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Planning Applications

 

A planning application is a formal request submitted to a local planning authority for permission to develop or change the use of land. DHA offers the service to assist in the various application stages, including site appraisals, pre-application advice, planning application submissions.

 

Retrospective applications

 

DHA can assist in the process of submitting retrospective planning applications and reduce the risk of enforcement.

 

Enforcement cases

 

An enforcement case occurs when the local authority believes there has been a breach in planning control, such as when a building or structure is constructed without permission or when condition/(s) attached to a planning permission are not followed. These investigations can be time consuming.  However DHA can provide the expertise during the entirety of the process to assist in ongoing discussions with the Council, regularising consents or appealing the Enforcement Notice.

 

Appeals - Public Inquires, Hearings & Written Representations

 

Planning appeals are a formal request to the Planning Inspectorate against the refusal or non-determination of a planning application. DHA assists with all aspects of a planning and enforcement appeals, including planning inquiries, hearings and written representations, involving the process of managing and submitting the appeal and being a witness at the appeal.

 

Planning expert witness

 

A planning expert witness is required for a planning appeal, providing the specialised advice needed in legal proceedings. At DHA, there are many qualified professionals at hand to advise on the process and can go on the stand at an Inquiry or hearing as an expert planning witness.

 

Listed Building Applications

 

When an alteration is made to a listed building, a listed building application is required. This is a type of planning control which ensures the protection of buildings ‘character’ and historic interest.  DHA provides the expert knowledge to undertake these applications, alongside required normal planning regulations. We work alongside Heritage Consultants, on more complicated historic applications, and can provide advice as to the best approach to use.

 

Scheduled monument consents

 

Scheduled monuments are nationally important monuments. These monuments require a Scheduled Monument Consent, which DHA are able to provide input into, alongside heritage consultants, for any development or alterations to take place.

 

Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects

 

Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) are large-scale developments, that often relate to energy, transport, water and waste. Due to their size and importance, a different type of permission known as a Development Consent Order (DCO) are required.

 

NSIP developers are required to apply to the Planning Inspectorate, rather than to the local authority, for a DCO. This process can be complex, which is why DHA assists clients throughout the different stages, including pre-application, preparing/ managing progress of relevant documents, submission and examination.

 

Community infrastructure levy

 

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge that local authorities can choose to place on new developments to help fund infrastructure, facilities and services in the area. DHA helps clients establish whether they are liable for any CIL charges and in turn advising whether developments remain finically viable.

 

Section 106 agreements

 

Section 106 agreements are legally binding agreements or “planning obligations” between developers and Local Authorities. These agreements help to offset the impact of new developments on the community.

DHA can assist in the process of considering S106 agreements, setting up trackers for existing agreements and, alongside a Solicitor, advising on the information required within a S106.

 

Financial Viability Statements

 

Financial Viability Statements test whether a development is financially feasible, assessing whether the value generated from the proposed development is greater than the expected costs. DHA can calculate and advice clients with this information, accounting for additional factors such as planning obligations and market risk.

 

Judicial review

 

A judicial review (JR) is a legal process whereby a decision made by the Secretary of State or a local planning authority is challenged in the High Court. DHA can assist in the instructing of Barristers and work towards the process of submitting a JR.

 

Local Plan promotion

 

Every Local Planning Authority (LPA) in England and Wales are required to create a Local Plan, which outlines the vision for future development in the area. These are required to be up-to-date and reviewed at least once every five years. DHA can assist LPAs in effectively promoting these plans, through submission of call for sites and representations on behalf of sites, alleviating time constraint pressures.

 

Call for Sites

 

At DHA, we can provide a range of Call for Sites packages to suit all budgets from basic land ownership plans to full layouts and supporting technical studies.   For further information on our Call for Site Pack Options, please click here.

 

Local Authority advice

 

DHA offers the services to provide Local Authorities with assistance in development management support and general planning advice.

 

Site Promotion

 

DHA can help to determine prime development opportunities along with maximising the land value, through site appraisals, considering the constraints, and through site promotion. Pulling on our extensive knowledge and understanding of the local areas we can create long term strategic plans for your sites. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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