Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Consultants
- Why should I bother using a planning consultant?
- Don't Architects and Surveyors put in planning applications anyway?
- Why use Owen Devenport?
- Is the advice I receive really important?
- What happens if I am refused planning permission?
- Which is the best method of appeal?
- What happens if I lose an appeal?
- Q. Why should I bother using a planning consultant?
- A.
They have knowledge of all the latest Council policies on Development.
They are able to advise on the best way of approaching a potential development site.
They can maximize the value of your land or buildings.
They can co-ordinate a development team to package the best possible approach to a planning application or appeal.
They can advise on your chances of success in any future development or on an appeal.
Planning Consultants deal with all aspects of planning, not just applications, such as:
- Enforcement Notices
- Listed Building Matters
- Planning Contravention Notices
- Planning Appeals
- Certificate of Lawful use
- Highway Issues
- Local Plan representations
- Language Impact Assessment
- Development Briefs
- Development Feasibility Studies
- Tourism Developments
- Q. Don't Architects and Surveyors put in planning applications anyway?
- A.
Planning Consultants have specialist knowledge of how to prepare an application for planning permission.
Their knowledge and experience of planning submissions will be much greater than say an Architect, Solicitor or Surveyor.
Packaging an application in a professional and appropriate manner could mean the difference between success and failure.
Increasingly other property professionals are now advising their clients to instruct planning consultants at an early stage of the development process.
- Q. Why use Owen Devenport?
- A.
Over 30 years experience in Planning, Property and Development
The only Chartered Town Planners and Chartered Surveyors operating in North Wales.
Will always offer impartial advice in the best interests of the client.
We offer friendly and professional advice.
We work with all major developers, property professionals and are consultants to many major legal practices throughout North Wales.
We are retained as local planning consultants by numerous national developers.
Our success rate on appeals is second to none.
- Q. Is the advice I receive really important?
- A.
Owen Devenport's reputation is based on a quality service to our clients.
We only have the clients interest in mind.
Our clients are long-standing and return to us time and time again - they know that the service and advice they obtain is amongst the best available.
- Q. What happens if I am refused planning permission?
- A.
Owen Devenport will assess the reasons for refusal put forward by the Council.
If there is the possibility of amending the scheme to obtain planning approval, this is always recommended.
Owen Devenport would use all their experience and skill in negotiating with planning officers to obtain a satisfactory solution.
If there is no possibility of a compromise then advice will be given on the potential of an appeal against a refusal of planning permission.
- Q. Which is the best method of appeal?
- A.
There are 3 basic methods of appeal
a) Public Inquiry
- Only used in complex matters on large scale developments
- Involves Solicitors or Barristers
- Can be costly and time consuming
b) Informal Hearing
- No requirement for legal representation
- Informal discussion on topics
- Discussion can continue on site
- Public allowed to attend
c) Written Representation
- An exchange of written representations
by the appellant and the local planning authority. - Simple method of appeal
- No discussions allowed on site.
The vast majority of appeals carried out by Owen Devenport are Informal Hearings.
Most clients feel that their case is better represented in this way, and can give them an opportunity to participate in the debate.
An appeal usually takes 3 to 4 months to decide from date of lodging the papers with the Planning Inspectorate (usually longer in England).
- Q. What happens if I lose an appeal?
- A.
If an appeal is lost then the decision letter is carefully scrutinised.
It may be that a revised scheme could be allowed following the Inspectors decision.
A re-appraisal of the proposal is usually carried out and further negotiations with the planning officers are instigated.
If in the opinion of Owen Devenport the matter cannot be taken further this will be clearly stated to avoid any unnecessary costs to the client.
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