Planning Advice, Appraisals & Applications
Whether you have a straightforward query about whether or not you require planning permission, or you would like to know the development potential of a site, we are here to help.
We can draw on many years of experience with local planning authorities, to provide you with effective and sound planning advice, adding value to your project.
With the complexity of the planning process, increasing and ever changing submission requirements, together with increasing community involvement, it is more and more common for a formal pre-application request to be made to a Council. This is to establish the initial thoughts on a development project and the level of information it will require to support a planning application.
We can provide you with our own initial application appraisal and can handle the rest of the process on your behalf.
Our planning application service includes:
- Full planning and outline planning permission
- Prior approvals (Class Q) and prior notification
- Certificates of lawfulness
- Removal, variation and discharge of planning conditions
- Listed building and conservation area consent
- Advertisement consent
- Works to preserved tress
We also have access to a wide range of other professionals, crucial to the planning process. These include:
- Architects
- Structural engineers
- Ecologists
- Transport consultants
We can work with you and these third parties, to manage the whole process on your behalf as a complete package.
We have a very varied caseload of projects on the go at any time. From small residential projects through to large-scale development sites.
We would be delighted to speak to you about any aspect of the planning process and advise you on your project.
Planning Appeals & Enforcement
It is fair to say that not all applications for planning permission to Local Planning Authorities are successful, and inevitably some applications are refused. Our planning team has a reputation for innovation and problem solving to address issues raised by Councils.
Planning appeals:
We are often able to identify solutions to complex planning problems, through negotiation with Councils and through subtle changes to development projects.
In the event that a solution cannot be found, we also have considerable experience, expertise and an excellent success rate, in the handling of planning appeals on behalf of clients. Whether it is a written representation appeal, informal hearing or public enquiry.
We are able to manage the planning appeal process for you including instructing other experts to assist in the defence of the appeal.
Enforcement:
With our specialist knowledge, expert contacts and vast experience of planning enforcement, we are in a strong position to assist you should you have an enforcement action served against you.
Our team have local planning authority backgrounds, making them highly qualified to advise you on any aspect of responding to enforcement action. This can be anything from negotiation with the Council, innovative problem solving through to challenging enforcement action at appeal.
We also have considerable experience in lodging applications for certificate of lawfulness, which are a useful mechanism often used to avoid enforcement action.
The enforcement issue services we offer:
- Preparation of applications for certificated of lawfulness
- Innovative problem solving to challenge enforcement action by Councils
- Liaison and negotiation with Councils to avoid enforcement action
- Responses to planning contravention notices
- Appeals against the issue of enforcement notices
If you have been served with a planning contravention notice, breach of condition notice, or enforcement notice, do not delay, contact our team.
Option Agreements
Whether you are a landowner or a developer, you will find a well-negotiated option agreement to be of great benefit.
For a prospective purchaser, the agreement defines a timescale during which they have the option of purchasing a piece of land at a point in time that has been agreed in advance (usually the grant of planning permission). They gain the right to purchase the land, but it may not be required immediately. This allows flexibility, and provides time to secure other business that may be required before work can proceed.
For the landowner, an option agreement can often guarantee an upfront payment, as well as gaining a solid commitment from the developer that they will be seeking opportunities to purchase and develop the land in question once planning permission is obtained.
We know just how crucial it is to ensure an option agreement is fully and properly negotiated. The length of the agreement and the valuation of the land, as well as the detailed terms about who owes what and at which times, are all vital in making sure the agreement works properly for both parties.
Promotional Agreements
Again, whether you are a landowner or a developer, you will find a well-negotiated promotional agreement to be of great benefit.
For a promoter, the agreement defines a timescale during which they have the right to promote the land to the local authority and to apply for planning permission.
For the landowner, a promotional agreement can often result in an upfront payment, as well as gaining a solid commitment from the promoter  that they will be seeking opportunities to obtain planning permission on the land in question as quickly as they can.
Once planning permission is obtained the promoter and landowner work with us to market the property for sale to secure a sale to a developer. The sale proceeds are then split in accordance with the promotion agreement.
The length of the agreement, as well as the detailed terms about who receives what and at which times, are all vital in making sure the agreement works properly for both parties.
Our surveyors are qualified and experienced in both these specialist areas and we can provide you with considered and detailed advice.
Development Plan Representation
With councils regularly reviewing their local development plans, as a landowner you have the opportunity to promote your land for inclusion in their allocation plans.
We have the expertise and knowledge to prepare robust representations to local councils on your behalf, to help secure the allocation of your land for housing or commercial development.
We offer the following Local Plan Representation services:
- Development plan monitoring
- site appraisals
- Preparation of representation responses for consultation
- Representation at Local Plan Inquiries
We also very closely monitor emerging council planning policy on your behalf. This includes any planning submissions, promotion of land for development and objections.
Please get in touch to explore your options.
