Planning Policy

How we can help you:

Planning authorities at all levels are almost constantly developing and reviewing policy. Any landowner/developer taking anything other than a very short-term view should seize the opportunities this presents. Our professionals have the skills and the contacts to maximise the chances of success.

With the introduction of the Government’s ‘localism’ approach to planning, neighbourhood plans are set to become an important feature of the policy environment. They present both challenges and opportunities.

Our Expertise:

The UK planning system is complex, and constantly evolving.  We have a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of the latest position, and the ability to spot opportunities for clients to further their interests by getting involved in plan and policy-making.

Our people are experienced in:

• Generating ideas and seizing opportunities.
• Working up the case for a plan or policy change, drawing in the input of other professionals as appropriate.
• Managing community and stakeholder engagement. 
• Representing clients at Public Examinations and other hearings.

Depending upon the circumstances, the objective may be (for example) to get a strategic site allocated for development; to secure a more liberal policy towards retailing; or to avoid too much land being released for development, to the detriment of existing owners and users.  Whatever the objective, we always aim to combine creativity, attention to detail and persistence, and always to remain focused on what will maximise our client's advantage.

Our clients include plan makers as well as ‘consumers’.  We have the ability to take on responsibility for producing whole planning policy documents, whether at LEP, District/Borough, or neighbourhood level; or, alternatively, to provide specialist survey work and analysis as an input into a planning authority’s evidence base and plan-making process.