Lawful Development Certificates
A Certificate of Lawful Development is used to formally establish that a development is legal, even if it was previously thought to be otherwise. Such certificates can apply to existing uses or developments of a property, or to proposed uses or developments of a property.
An application for a Certificate of Lawful Development can be used to address ongoing enforcement issues, where there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate that there has been no breach of planning control, or that due to a passage of time the breach is now immune from enforcement action. Alternatively, we can use our extensive knowledge of permitted development rights to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed use or development.
Heritage Asset Statements
We can prepare a Heritage Asset Statement to accompany most planning applications for development which may have an impact on the historic environment. We frequently prepare heritage asset statements for applications for listed building consent as well as to support development projects that could affect a scheduled ancient monument or conservation area. We also have experience in preparing statements to support applications within World Heritage Sites, such as the Lake District National Park.
We will investigate the context and background, and prepare a comprehensive report to accompany your proposals, outlining any possible negative effects on the heritage asset and how these might be mitigated. Where necessary we will call upon the specialist services of architectural historians or other specialists as required.
Economic Viability Assessments
We can prepare Economic Viability Assessments to support planning applications and Section 106 agreement negotiations. Contributions for affordable housing, education, highways infrastructure and (in some locations) Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payments can affect the viability of development proposals.
Our viability assessments are based on detailed appraisals of development costs, required contributions and robust market analysis. The economic viability of development schemes can be negotiated before or after planning consent has been granted, and we can negotiate with Local Planning Authorities on your behalf.
Community Engagement
For major applications we can create bespoke strategies for community engagement. We will actively engage with key stakeholders, community groups, local residents and key decision makers. The Localism Act, Neighbourhood Planning, and growing public awareness have made early community engagement not just important, but vital. It also makes good sense, as establishing positive relationships can often ease contentious issues, or at least provide an opportunity to find common ground.