Planning Applications
The planning process usually begins with having to make an application for planning permission. Increasingly this is becoming a complex process and the demands of government and planning policy makes it necessary to include a whole range of reports and supplementary information in almost every kind of planning application. We deal with this process and cover issues such as Design and Access Statements, Language Impact Assessments, Planning Support Statements, and other such reports. We can also source other technical reports & advice that are often needed to support cases - for example an Ecological Assessments as well as a Structural Report which are often necessary in conversion applications. We have built up a professional rapport with Planning Officers throughout the region and the company is a well known and respected stakeholder within the planning system locally.
Clients using our knowledge & expertise:
Private Local Developers
Private Individuals
National Developers
Solicitors
Architects and Surveyors
Local Authorities
Other bodies - such as North Wales Police, Local Colleges etc.
Preparing and submitting planning applications
We take great care when compiling a planning application. Today’s increasingly complex range of Regulations demands that applications are properly constituted and comply with a number of requirements. It is our job to ensure that any application has the best possible chance of success and so every application is submitted with a detailed Planning Support Statement stating the relevant planning policies in support of the development and addressing the key material considerations for the case. We also co-ordinate any other reports that may be necessary such as structural reports, flood risk, landscape assessments and so on. This ensures that the local planning authority have all the correct information that will support your planning application.
Preparing Planning Support statements
This is an important document and we at Owen Devenport take great pride in our submission. No stone is left unturned in trying to reveal policies that will support the application. All relevant National and Local development plans are scoured for helpful statements and policies that will ultimately give the proposal every chance of success. Any advice gleaned from pre-application enquiries will also be included.
Advising on pre-application enquiries
It is often helpful to discuss any possible application with the officers of the Local Planning Authority beforehand. This will usually guide us on the direction on the detail that a Local Authority for the impending submission. Any difficulties can be highlighted beforehand, and possible further evidence/advice/reports that may be required will be brought to our attention at this early stage. Ironing out such requirements will usually mean a smoother ride for the application once it has been submitted.
Conservation and Listed Buildings
Another specialist area that requires a high degree of experience in the field. We have represented clients on numerous occasions where a knowledge of the requirements to conserve and enhance Conservation Areas or preserve Listed Buildings has been essential in the success of a particular scheme. The regulations and policies relating to historic buildings and areas are far more exacting than those for buildings that are not, and needs careful consideration in the preparation of any application for planning permission or for Conservation Area or Listed Building Consent.
Language Impact Assessment
Increasingly Local Planning Authorities are insisting that certain planning applications are accompanied by either a Community and Linguistic Statement or a more detailed Community and Linguistic Impact Assessment (sometimes called Welsh Language Statements or Welsh language Impact Assessments). These are documents that need to be compiled with a knowledge of the Welsh language and being a bi-lingual company we have successfully completed a number of these statements and assessments covering a range of developments.
Enforcement Notices
When a client is served with an Enforcement Notice submitting an appeal before the notice takes effect is absolutely essential. We have represented many clients who have been served such notices and successfully negotiated the appeal process to nullify or amend the notice in our clients favour.
Certificate of Lawful Use (CLU)
Development that is immune from Enforcement Action by the Local Planning Authority can be regularised by obtaining a Certificate of Lawful Use (CLU). We have carried out many such applications with a high degree of success; the secret being the compilation of strong evidence in support of the facts and if that evidence is irrefutable then a CLU should inevitably follow.
Representations for Local Plans
We have a great number of clients that have retained our services in making representations on Unitary Development Plans as well as Local Development Plans. We represent the clients’ best interests and state the case for amending policy or inclusion into the Plan. We also represent clients at Public Inquiries into Development Plans and will robustly set out our client’s case to the Planning Inspectors.