Planning advice and applications

Planning is a key part of both development and asset management processes.

Planning consents establish value and provide the legislative framework for the use of land and buildings.

Planning law can be complex, with national, regional and local requirements and considerations. Individual applications are subject to interpretation by local planning authorities and appeal inspectors.

The building modifications recommended by Disability Discrimination Act assessments frequently require planning advice, particularly for listed buildings.

How we can help

We advise on planning matters and prepare and submit the necessary documentation. Our services extend from preliminary advice regarding planning matters to the presentation of planning appeals at public hearings.

Typically, we will

• Provide advice on planning matters,
• Agree with the client an appropriate planning strategy, and 
• Submit a planning application for the required works. This may be as simple as an application for a change of use of the premises or a more significant new-build residential scheme.

Our planning services frequently support our planned maintenance, refurbishment or building alteration services. There is also scope for planning advice as part of our whole-life cost and asset management and portfolio assessment services.

We will identify any additional reports or supporting information required. For example, an arboricultural or highways report may be necessary.

Help with refused planning applications

Where planning applications have been refused, we can provide an assessment of the merits and weaknesses of the original application and suggest alterations and design changes to permit the submission of an amended application.

Alternatively, where the scheme is appropriate, we can prepare and present a planning appeal.

Conservation areas and listed buildings

We prepare and apply for conservation area and listed building consents.

We undertake assessments and produce reports on the historic fabric and building characteristics to support or object to particular planning and listed building applications.

Confidentiality and security

Many of our clients require our staff to be cleared for CRB or specialist security. All staff working on such projects are cleared as appropriate and carry identification. We have experience preparing planning applications for sensitive buildings, where security or confidentiality require an appropriate selection of information on the drawings.