Shrimplin Planning & Development (SP&D) offers a complete range of planning services and can assist at all stages of the development process.
Services
Initial site appraisal and pre-app
SP&D can quickly form a view of the planning merits of a site and the prospects of success. We identify key issues, risks and opportunities and formulate innovative strategies to overcome planning hurdles. Through pre-app discussions we draw out key issues and test solutions. We also understand the importance of managing costs at the early stages of the planning process.
Assembling and submitting a planning application
The team regularly briefs and instructs large, multi-disciplinary consultant teams, ensuring that they understand the client’s objectives; that they are communicating with one another; and, importantly, that timescales are met.
SP&D works with the team to overcome any hurdles and maximise a site’s potential. We review and comment on reports and drawings to ensure that the planning application is robust. Our extensive range of contacts means we can help assemble the right team for the project.
Political lobbying and public engagement
SP&D understand the different language and methods that are needed to engage effectively with different audiences, whether local politicians, members of the public or the media.
We ensure that the right messages get across to the right people, encouraging positive support for schemes and drawing the sting from objectors. We undertake community and political audits, create public exhibition material, produce Statements of Community Involvement and write press releases.
Negotiating a consent
The team responds quickly to issues and works closely with the stakeholders to produce comprehensive and robust responses that drive projects forwards.
When appropriate we are confident to challenge planning officers but we also recognise that we must give them the information that it allows them to approve an application. We are experienced in presenting to Planning Committees and emphasising the points that resonate with members.
Discharge of conditions
Timely discharge of conditions is vital to ensure the construction programme is met. During determination of an application we proactively engage with the case officer to manage the amount of further information required by condition and, in particular, to agree the trigger point for the submission and approval of details. We work closely with the project manager, consultant team and contractor to assemble and submit the necessary information.
Asset management
SP&D can maximise the value of assets through the planning process, perhaps by amending restrictive planning conditions, adding plant to allow occupation by a new tenant, or creating additional car parking spaces. We are also skilled at helping our clients enhance value once consents have been secured through re-negotiation and value engineering.
Appeal
SP&D can produce Written Representations and attend Hearings and Inquiries. We are experienced expert witnesses. We are very used to instructing leading Counsel and have good relationships with leading chambers.
Local Plan engagement
The team get involved in all stages of the Local Plan process, from early Issues and Options through to Submission and then appearing at Examination in Public. We can tailor our approach to best meet your objectives, whether promoting a strategic site or challenging the detail of a specific policy. We can digest the large amounts of information that underpin a local plan and how it can be used to your advantage.
Meet The Team
We help you take control of the planning process though our perceptive, proactive and positive approach which enables us to identify and address issues before they arise.
