We can help you identify sensible parcels of land for development or future allocation. We will advise on the risk profile, the chances of securing an allocation or permission, and the best route to achieving this.
Appraisals of Development Potential
We can give you an honest assessment of the chances of securing a permission or allocation on land you own, or property you’re interested in purchasing. We will offer clear advice and will set out the prospects, challenges and best approach to achieving what you want to achieve.
Planning Applications
We can help you set a strategy; introduce you to the right people at the Council; assemble and co-ordinate a team of professionals to prepare technical evidence; submit the application and negotiate with the Council on your behalf.
We regularly present at Planning Committees and will speak on your behalf, and answer questions from Councillors. We can advise on the conditions and heads of terms of any legal agreement. We also offer full services to help get you on site, including discharging any planning conditions.
Supporting Evidence
We recognise that sometimes you will want to run your own planning process in house. We can discuss the best way to achieve this and support you with technical evidence or case building material to give you the best chance of success. We offer partial services to fill gaps in your team and can help support your in house team when needed.
Case building and Strategic Advice
Some planning cases simply need high level guidance, whether it be to help with the local politics, bringing some positive relationships with the Council into play, or to formulate a solution to a difficult or innovative planning problem. We offer a bespoke advisory service, and can provide a new perspective on the problems you’re facing.
We can’t promise to find a miracle solution, but we can bring years of experience to the table, having worked on a number of developments involving innovative technologies and highly controversial projects. We normally find a positive way through.
Planning Appeals and Expert Witness Services
We have an enviable track record of securing permission and most of our permissions are won through negotiation at the local level. However, we often get involved at the appeal stage.
Matthew has extensive experience as a planning witness, having represented developers at many Public Inquiries and Informal Hearings. He has also presented at numerous Examinations in Public (EIP) and led Development Consent Order (DCO) Examinations for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP). Have a look at the testimonials page to see what several respected Queens Counsel have to say.
Land promotion through the Development Plan process
We have extensive experience of promoting land through the Development Plan process. We can offer a review of your chances of success and the risks involved. We will track the process and offer advice on when it’s best to present your case to the Local Authority, and who to present it to. We can make representations at the right stages and present your interests at the Examination in Public. We can also advise on the evidence needed to support your case.
General Planning Advice
If you just want to call to talk something through, we’re happy to help. If we can’t assist, we know a number of other consultants who may be better placed to help you than we are. We can make recommendations and refer you to someone with the right expertise.
