RWE npower renewables, developers of the Little Cheyne Court Wind Farm

Winds of change

Brief: 

• Provide a broad range of support to RWE npower renewables throughout the planning and construction of Little Cheyne Court, the largest onshore wind farm in the South East.
   
• Promote support for a landmark renewable energy project in the region from initial consultation, through planning, a public inquiry and judicial review to construction, completion and formal opening.

Results and highlights:

• Working closely with the RWE npower renewables, Maxim assisted in the development of a comprehensive consultation and communications programme.
   
• A series of successful community consultation exhibitions were organised.
   
• Local and national print and broadcast publicity was managed by Maxim, which also involved hosting press visits.
   
• Widespread local support was secured, resulting in many letters of support for the scheme from local residents, environmental groups – both local and national – and business representatives.
   
• A community liaison group and freephone service were established to help ensure good communications with local residents during the construction phase of the wind farm.
   
• A community benefit fund was established.
   
• A formal opening by the then Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband MP.