We provide planning strategy and advice that helps clients identify the most appropriate route through the planning system. Our work supports commercial, local authority, healthcare and education projects from concept through to submission.
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The route you choose through the planning system shapes cost, programme and risk for the whole project. We review local policy, site constraints and your objectives, then set out the realistic options: full application, outline first, permitted development, change of use or a staged approach, with the trade-offs of each made explicit.
Design moves from ideas to a coordinated layout. Architecture, structure and building services are aligned so rooms, risers, fire strategy and servicing all work together. The result is a frozen arrangement with updated cost and risks understood. Planning applications are typically prepared and submitted at the end of this stage.
Look at the whole processGood strategy work often saves its own fee several times over, either by finding a faster consent route or by stopping an application that was never going to succeed. It suits developers, businesses and public sector clients at the start of any project in Essex, London or the wider South East.
We review local planning policy and site constraints to identify the most appropriate planning route for each project.
Where appropriate, we assess permitted development rights and change-of-use strategies to find the most efficient way forward.
We develop pre-application strategies that engage the planning authority early and reduce risk before formal submission.
Local policy, the site's planning history, its constraints and designations, your programme and your appetite for risk all feed the decision. A route that suits one project can be wrong for a near-identical one across the borough boundary, which is why strategy is worked out per site rather than applied as a formula.
Crematorium & Cemetery, Brentwood
Brentwood
Set within beautiful, manicured grounds, the crematorium and cemetery provide a peaceful setting for remembrance and quiet contemplation. Planning consent was secured, with technical design progressed to Tender.
View projectBecause the wrong route wastes months and money. Reviewing policy, constraints and precedent first means the application you eventually make is the one most likely to succeed.
Permitted development rights allow certain works and changes of use without a full planning application. Whether they apply depends on the building, its location and any restrictions, which we check as part of the strategy review.
When the proposed use falls into a different planning use class and no permitted development right covers the change. We confirm the current lawful use and the correct route as a first step.
Local plan policy, site designations and constraints, planning history for the site and its surroundings, and relevant appeal decisions. These together indicate how an authority is likely to respond.
Often, yes. Pre-application engagement gives early visibility of officer concerns, though its value varies by authority. We advise where it is worthwhile and prepare the material when it is.
Then you have saved the cost of a doomed application. We set out what would need to change, whether that is the proposal, the timing or the site itself.
From schools to homeowners, we work closely with every client to deliver thoughtful, lasting architecture here’s what they’ve said about working with us.
We’re always up for a new challenge. Whether it’s a home, a school, or something completely unique.
We maintain involvement from earlier stages or provide targeted support during construction, ensuring design intent is carried through on site.
We support contractor coordination, respond to site queries and provide ongoing technical input to keep projects on programme and aligned with design objectives.
Our services can be adapted to suit project requirements, whether providing full support or working alongside existing teams.
It covers the practical input a project needs once work starts on site, including responding to contractor queries, reviewing information, coordinating across the team and providing ongoing design advice so the approved design is delivered as intended.
Yes. We can provide targeted support at construction stage even if we were not involved earlier, working alongside your existing contractor and consultants within the structures already in place.
Involvement is scaled to the project, from answering occasional technical queries through to regular site support. We agree the level of service and fee basis with you at the outset so costs stay predictable.
From schools to homeowners, we work closely with every client to deliver thoughtful, lasting architecture here’s what they’ve said about working with us.
We’re always up for a new challenge. Whether it’s a home, a school, or something completely unique.