The planning application process, including both pre and post application matters, can be a confusing time if you have no previous experience. Rob Duncan Planning Consultancy offers guidance and assistance to help you achieve the best from the process and deliver high quality developments. Following initial site appraisals it is often advisable to undertake pre-application discussions with the Local...
The system of Lawful Development Certificates enables an applicant to apply to their Local Authority for a certificate saying that a proposed use or development would be lawful, and not require planning permission. This is quite common for those wishing to undertake extensions to their property. As with all Lawful Development Certificates the onus is on the applicant to demonstrate their case,...
When it comes to lodging an application it is often necessary for specialist documents to be prepared to accompany it. Typical examples include bat surveys, tree surveys and noise assessment. Rob Duncan Planning Consultancy has an extensive network of professional colleagues who can undertake these reports, and can make arrangements for these to be undertaken on your behalf as part...
The Royal Town Planning Institute is the UK's leading planning body for spatial, sustainable, integrative and inclusive planning. It exists to advance the science and art of planning (including town and country and spatial planning) for the benefit of the public. In order to become a member you must demonstrate to the RTPI that you have suitable experience and skills...
If you intend to lodge an appeal relating to a complex or controversial scheme, it is possible that it might be processed as a Public Inquiry. If it does, you will need appropriate legal representation. As a Chartered Town Planner, Rob Duncan can not only act on your behalf preparing quality appeal statements and proofs of evidence, but can also instruct...
A recent survey carried out by Planning Magazine - the journal of the Royal Town Planning Institute has showed that some 69% of Local Authority planners fear the emerging National Planning Policy Framework will make it easier for developers to secure permission for schemes without the support of the Local Authority. The private sector on the other hand do...
When you bring forward a large development, there is often a need for contributions to be made via a S106 Agreement. These can include for example affordable housing provision, education contributions or Public Open Space provision. The need, level and type of contribution will vary depending on the Authority and the scheme submitted. Rob Duncan Planning Consultancy can assist with negotiations...
The current planning system requires Local Authorities to determine applications in accordance with the Development Plan unless material planning considerations dictate otherwise. Government Advice contained in The Planning System: General Principles states that material considerations must be genuine planning considerations, i.e. they must be related to the development and use of land in the public interest. The considerations must also...
The preparation of a Local Development Framework by a Local Authority represents an opportunity for local land owners and developers to put forward parcels of land for allocation within the Council's Site Allocations Document. Rob Duncan Planning Consultancy can assist landowners in making representations to the Local Authority with the aim of having that land allocated within the resultant...
A number of months ago the Government announced that it would be making provision for the decentralisation of planning application fees in England. The intention is that Local Authorities will be able to set their own fee schedules for all the different types of development. The Local Authorities are restricted in that they cannot use te fee income to generate a profit,...
