Planning

Strategy aligned with delivery

With over 25 years’ experience across residential, commercial, education, rural, heritage and regeneration projects, we are skilled at guiding development through a constantly evolving planning system. By combining policy insight, commercial awareness and practical judgement, we support sustainable development in appropriate locations.

Working as part of interdisciplinary teams, we align planning strategy with design, viability and delivery from the start.

• Strategy and site promotion

  We undertake planning appraisals and site assessments to identify development potential, test proposed uses, and optimise land and asset values. Our team promotes sites through the planning system and engages with local and regional authorities to position development proposals for success.

  Through strategic masterplanning and input into local development documents, we help shape planning frameworks that support sustainable growth and long-term value.

• Planning applications

  We manage all types of planning applications, including outline and detailed applications, listed building consent, conservation area consent and advertisement consent. Our team guides proposals through every stage, from pre-application discussions and submission to negotiation with planning authorities and statutory consultees. We coordinate specialist input where required. To support robust, deliverable proposals, we ensure early engagement with local authorities, wider communities and political stakeholders.

• Appeals and expert advocacy

  We advise on the merits of appeal and recommend the most appropriate route, whether written representations, informal hearings or public inquiries. Our chartered planners act as expert witnesses and prepare compelling cases, including applications for awards of costs where justified.

  Direct access to specialist planning counsel is provided where required, and we instruct the planning bar to support complex or high‑profile cases.

• Community and policy engagement

  We design and manage consultation processes to support planning applications and development plan preparation. Our experience spans neighbourhood planning, stakeholder engagement and policy drafting, assisting both applicants and local authorities in navigating complex consultation environments.

  By aligning development proposals with community priorities and policy objectives, we help strengthen the prospects of consent and long-term acceptance.

• Environmental Impact Assessment

  We manage Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes, including screening, scoping and preparation of Environmental Statements. Our team coordinates technical inputs from various project disciplines to ensure assessments are robust, proportionate and aligned with planning strategy.

  By integrating environmental analysis early, risk is reduced, decision‑making is strengthened and the prospects of successful consent improve.