Services

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

I can prepare and submit applications of all types on your behalf working with any other professionals you may have already engaged.  Where specialists may be needed to contribute to the application, I can make recommendations from a list of firms and individuals that I'm confident to recommend to you for involvement in your project.

Once an application is submitted, my monitoring of the process is essential through to a final decision by the local authority.

PLANNING APPRAISALS

It is often the case that a project needs assessment well before an application is made and this may include what is known as a 'Pre-application Enquiry' to the local authority.

Alternatively, an appraisal of your project may be carried out for reasons other than to make a planning application where a land transaction is being considered for example.

PLANNING APPEALS

A planning appeal usually follows a refusal of planning permission, although it can also be needed where an Enforcement Notice has been served for some breach of the planning legislation.  I would always review the need for an appeal before recommending proceeding especially where I'm called in on a project where I was not previously involved.

Appeals are dealt with by independent government appointed Inspectors and not by the local authority.  There are strict requirements and timetables to be followed in order that the appeal can be validated and processed.

I can also advise on the best appeal process to be followed, although the majority are by exchanges of written documents.

GENERAL ADVICE

This can cover a range of planning related matters which might not fall under any of the other sections listed.  It may only need a brief exchange of emails depending on the complexity of the issues involved.

LOCAL REPRESENTATION

This is essentially me providing assistance to individuals or groups who are concerned about planning proposals which they believe may affect them, whether just a simple extension to their neighbour's house or a more significant development of land in their vicinity.

I can review the proposals and submit letters to the local authority on behalf of those who are affected or draft letters which they themselves can submit.  If the planning application in question is eventually reported to a planning committee there is usually the opportunity for a personal representation to me made at the meeting. 

This service can of course be followed through in the case of an appeal against the initial refusal.

ENFORCEMENT RESOLUTION

Enforcement action can be taken by the local authority for breaches of the legislation but it's usuallly preceded by some form of correspondence requiring information about the breach to be provided.  Early involvement of a planning consultant in such cases is essential, and can often lead to any further action being dropped or for some form of alternative resolution to be mutally agreed.

Should this not be the case and an Enforcement Notice be served, an appeal can suspend the notice, but as mentioned under 'Planning Appeals', the timing is crucial and a comprehensive understanding of the process is needed.