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SERVICES

The planning regime can be a frustrating and complex environment, often requiring an understanding of planning law,
policy, the duties of local authorities and statutory bodies, and the rights of individuals and applicants.

Our multi-disciplinary background makes us well-placed to bring these various strands together. Whether it’s deliverable
policy and planning strategies, robust evidence-based insight, or bespoke advice, we provide our clients across the
public and private sector exhaustive support to meet even the most challenging of needs.

Pre-Planning and Due Diligence

Whether you are a property developer looking at making a planning application, an investor assessing the optimum use to make of a property portfolio, or a lender undertaking ‘due diligence’ to minimise their investment risk, we provide initial advice to maximise development potential and reduce planning risk.

 

Resource and time constraints imposed on local authorities often require a pre-application approach in order to reduce the cost and risks of refusal of later applications. We work closely with agents, valuers and architects to advise on the viability of a scheme, including density, car parking and the ‘planning gain’ package that might be required.

Urban Regeneration

Much of the planning regime, including the regeneration powers of statutory bodies, is determined by legal rules and procedures.

 

We provide advice to developers on the powers, process and steps involved in advancing larger schemes, and work with other professionals and local authorities to help insulate the scheme against future costs and delays caused by potential legal challenges and third-party objections.

 

We also have extensive experience of acting for local authorities and private developers on negotiating planning, highways and other relevant agreements that may be necessary to secure permission, whilst ensuring that a viable, sustainable and attractive development is delivered.

Planning and Other Applications

Practice and policy can vary greatly from one local authority to another. Our experience of advising several local planning authorities enables us to provide detailed and clear advice on the planning procedure, costs and timescales – often with the benefit of pre-application advice.

 

We will always seek to facilitate a co-operative relationship between clients and the local authority in delivering sustainable, high-quality and attractive development that provides a successful and viable outcome for the area.

 

We have extensive experience in dealing with listed buildings and development in conservation areas and advising individual Members and Planning Committees on matters of procedure, local government probity and the use of their decision-making powers.

Objectors and Enforcement

The planning regime can seem to be inaccessible and unfair at times to those affected by development. We have many years of experience in successfully safeguarding the interests of residents and local businesses against ‘un-neighbourly development’.

 

We guide concerned parties through the planning system, making sure that their concerns have a strong and persuasive voice throughout the application and, if necessary, any later appeal process, including any relevant compulsory purchase or similar statutory process.

 

We have advised several local planning authorities and private clients in enforcement matters, and our legal background and expertise helps to deliver clear, effective and timely advice on lawful use, permitted development rights and the expediency of taking planning enforcement action.

Appeals and Other Objections

Although we consider any appeal as a last resort, we have successfully represented private and public sector clients in planning, listed building and enforcement appeals, including acting either as an expert witness or as an advocate at Public Inquiries.

 

We also have direct rights of access to instruct barristers to either provide advice for lawful use, other planning matters or advise on legal challenges, or represent clients at appeal.

 

If an earlier application is likely to be unsuccessful for whatever reason, we will seek to progress the application so at least it provides the client with the best chance of securing permission on appeal.

SECTORS & SPECIALISMS

We’re extremely proud of all the work that we undertake for our clients. Our experts retain a strong client focus and place emphasis on adding
value, innovation, professionalism and providing favourable outcomes. Our experience covers a wide range of sectors and specialisms, which we
have successfully delivered across the full range of market sectors in which we operate.

FEATURED PROJECTS

TESTIMONIALS

DRK Planning see the bigger picture

We met David when we were having issues obtaining planning permission for one of our more problematic developments. He was one of several planning consultants that were put forward for this particular site, however, after reading David’s assessment of the situation we were dealing with, the decision to work with David was obvious. His honesty and knowledge about planning and how to approach the problem was the assurance to us that we were working with a true professional. We have found his advice and service vital to our business. He is someone who sees the bigger picture and with his vast experience in planning, we have always been confident that we are in safe hands. We are currently working with DRK Planning and will continue to use them, we cannot recommend them highly enough.

Viran Patel

Collaborative Approach

David comes from a multi-disciplinary planning background, and his experience is evident in the excellent advice that I have received from him over the years. Despite the vast knowledge and experience in his own possession, I was impressed with the collaborative approach that David has taken with me (the client), my architect, and even the planning officers! I would highly recommend David's planning consultancy services for property developers and landowners of all sizes.

Ozan Redjep Property Investor & Developer

Knowledge and expertise, second to none

I can highly recommend David as his knowledge and expertise in his field are second to none. Using his experience and professionalism he managed to bring what was turning into a tricky application into a successful one well within the proposed time frame! We have a great relationship with David and continue to work with him on several ongoing schemes.

Tom White, Higher End Construction Ltd Managing Director

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If you need planning consultancy support on your project, please use the form below to send us a brief explanation.