First proposed by CALA Homes in 1998, and subsequently subject to a long legal process, we were brought on board in 2012 to carry out community and political engagement for Phase 1a and Phase 1b of Barton Farm. The Reserved Matters application was granted consent in 2014.
An appeal for Outline Planning Consent was granted in 2012. A ‘Save Barton Farm Group’ was in existence and community and political engagement were needed to progress Phases 1a and 1b of the site.
A collaborative approach was at the heart of planning for Barton Farm. Our engagement programme, which spanned 16 months, ensured the local community was genuinely involved in the proposals. This incorporated three public exhibitions, a series of focused workshops and one-to-one meetings with key local stakeholders. Strong advocates for the scheme were mobilised and strong opponents went from actively opposing the scheme to acknowledging its benefits and engaging constructively.
At the planning committee meeting where the application was approved, the level of public consultation was commended. One member referred to the consultation as “exemplar”. CALA’s first local planning consent for Barton Farm was delivered.