The nature of planning is diverse and this list is not an exhaustive one if you do not find what you are looking for please e-mail us on billlowe@blueyonder.co.uk detailing your query. or telephone on 01373 466 418.

Planning Applications

We have considerable experience in handling all types of planning applications. Our success rate is founded on thoroughly prepared, skilful and well briefed arguments in the preparation of every application. We aim to obtain positive outcomes even in complex and contentious circumstances through sensitive negotiation. This is backed up with experience and knowledge of the workings of individual local planning authorities.

Conservation Planning

Much of the work that the practice undertakes involves sites where issues of development, re-development or a change of use affects historically sensitive buildings, often Listed Buildings in Conservation Areas or, in more rural areas, development in the Green Belt, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Historic Landscapes.
These projects require historical research, sensitive negotiation and the exploration of possible new uses or new development which can bring a building and it’s setting into a beneficial use. Any alteration to an historic building demands that the work undertaken is sympathetic to and respectful of the original use and former uses of the building whilst making sure the new use is viable.
Our projects in the area of Conservation Planning have included redundant shops, mills, historic gardens, the settings of Grade II listed buildings in the centre of historic towns or villages to country houses in the heart of the countryside.

Regeneration

As business needs have changed many of the sites we are asked to consider are no longer suitable in today’s economy. These are classed as brown field sites and are often blighted by a legacy of their previous uses, leaving issues of contamination and poor access, with buildings which do not meet modern construction or living requirements. Proposed schemes need to be viable whilst delivering social and environmental benefits to the site and the surrounding area.
Our Regeneration projects have included; the conversion of a Lemonade factory into a sheltered housing scheme, conversion and redevelopment of a car showroom and workshop to residential use.

Sustainability

With the increased awareness of and the drive towards sustainable development, a considered approach is part of a holistic view taken to building construction, the siting and the usage to which buildings can be put over the course of time has become fundamental.
There is a greater emphasis on the sourcing of renewable materials, the re-use of recycled materials on site, are all factors which should be considered in the development of a project.
Energy conservation and rainwater harvesting reduce a proposal’s impact on the environment and on neighbours, and are part of a range of environmental measures which we take into account and can make a difference, both now and in the future.
We have recently assisted with the site design, and obtained planning approval for, a series of water harvesting detention ponds at a local industrial area, as a means of reducing the demand for water of potable quality for vehicle wash down and in supplying an on site concrete batching plant.

Design and Access Statements

Design and Access Statements are now an integral part of every planning application.
The Design element of the Statement is an explanation of why a particular site design approach was chosen and should follow a logical progression.
The Access element of the Statement deals with the details of the proposed access and sets it within an inclusive context.
We regularly work with a number of architectural practices providing written supporting statements to support the plans drawn by the architects.

The Planning Process

After an initial site meeting with pre-application advice and appraisal, clients are guided through every stage of the planning application process.
A discussion on strategy, is followed by research and the preparation of the application. Submission of the planning application is considered after relevant negotiations with the planning authorities and other statutory agencies where possible.
Specialists can be brought in to provide supporting evidence as needed after discussions with the planning authority.
As part of this process we can also negotiate Section 106 agreements and the removal, variation or discharge of conditions imposed by a planning authority on an approved application.
We can offer a full architectural and landscape design service to support your application from a network of specialists or work with your current designs.
Photographic visualisations of the proposed project can be added to provide a greater understanding of the impact on the environment and the locality.This has become increasingly important in helping the public and councillors gain a fuller and easier understanding of proposals when combined with viewing a set of plans.
The progress of planning applications is monitored and the lobbying of elected Council members at Parish, District and County or liaising with key interest groups can be undertaken where relevant.

Bill Lowe Ltd is a member of the Country Land and Business Association.

Planning Appeals, hearings and Inquiries

If a planning application is refused the decision can be taken to a planning appeal.
After a thorough appraisal of the planning authority’s reasons for refusal has been carried out a strategy can be proposed.
The appeal system offers a choice depending on the complexity of the issues between Written Representations- based on submitted statements, a Hearing – an informal round table discussion or a Public Inquiry – formal, with expert witnesses and specialist barristers.
We provide direct access to the Planning Bar and are able to advise and instruct Counsel where necessary. Where a point of law is at issue, following an Inspector's decision, a case can be taken for judgement to the High Court or if there has been a lapse in local authority procedure a case can be taken for Judicial Review.

Appraisals and Development Advice

Planning appraisals and development advice can identify what scope there is to add value to clients’ holdings by realising the development potential.
Appraisals can take a number of forms from a simple assessment of a site’s development- and the likelihood of obtaining the desired planning consent –to a detailed researched report aimed at establishing whether a specific development proposal is suitable to be taken forward.
This can cover a diversity of projects from single plot to urban regeneration schemes to mixed – use developments. Farm diversification schemes have become increasingly important in sustaining farm incomes. Strategies can be devised and implemented in a number of phases over several years.
We aim to offer our clients relevant and cost effective advice using the broad level of experience and specialist expertise available to the practice.

Green Travel Plans

With the increasing emphasis on sustainable development and the need to meet carbon emission targets set by government and the possibility of local authorities charging for an employers own car parking areas, many businesses are developing green travel plans for employees, customers and suppliers.
A Green travel plan is a package of measures produced to encourage staff to use alternatives to single-occupancy car-use. Such a plan for example, could include: car sharing schemes; a commitment to improve cycling facilities; a dedicated bus service or restricted car parking allocations. It might also promote flexible-working practices such as remote access and video conferencing.
Travel plans can offer real benefits not only to the organisation and its employees, but also the community that surrounds it. It may help to relieve local parking or congestion problems or improve public transport connections across the area. It may also relieve stress on employees through reducing delays or providing the opportunity to cut their travel commitments by working from home on occasion.
A green travel plan will consist of an initial audit which describes current travel patterns and involves the organisation’s own responses to change. A costed set of proposals, and a strategy for implementation can be produced and would include a monitoring and review process.

Planning Contravention Notices, Enforcement, Certificates of Lawful Use and Agricultural Occupancy Conditions

Planning contravention notices which can lead to Enforcement action, is a legal process taken by councils where there is an alleged breach of planning control and may result in prosecution in the Magistrates Court.
There is an appeal process which offers the opportunity for a negotiated solution to regularise the situation or to establish the lawfulness of a use or building through the passage of time. This would effectively set aside the threat of enforcement action, providing sufficient evidence can be assembled to prove the case on "the balance of probability".
These applications for a "Certificate of Lawful Use" are a practice speciality and enjoy a high success rate.
Agricultural Occupancy Conditions can be challenged on the same researched basis.

Development Plan Representations

All local Councils have to produce land use plans based on an agreed local development framework for their areas
This development plan will set out policies and make provision for the number and siting of new houses, new shopping and commercial/industrial development areas, usually involving regeneration of previously used land, and also policies for a limited range of permissible types of development in rural areas.
Development plan representation gives the client the opportunity to promote a landholding for consideration and thereby realise its optimum asset value. This is a long consultative process where early action is important to deal with objections as they arise and to marshal expert opinion if it is needed.
We can guide you through the process, giving advice on policies, procedural matters and prepare the submissions.