
- Insights from the consultation program informed the proposed scheme, ensuring community perspectives helped shape the development.
- The application was unanimously approved by the Cambridge City Council Planning Committee in September 2024.
