Planning applications
With many years of combined planning experience in private practice and Local Government, we have a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips.
Jeff and Jack have the skills and expertise to handle a wide range of planning applications, including full planning, listed building consent applications, outline and subsequent reserved matters proposals, prior approvals, lawful development certificates, section 17, 73 and 96 submissions, and householder applications. We are also adept at dealing with pre-application submissions at the very start of the process and the discharge of conditions stage at the very end.
We are also well placed to provide advice in in relation to all aspects of footpath diversions, submissions to Local Plan examinations and active planning applications.
Whilst we are always happy to work with external Architects, we can offer a comprehensive planning service and architectural design service under one roof.
Planning appeals
We will always put forward the best possible case to achieve Planning Permission. Of course, planning is very much an opinion based discipline and occasionally a proposal will be refused by the Council. Should your application be refused, you have a right of Appeal to the Secretary of State (via the Planning Inspectorate). Each application is considered on its own merits and we have the in-house expertise to put forward a comprehensive case on your behalf if necessary.
On the most complex cases, we enjoy direct access to an experienced Planning Barrister, who we can instruct to act on your behalf.
Biodiversity net gain
Following the introduction of the Environment Act (2021), almost all development is now required by law, to demonstrate a measurable increase of Biodiversity as a result of any development. Aside from a handful of exempt developments, you will be required to secure a relevant report from a qualified ecologist to comply with this new requirement.
Several Local Authorities in the area have created similar requirements in their Local Plans already, and as a result, the Team has considerable experience already in navigating this new legal requirement.
COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE LEVY
Since the introduction of the Community Infrastructure Levy, our Practice has navigated this legislation in order to achieve the best outcome for our Clients. Whilst not all Local Planning Authorities have adopted the levy and not all developments attract a charge, where the levy is in force it is important for Applicants to note that they may be legally obliged to notify the Council at relevant stages of the application and build process.
Over the years we have dealt with many CIL chargeable developments and are adept in assisting our Clients to limit their liability as much as possible. We will assist in the completion and submission of initial forms, however Clients should understand that we cannot take responsibility for CIL on their behalf.
Appeal
We will always put forward the best possible case to achieve Planning Permission. Of course Planning is very much an opinion based discipline and occasionally a proposal will be refused by the Council. This does not mean that we have no further options and sometimes an appeal to the Secretary of State is worth pursuing. We have the in-house expertise to put forward a comprehensive case on your behalf if necessary.
Enforcement
First things first ...
Do not panic - we appreciate it is daunting to be contacted by any form of government official, even more so if you are on the receiving end of formal action on their part. But you are in the right place - we are here to help you - all we ask is that you don't delay in contacting us.
How we will work
You will often hear in planning that every case is judged on its merits and that no case is the same. This is true and the same can be said for our response to planning enforcement issues. We tailor our response to your individual situation and will agree a course of action with you at the outset.
It is fundamentally important that you are as open as possible with us about your planning circumstances. You can be assured of discretion but it will not help us support you if we try to defend your position without being aware of all the potential pitfalls that may crop up.
The professional status of colleagues here at JCE gives a right of Direct Access to barristers. This means we can instruct Barristers on your behalf and we regularly work with a number of leading planning Barristers.
