The planning system can be daunting. Spruce Town Planning provides advice on all aspects of the planning system and can offer preliminary advice to clients on the potential of their land. Sound advice at an early stage can save a lot of time and cost later on.
We will research the planning history of the site, review relevant local and national planning policies and identify any constraints that may limit the development potential of your land. We will then outline what we see as the potential options for development and a strategy for the planning application process.
Image left courtesy of Thrive Architects Ltd
Before you submit a planning application it is often helpful to engage with the Local Planning Authority through a pre-application consultation. This can provide useful insights on how the Authority will view your proposed development and highlight any issues they have. It can often save time and cost later in the process to have tackled issues head on from the outset.
Spruce Town Planning are happy to manage the pre-application process on behalf of our clients.
Image right courtesy of Empery and Co. Ltd
The process of making a planning application can be complex. Spruce Town Planning can manage the planning application process on client’s behalf. We will coordinate external consultants in compiling the planning application, prepare the Design and Access Statement where required, submit the application and handle the ongoing management of the application on behalf of our clients. We will also negotiate section 106 agreements and attend planning committee meetings on behalf of our clients when required.
Planning permission can be refused no matter how well prepared an application is. Local Planning Authorities have to balance various matters when making decisions, and that can mean that there can be disagreement over the eventual decision. In such cases the applicant has the right of an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. Spruce Town Planning represent their clients on a range of planning appeal work. We deal with appeals progressed under the written representation, informal hearing and public inquiry routes.
Image right courtesy of Aspire Architects Ltd
We provide advice on strategic land opportunities on behalf of our clients, including the submission of representations on emerging local plans and attendance at examination hearings.
National Planning Policy encourages developers to consult with the community and for larger schemes in particular the opportunity to engage with the public and other stakeholders at an early stage can help to assuage fears and identify issues. Spruce Town Planning undertakes engagement with stakeholders, coordinates and attends public consultation events and prepare statements of community involvement on behalf of our clients