Planning policy continues to play an important part in the planning system. Every planning application must be determined in accordance with the local authority area’s adopted planning policies (referred to as the ‘development plan’) unless material planning considerations indicate otherwise, therefore an understanding of planning policy is essential in the understanding of a local planning authority’s decision-making. At the top level the Government’s aspiration is that the planning system is plan-led, and local communities are now empowered to create Neighbourhood Plans.
We can advise you on how to respond to planning policy consultations, how to engage with the plan-making process, and how to promote your land and property to achieve a development allocation within a Local Plan or Neighbourhood Plan, having a strong influence at a local level. It may also be necessary to take advice on specialist matters including ecology, landscape impact, transport and the historic environment. We can assemble a team to ensure that you receive the best advice at the right time and that your land and property is represented appropriately.