Campaign Playbook: How to Oppose Local Development Effectively

1. Get Organised Early
• Form a core group with a clear purpose.
• Decide on structure (informal group, incorporate or (exceptionally) registered charity
if your group has a charitable purpose).
• Open a bank account (it takes ages)
• Appoint a Chair to guide decisions and keep focus.
2. Define Your Direction
• Vision (1 sentence): The future you want (realistic, motivating).
Example: “Protect the character of our community for future generations.””Secure a
refusal of planning permission for the wind farm at…”
• Mission (2–3 sentences): Why you exist and how you’ll achieve the vision.
Example: “We oppose industrial style developments that damage our landscape and
residential amenity. We will work constructively with all parties to find better
solutions.”
• Values: Decide how you want to be seen (e.g. respectful, transparent, positive,
professional, country-loving etc).
3. Set Strategic Goals
Choose a few focused goals. For example:
1. Cohesion: Represent local voices (e.g. Community Councils).
2. Awareness: Inform residents and media about the issue and alternatives.
3. Lobbying: Gain support from Councillors, MSPs/MPs, and government bodies e.g.
NatureScot, HES, SEPA, Council, etc).
4. Alliances: Partner with NGOs, experts, and sympathetic organisations.
5. Public Campaigning: Petitions, house-to-house, flyers, meetings, events, and social
media.
6. Resources: Build finance, skills (media + comms, planning law, landscape architect’s
expertise).
7. Assess need for the development – is it needed/
4. Build Credibility
• Be constructive – propose alternatives, or better solutions not just objections.
• Use evidence (planning rules, environmental impact, economic concerns).
• Maintain a professional, respectful tone with all stakeholders.
• Share updates openly with local population to build trust.
5. Manage the Campaign
• Communications: Keep communities, politicians, and supporters informed. One
person to do comms.
• Publicity: Use social media, local press, and public meetings to build visibility.
• Finance: Membership fees, donations, grants – plan early for costs (legal, expert
advice, publicity).It’s a long haul, and you don’t need all the money on day 1
6. Stay Flexible
• Review strategy regularly. Circumstances change – update your approach.
• Use SWOT analysis:
o Strengths – What you do well (e.g. motivated group, expert knowledge).
o Weaknesses – Gaps in skills/resources.
o Opportunities – Political support, public opinion, media interest.
o Threats – Policy shifts, developer lobbying, resource fatigue.
7. Remember the Essentials
• Strategy is about thinking before acting.
• Keep it simple, clear, and realistic.
• Campaign success comes from persistence, alliances, and credibility – not just
protests.
✅ Checklist for New Groups
• Small, committed team formed
• Vision written (1 line)
• Mission agreed (2–3 lines)
• Values agreed
• 3–6 strategic goals set
• Plan for publicity, lobbying, and finance
• Regular reviews built in