TOWN PLANNING

We offer planning services from an initial consultation through to the submission of applications and post application work.

INITIAL CONSULTATION AND PRE-PLANNING SITE APPRAISALS

We carry out an initial assessment of a site’s location, planning history and local precedent, in the context of planning policy and guidance, in order to assess the potential constraints and opportunities prior to the preparation of any proposals.

PRE-PLANNING APPLICATIONS
The preparation of initial proposals to submit for pre-planning advice and discussions with the local planning authority.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
We can act as your agent or assist with other professionals in the preparation and submission of a planning application for extensions/alterations to a property, change of use and new builds.
APPLICATIONS FOR A CERTIFICATE OF LAWFULNESS

We submit such applications if there is a need to establish the lawfulness of a use or development without the need for formal planning permission – either for existing or proposed.

Applications to regularise existing uses and/or development are dependent on the length of time a development or use has been in existence, as well as the availability of the requisite supporting evidence.

PLANNING STATEMENTS, DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENTS
We prepare the appropriate statements to accompany all applications.
PLANNING CONDITIONS

A planning approval is usually subject to planning conditions and we deal with their discharge.
Some conditions must be approved prior to development commencing on site and others prior to its occupation. This may involve the appointment of other professionals to assist in a submission.

Alternatively, conditions may require applications for their variation or removal.

APPLICATIONS FOR LISTED BUILDING CONSENT
We prepare Heritage Statements in support of Listed Building Consent applications.
PLANNING AND LISTED BUILDING APPEALS
We analyse and advise on the submission of planning appeals. However, we always recommend that discussions and negotiations with the local authority are fully explored before submitting an appeal, which must be ‘the last resort’. We only deal with appeals by way of written representations.
ENFORCEMENT

Potential enforcement proceedings: We advise quick action and contact with officers to attempt to resolve matters or concerns prior to the issue of an enforcement notice.

Retrospective planning applications: Where submissions are appropriate.

Enforcement Notices: We prepare and submit statements and documents for appeals.

THE APPOINTMENT OF OTHER PROFESSIONALS

Some applications may require the appointment of other professionals, such as:

– Land and building surveyors
– Daylight, sunlight and rights of light surveyors
– Arboriculturalists
– Transportation consultants
– Landscape architects
– Services engineers
– SUDS and drainage consultants
– Ecologists
– Environmental assessments
– Structural engineers
– Acoustic consultants
– Contamination experts
– And others . . .

We are happy to introduce and liaise with other professionals or work alongside client appointed ones.