Planning Appraisals

This service is available to architects, developers and private clients. Prior to submitting a planning application it is important to ensure that everything has been done to give it the best chance of securing permission. This is not only through the identification of the right site but also making sure that the development project fulfills the more detailed requirements that the local authority will require.

This form of appraisal will consider the design and layout of the site, as well as aspects such as the impact on neighbours, the suitability of the access, and matters such as affordable housing, etc. We will also be able to advise whether further reports will be required - such as a structural survey or a wildlife study - and arrange for these to be carried out.

In appraising the development of a particular site we can also introduce the right architectural support, and we have excellent links with a number of architects and architectural technicians with whom we work with on a regular basis. Almost invariably, work undertaken preparing a development proposal is time well spent when it comes to submitting a planning application, as Councils will now expect a proposal submitted to them to be ready for determination.

As a practice we have a good working relationship with many of the planning officers working in the west country. Prior to submitting a planning application, we will usually seek to discuss a proposal with the officer concerned, with the intention of securing agreement on as much of the project as possible before it is formally considered. Many Councils now charge for this pre-application advice, however this can often be worthwhile in the long run.