our services

These are now a statutory requirement for the majority of planning applications. We can work along side the project's architect to complete this document.

Any planning proposal will be affected by planning policies at a national, regional and local level. We can monitor emerging policies and advise clients where there may be implications such as a change in housing supply targets or the opportunity to change site-specific allocations.

Where residential development is sought on a previous employment site, local authorities may seek a supporting statement to justify its loss.

We can establish whether an EIA is needed for major projects and then co-ordinate the different specialist inputs required to produce this document.

Councils are now required to maintain a 5-year supply of housing and we can assess whether this is genuinely available

We can apply for a certificate to formally determine whether an existing or proposed use of a site requires planning permission.

We can identify issues affecting development propoals and consider the case for enabling development

We can negotiate with Councils on requirements attached to planning approvals such as affordable housing or open space, and brief lawyers accordingly.

Planning applications are a core area of our work. According to the scale and complexity of the project, we hold pre-application discussions with the Council and brief architects and other consultants. The application will be accompanied by a Planning Supporting Statement and other supporting information as may be required. We will submit the application, consider consultation responses and issues arising, attend Committee and review draft conditions with officers.

Should an application be refused or a condition prove unacceptable, we can advise on the prospects of success at appeal.

Central government guidance expects developers to carry out consultation prior to finalising development proposals for submission. This can prepare the ground for the application and alert the developer to potential issues which might otherwise arise during the application process.

Local authorities may wish to assess the impact of development proposals, for example in a Housing Market Renewal Area or where job creation will result.

Where retail development is considered outside of an existing shopping centre, particular justification may be required to demonstrate that this will not harm the vitality and viability of the town centre.

This will identify the relevant policies and site opportunities and constraints, and recommend a specific course of action. This will typically involve the submission of a planning application, or development plan representations

We can assist developers seeking to identify sites for immediate development or for longer tem promotion through the development plan. This might involve a strategic overview to identify appropriate areas of search, followed by specific site identification according to the client's criteria. This might be followed by more detailed site appraisals based on the client's short list and subsequent development plan representations.