Planning
At DHA, we make securing planning permission as straightforward and transparent as possible. With nearly four decades of experience, strong relationships with local authorities and a commercial mindset, we develop tailored planning strategies that maximise development potential and support successful outcomes.
From individual planning applications and land promotion to appeals and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), our town planning consultants provide expert advice and support at every stage of the planning process.
Planning Applications
We manage planning applications from initial site appraisals and pre-application advice through to submission and determination. Where development has taken place without permission, we also prepare retrospective planning applications to help regularise the position.
Planning Appeals
If planning permission is refused or a decision is delayed, we manage planning and enforcement appeals through written representations, hearings and public inquiries. We prepare robust cases, submit appeals and provide expert witness evidence where required.
Local Plan Promotion
We help landowners and developers promote sites through the Local Plan process, identifying development opportunities and preparing submissions and representations to support future site allocations.
Call for Sites Packages
Our Call for Sites packages cater for a range of budgets, from basic land ownership plans to comprehensive site layouts supported by technical studies. Download our Call for Sites package options to find the right level of support for your site.
NSIPs and Development Consent Orders
We guide clients through the Development Consent Order (DCO) process for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, including major energy, transport, water and waste schemes. Our support covers pre-application preparation, document management, submission and examination.
Additional Town Planning Services
We provide a comprehensive range of specialist planning advice and support, including:
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Listed Building Consent: Applications for alterations to listed buildings, working with heritage specialists where required.
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Scheduled Monument Consent: Planning advice for works affecting nationally important scheduled monuments.
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Planning Expert Witness: Expert evidence and advice for planning inquiries, hearings and appeals.
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Planning Enforcement: Advice on enforcement investigations, retrospective consent, negotiations and appeals against Enforcement Notices.
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Section 106 Agreements: Advice on planning obligations, negotiations and monitoring existing agreements.
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Judicial Reviews: Planning advice and case preparation for legal challenges to planning decisions, working with specialist barristers.
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Site Promotion and Appraisals: Site assessments, constraints analysis and long-term strategies to maximise development potential and land value.
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Local Authority Planning Advice: Development management support and general planning advice for local authorities.
Pavement and Highways Licences
Pubs, restaurants and cafés that want to put tables and chairs on the pavement outside need a licence from the council, and sometimes planning permission as well. Every council has its own policy and process. Our licensing team has more than 20 years' experience of securing pavement, tables and chairs, street trading and highway amenity licences nationwide, for clients including Greene King, Stonegate Pub Company and Swan London. We can:
- advise whether you need a licence, planning permission or both
- prepare and submit your licence and planning applications
- monitor your application through to a decision
- manage your renewals
Since 31 March 2024, pavement licences have been permanent under the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. Councils can grant them for up to two years, with fees capped at £500 for a new application and £350 for a renewal, and a 14-day public consultation.
Public Rights of Way
Public rights of way are often overlooked in development, yet they can cause strong public feeling, costly delays and disruption to construction programmes. Engaging early smooths the path through planning and beyond. We advise clients and landowners on proposals that affect rights of way, including:
- discussing diversions, and temporary closures for public safety, with council rights of way teams and officers
- advising on suitable diversion routes
- preparing and submitting diversion applications
Planning projects
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