Planning

Navigating UK planning law can feel daunting. We make it clear, considered and, wherever possible, painless.

A planning application is often the most nerve-wracking part of a project for our clients. Will the council approve it? How long will it take? What compromises will need to be made? Our role is to remove as much of that uncertainty as we can, by understanding the planning consent process inside out and building a strategy around your specific site from the very start.

Every property carries its own planning context, and untangling this is central to how we approach an application. This might include:

• Conservation area designations

• Listed building consent requirements

• Green belt development restrictions

• Permitted development rights

• Highways considerations, including access and parking

• Overlooking and privacy impact on neighbouring properties

• Local authority policy and precedent

Beyond the core planning application, many projects require supporting technical reports to satisfy planning officers and demonstrate that a scheme has been properly considered. Depending on your site, this may include:

• Ecology reports, covering bats, newts, nesting birds and trees

• Biodiversity net gain assessments

• Light spillage assessments

• Noise assessments

• Arboricultural reports for protected trees

We work closely with a trusted network of planning consultants and other specialists where a project's complexity calls for it, coordinating their input so that your application is as robust as possible from submission.

Our planning process typically takes the following path:

• Building on the planning strategy established at concept design stage, we finalise the drawings and supporting information required for a valid planning application.

• We identify which, if any, technical reports are needed and instruct the relevant consultants on your behalf.

• We assemble the full application package, ensuring it meets your local authority's validation requirements.

• The application is submitted and registered with the council.

• We monitor the application's progress, liaising with the planning officer and responding to any queries or requests for amendments as they arise.

• Once consent is granted, we review the decision notice and any conditions attached, advising you on what, if anything, needs to be discharged before work can begin.