At Gemini Planning Services, we offer a full range of planning consultancy services ranging in size from small householder planning applications to large scale residential development projects. We work across numerous sectors including commercial and residential regeneration, industry, retail, education and leisure, heritage and conservation and utilities. We specialise specifically in office to residential conversions (and extensions) using permitted development rights and associated planning permissions, achieving a very high success rate.
A planning appraisal can help you understand if your initial ideas “have legs” and what your chances of obtaining planning permission. This can help avoid abortive costs and/or help shape your proposals to give you the best chance of success.
The scope of the appraisal will depend on your objectives but with a stong knowledge and understanding of the planning environment we tailor our advice to meet your needs. Our appraisals may include high level strategic advice, site meetings, planning history and assessment of planning policy constraints.
Pre-applications are strongly encouraged by Councils and the Government. They can be a useful way of “testing the waters” and identifying potential issues and pitfalls, before any formal planning application is made. They can also draw out what information the Council will required for any planning application and generally help to front-load the process.
We understand how best to present arguments required to secure a planning permission using our detailed knowledge of the planning system and how it operates. We put together the application submission and guide it through the process. If needed we can co-ordinate other consultants and project-manage the process.
If your planning application hits the buffers and is refused, we can help appraise the best options open to you, whether it be a re-submission to the local planning authority or to appeal the decision. We will ascertain the likelihood of success of any appeal so that you have realistic expectations of any outcome. We will prepare the appeal documentation and manage the appeal process. We deal with all 3 types of planning appeal procedures – written representations, hearings and public inquiries.
When projects and schemes have the potential to cause problems and distruption, we can assist by carrying out reviews of the proposals highlighting where there are legitimate lines of arguments against schemes and submitting letters of objection on your behalf. Where appropriate, we can also draft letters of support for proposals.