Town & Country Planning Consultants

The planning system is complex. It is constantly being updated through appeal decisions and emerging advice. Planning Applications are all site specific and require specialist knowledge of planning policy and guidance. We will always try to explain the wider ramifications of development projects including financial benefits or pitfalls. We will carry out an initial appraisal so that we can clearly set out options and assess chances of success.

Planning in rural areas

We have particular experience of Green Belt planning issues, as well as securing buildings for agriculture and leisure in the open countryside through agricultural prior determination and full planning application routes. We regularly deal with applications in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the Heritage Coast. We handle planning applications for the provision of essential worker’s (agricultural) dwellings. We also have experience in removing agricultural occupancy conditions (agricultural ties) where these have outlived their usefulness.

Appeals against planning refusals

Where planning is refused locally we have proved successful with planning appeals. Whether by written representations, informal hearing or public inquiry we can produce the information required by Planning Inspectors to be able to give fair consideration to your case.

Explaining permitted development rights

Rights to development have been updated through the Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (No.2) (England) Order 2008. This order was intended to simplify the system for permitted development rights, but has caused confusion, with several local authorities assessing proposals under an application for a Certificate of Proposed Use. Do you need to follow this route?

Buildings and uses of land that would otherwise be subject to enforcement action can be made lawful through Certificates of Lawful Use. There are four and ten year rules depending on the use being claimed, so advice is essential prior to making application. Alternatively, a retrospective planning application can be submitted to regularise a planning situation where this approach is more appropriate. We have experience of dealing with such applications, which can enhance the value of your property.

Help with Planning Enforcement Notices

Enforcement Notices, Planning Contravention and Stop Notices require immediate action. We can advise on how to proceed if you should be unfortunate enough to encounter any of them!

Design & Access Statements & other supporting evidence reports

All planning applications now need to be accompanied by a Design & Access Statement, while other reports and supporting evidence are also necessary in many cases. These might include Tree Reports; Wildlife Surveys; Bat Surveys; Traffic Surveys; Environmental Impact Assessments; Agricultural Need Assessments; Business Assessments; Marketing Appraisals etc. We can produce some of this material in-house, while other information can be secured from our professional contacts, making the process easier for you.