Services
Planning
Services
We offer a comprehensive range of planning services which includes (but is not limited to): initial early planning advice; site appraisals; planning applications; Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan representations; master planning; strategic site promotions; public engagement and consultation; and engaging and negotiating with Local Authorities and County Councils.
Our experience ranges from: smaller householder projects; to commercial and retail premises; heritage work; local and national infrastructure projects; up to large scale housing led schemes.
We also work with a wide range of clients including: home owners; private individuals; land owners; developers; promoters; national house builders; and local authorities.
Consultation
Consultation and Engagement
Consultation and engagement is an increasingly important element of the planning process, under both national policy and guidance, and local requirements. If done properly, it can be a key factor in achieving a successful planning outcome.
Fortunately for you, one of our specialist skills is being able to swiftly understand the practicalities of site or proposal, and then being able to relay this message to different audiences. This can include Local Authority Officers, fellow consultants, Planning Inspectors, Members and Councillors, or the general public. Being able to shape the content according to the audience can be a highly powerful tool.
The key areas to consideration are:
- Establish what level of engagement and consultation will be required that is reflective of the proposal;
- Initiate the communication, usually via the Local Planning Authority in the first instance;
- Agree a consultation and engagement strategy; This may need to be flexible, but could include: meetings with the Town or Parish Council; a public exhibition; workshops; pop-up event; iPad canvassing; surveys; or other meetings;
- Undertake to engage with key stakeholders, and possibly a wider audience;
- Analyse any feedback given, and amend the scheme accordingly if appropriate.
Each project must be treated individually, but the key to success is to “engage – listen – amend” with each of these stages needing to be given the appropriate amount of time and weight depending on what is being proposed.
Project Management
Project Management
A key role of a good planner is to be able to lead and manage projects, it is after all called a “planning application” for a reason (not an “architect” or “surveying” application). Planners must therefore be responsible for the management and co-ordination of their projects.
Thankfully, we have a significant amount of experience in this field, and we are an expert in being able to guide projects through all stages of the planning process, from inception through to completion, no matter if it is a householder application or a strategic site promotion. We are equally highly experienced in appointing and leading large multi-disciplinary consultant teams, and our combined 20+ years of experience means we have a wealth of knowledge and contacts of professional consultants that we can call upon, and share with clients.
Understanding the needs and delivery timeframes of a clients from a very early stage is critical, as this will drive the strategy that we employ in order to meet the timescales for the particular project. Our commercial awareness means that we are very conscious that “time is money”.
Honesty and openness is clearly the best policy.
Site Identification
Site Identification
Our skills, knowledge, contacts, and experience means that we are exposed to a lot of different planning and land related matters.
Being able to “join up the dots” means that we may well come across sites or development opportunities that may be of interest to you or your organisation.
Energetic and Proactive
Planning Advice
Planning Advice
