Town Planning

Our Town Planning & Development consultancy offers the personal attention of a Fellow of the Royal Town Planning Institute with over thirty years experience in all facets of the planning system.

Stuart Hall
BA (Hons), Dip TP, FRTPI, MIHT

The Consultancy aims

• To provide "no frills" effective and reliable professional town planning advice and services
• To maximise value for clients through quality solutions that also serve the interest of the community in which we live and work
• When possible to negotiate constructively rather than confront; and when necessary to challenge with determination and persistence
• Development Plan Representations
  The Local Development Framework (LDF) sets the ground rules that largely determine what development may be permitted, where and when. So, landowners and developers need to influence LDF preparation and review at every opportunity. We can promote your interests through professional advocacy and discussion with the local planning authority as planning policy is being shaped - not after it has set hard.
• Site Development Potential

  An early realistic appraisal of a site's development potential can avoid wasted expense on detailed plans, fees, etc.

  This can include a site inspection, analysis of planning policies, and discussions with the local planning authority.

  A broad assessment of development capacity will inform investment decisions and provide the basis for seeking planning permission. On large or complex sites a more detailed Development Brief, covering constraints, design principles and indicative proposals, will ease a scheme's progress through the planning system.

• Getting Planning Permission

  We offer a comprehensive service from submission to permission, monitoring progress, negotiating with and responding to queries from planning officers, and if necessary representing the client at Planning Committee Meetings.

• Planning and Related Appeals

  Planning is a political activity, and even the best technical schemes don't always gain approval straight away. We provide a realistic assessment of the chances of success on appeal to The Secretary of State, or what changes could overcome reasons for refusal. We take the appeal on your behalf, by written representations, hearing or public inquiry.

• Section 106 Agreements

  Increasingly, before planning authorities will contemplate granting planning permission they seek financial contributions to meet consequent infrastructure costs. We advise on what is reasonable, and negotiate accordingly for our clients.

• Other People's Plans

  From time to time you may find that development is proposed near you. This may affect your living conditions, or even threaten the development potential of your own land. If so, we will represent you in writing or in person, both to the local planning authority and, if necessary, in appeals.

• High Hedges

  The reasonable enjoyment of your property may be affected by a neighbour's high hedge. Councils now have the power to act, but they charge fees to handle complaints. We can advise on the chances of a successful outcome before greater costs are incurred. If your hedge is the subject of complaint, again we can advise on the strength of your position.