Planning Engagement That Builds Common Ground
Specialists in planning consultations, stakeholder engagement, and community communications across the UK.
Coalface Engagement is communications and stakeholder engagement consultancy that helps developers, local authorities and investors build support with stakeholders and communities for planning and regeneration projects, delivering planning applications consultations, providing engagement advice and strategic communications.
Coalface Engagement is a specialist planning communications and stakeholder engagement consultancy.
We help developers, local authorities and investors build understanding and trust with communities and stakeholders through effective consultation and engagement strategies.
​
We deliver planning application consultations, Local Plan strategy and engagement, and strategic communications programmes that support successful planning outcomes and reduce risk.
From early-stage high-level engagement to public consultation and political liaison, we bring insight, structure and credibility to every project.
Services
Planning Application Consultations
(Pre & Post-Application)
Developing and delivering pre and post-app engagement to strengthen your application
Strategic Communications
Messaging and media strategies to manage reputational risk.
Stakeholder & Political Engagement
Mapping, relationship management and advocacy to build project support
Digital & Creative Engagement Tools
Online platforms, surveys, and visual content for accessible consultation.
Local Plan Communications & Consultation
Helping councils deliver transparent, inclusive plan-making
Advisory, Training & CPDs
Capacity-building for planning, communications, and project teams.
Latest Insights
About
Specialists in Planning and Stakeholder Engagement — Building Common Ground Between Developers and Communities.
Who We Are
Founded by Rowan Cole, Coalface Engagement brings nearly two decades of experience in planning, politics and public affairs. We help clients navigate complex development and regeneration projects through clear, credible engagement.
Our approach combines professional rigour with authentic communication — building understanding between developers, communities and decision-makers to deliver sustainable, supported change.
We work at the heart of the built environment — planning, development, infrastructure, and placemaking — supporting clients to navigate complex issues with clarity and confidence.
Our approach is straightforward: we listen first, then design tailored engagement strategies that bring people together, resolve challenges, and tell compelling stories. From guiding major infrastructure schemes through consultation, to helping local authorities and developers manage community relations, we pride ourselves on working at the “coalface” of change — where decisions meet real lives.
Our Mission
"Our mission is to turn complex plans into meaningful conversations that build trust and deliver positive change"
Why Us
We bring deep, hands-on expertise in planning, development, and community engagement. At Coalface Engagement, we don’t just advise from a distance, we work alongside you at every stage of your project, helping you navigate complex challenges with confidence. We're trusted for cutting through the noise, building genuine relationships, and crafting clear messages that resonate with communities and stakeholders alike.
Who we work with
Founder
Rowan Cole
BA Hons | MCIPR | MIoD
Rowan Cole is the founder of Coalface Engagement, a consultancy dedicated to helping developers, local authorities and investors communicate effectively and build trust with the communities they serve.
​
With nearly two decades of experience across planning, development and the wider built environment sector, Rowan brings a rare blend of perspectives. He has served as an elected councillor, giving him first-hand insight into the pressures and priorities that shape local decision-making, and has also worked within Parliament, deepening his understanding of how policy, politics and public opinion intersect.
​
​Rowan's held senior consultancy roles leading communications and consultation strategies for major regeneration and infrastructure projects.
​
Alongside leading Coalface, Rowan is a Member of the Institute of Directors (MIoD) and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (MCIPR).
​