Looking at a new site? It looks exciting – but does it really have a chance of getting planning consent? And what could you get on there?

Every day developer clients come to us with new sites which they have been offered. Without charge, we’ll take a look, do a bit of research and give them our honest opinion with regard its planning potential. If you have a site and you would like an initial professional opinion then don’t delay – give us a call or email over the details.

The Planning System in this country has to be described as confusing at best and so we know it can be pretty daunting knowing you have to make a planning application or even finding out whether you need one. What you need is some good advice from the outset which you can trust but won’t cost the earth.

• No matter how small your project, we will help you translate your vision into reality.
• We can find additional or alternative solutions that you hadn’t explored and can help you find the right architect and project team.
• We will act professionally, providing honest advice to help you deliver your dream development on time and on budget.

Whether it is a simple query on permitted development rights or a complete “Grand Designs” project, Stefano Smith Planning can help you. Before you do anything else give us a call or email to request a call-back. In an initial consultation, we’ll give you our impartial advice on any planning matter you wish-your permitted development rights, altering a listed building a granny annexe, a swimming pool – whatever it is you have in mind. We think you will find us friendly and understanding.

If you do decide to instruct us to help you take things forward, then you will find our rates very affordable.

Many in business see the planning system as restraint on growth. It is not designed to be that way, but all too often it can feel like it, with delays, onerous restrictions attached to planning permissions, increasing demands for more and more information with planning applications, financial contributions for things like transport…

• We are trained to assess and manage risk with any development proposal or opportunity, leaving you free to manage your day to day business.
• We solve problems pragmatically – when planners are involved at the earliest opportunity, they gain more opportunities to understand your business, develop solutions and propose methods to add value to your portfolio.
• We can manage your project from site selection to completion. In many developments, the role of the planning consultant includes co-ordinating a team of specialist sub-consultants.
• We can save you time – by managing and co-ordinating key project elements.

Save your time and your money by letting us deal with any planning issues for you. From a simple relaxation of a planning condition or a new sign, through commercial changes of use, right up to major commercial or industrial development Stefano Smith Planning can help you.

Does it have potential? Is it a plot? What could I get on there? These are questions you may well be asking about your land. Well why not ask us? We are always pleased to take a look and provide some initial advice – give us a call or email over the details.

Let Stefano Smith Planning take a look at your land holding Whether you are a major investor in land or simply have a large garden with a bit of potential, the issues are the same and the value of that land will depend on the detail of what you can get planning consent for. We understand the importance of that detail and that the difference between a good consent and a great consent will be those extra square metres floor space, that slightly easier build or those lower Section 75 contributions.

Stefano Smith Planning has developed a great working relationship with many local architects and designers. An increasing number find there is a benefit to instructing us direct on the more complex and/or time consuming planning aspects of their projects.

Is a planning submission deadline looming and you don’t have time to produce a Planning Support Statement? Stefano Smith Planning offer a flat rate Planning Support Statement service and we pride ourselves on being able to respond and turn them around to the very tightest timescales.

Application submitted but it’s growing arms and legs? Negotiating revisions, dealing with requests for additional information, handling Section 75 agreements, attending planning committee…. Why not let Stefano Smith Planning help?

Had a planning application refused? Is it worth an appeal? Should we amend the scheme? Or is it a hopeless case? Contact us for an independent professional opinion – just the Local Authority and the reference number is usually all we need.

Stefano Smith Planning is able to support public sector organisations manage workload pressures and deal with additional burdens to meet deadlines. We are able to respond to any resource and skill gaps by providing experienced, affordable, ad hoc planning support as and when required. For example, technical skills including development management, project management, development economics/viability, infrastructure delivery, EIA, health and inclusive planning, design and expert witness, as well as the generic skills planners need to have, such as negotiation skills and effective decision-making. Contact us for an informal discussion about how we can meet your resource and skills needs by providing a safe, reliable, experienced and affordable pair of hands.

Stefano Smith Planning can support you to meet your corporate strategy, vision and objectives. We have experience in successfully supporting funding applications to enable you to optimise value and facilitate delivery. Please get in touch for an initial free consultation.