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Services
Planning Permission
Seeking planning permission can be complicated and confusing, especially as the UK planning system has a language of its own with often complex rules.
At Prism Planning, we pride ourselves on providing accurate advice and expert knowledge to solve all manner of planning permission concerns. Our highly experienced team add value to projects with pragmatic and intelligent solutions.
From project inception to completion, we provide a full planning application service, utilising our comprehensive knowledge of local, regional and national planning policies. No matter the scale, sector or type of project, our highly experienced team will advise on the most appropriate route for your project to deliver a successful outcome.
Whether it is an application for a simple change of use or a large housing development, we will find the right solution for you and support you throughout the planning process.
At Prism Planning we use our network of trusted professional contacts to pull together successful applications, working with specialists in fields such as archaeology, architecture, ecology, hydrology, noise and vibration, as well as transport.
Applications for residential developments require a significant amount of project management, coordination and supporting information. We provide specialist consultancy services to the residential sector, from individuals undertaking self-build homes through to SME housebuilders and residential contractors.
On a number of projects with significant scale, we have delivered successful Environmental Impact Assessments to meet housing requirements.
At Prism Planning, we have developed a reputation as the go-to consultancy for agricultural landowners. We have extensive experience securing permissions and a firm understanding of farm-based planning matters.
Our land planning consultants work with clients on a diverse range of planning matters including residential development, conversion of farm buildings, farm diversification, permitted development and renewable energy. We help our clients overcome the planning hurdles so they can concentrate on operating their business.
We have also undertaken numerous rural projects in the equine industry, achieving a 100% track record on behalf of our clients. Prism Planning are proud to work alongside the British Horse Society, specialised vets and horse owners in achieving permissions in this niche industry.
Heritage and listed buildings are often full of historical character, and unexpected challenges. Our team work across the UK helping clients alter, extend and re-purpose listed buildings, and provide sound advice where heritage-related matters have the potential to cause issues.
We have extensive experience working on projects where development is restricted, such as a Conservation Area or National Park, helping clients to make changes to their homes and properties whilst recognising the quality of the landscape and heritage behind the designation.
The leisure and tourism industry is incredibly diverse, and Prism Planning has a wealth of experience in planning for both public and private sector clients.
The last couple of years have seen a significant expansion of the home grown tourism accommodation sector and we have been pleased to help clients develop and expand sites for log cabins, shepherd huts and other similar forms of overnight accommodation.
Specialist knowledge of Nitrate Management is required in and around the Tees Valley for projects involving overnight accommodation and we have the in-house skills to navigate this tricky subject.
Industrial property development has seen significant growth in recent years, with increased demand for manufacturing, warehousing, storage and industrial units. Infrastructure, workforce catchment areas, transport conditions and good road access for freight haulage all need to be taken into consideration when allocating land for industrial developments.
With the upcoming requirements for uplift in biodiversity net gain across all sectors, projects in this particular area are going to face new and previously unknown challenges. We have the skills and experience to make sure your project doesn’t get bogged down by this new burden.
Appeals
Planning applications can be refused for a variety of reasons, which can be disheartening and frustrating to face. The appeals process demands clear and robust presentation of facts, planning policies and legal parameters.
Prism Planning offer expert analysis on the best way to proceed with your appeal and ensure your grounds of appeal statement covers all relevant planning matters.
Our team are highly experienced in working with Planning Inspectors at all appeal levels and as chartered Town Planners have direct access to specialist Planning Barristers when required. With extensive knowledge of appeals, and experience as both planning agents and expert witnesses, we are best placed to help you when things go wrong.
Planning appeal decisions can have significant, long-term consequences. After reviewing your decision notice, officers’ reports and planning application submissions, we will advise on whether you have any grounds for appeal and determine the merit of your appeal.
Appeals can be heard by written representations, informal hearings and public enquiries, and we will only submit an appeal that is comprehensive and persuasive in order to ensure the best chance of delivering a successful outcome
We have extensive experience preparing appeal statements and documentation that deal with the key issues of your case, addressing relevant national and local policies, while also pre-empting any difficult areas that your case may present.
Equally we can help you decide whether an appeal is not in your best interests and advise when instead a revised planning application might be a better approach.
If your local planning authority suspects that you have carried out work without planning permission, or in breach of a condition attached to a planning permission, they can issue a Planning Enforcement Notice. This is a very serious matter which can result in prosecution for breaches in planning control. These issues are time sensitive, so it is important to seek professional and reliable planning advice the moment you receive a Notice.
With decades of experience in town planning, our planning consultants have delivered well-structured and carefully considered solutions for relatively small domestic building matters up to large commercial building schemes with significant investment at stake.
We make the process of receiving and dealing with an Enforcement Notice as stress-free as possible, identifying the appropriate routes to guide you through the process. Whether it is appealing against the enforcement notice, applying for a lawful development certificate, or submitting a retrospective planning application, Prism Planning will work hard to reach a prompt solution.
A Planning Contravention Notice enables local planning authorities to ask you to provide detailed information about suspected breaches of planning control.
You are legally required to reply to the Planning Contravention Notice, giving complete and truthful answers, within the time limit set out on the notice.
Dealing with a Planning Contravention Notice in the wrong way can quickly prove to be expensive, which is why seeking professional advice is of the utmost importance. The answers given in your response may determine whether further enforcement action is taken.
Our proactive and practical advice can help you avoid the potential financial penalties and the possibility of formal action for breach of planning control.
Established Use and Lawful Development
This is a highly specialised and often complex area where gaining the right advice can be critical. At Prism Planning we recognise that the complicated rules can lead you to be on the wrong side of an enforcement action.
We work on your behalf to resolve these issues with the local planning authority, providing guidance as to what permitted development rights may apply. On your behalf we will manage the formal process of obtaining a Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or Development for a proposed or existing development or use.
A certificate of lawfulness can be a resolution for those situations when work has been carried out in the past, a change of use has already taken place, or where a development or use has existed without meeting a planning condition.
It allows planning authorities to make a formal decision on whether the development or use may continue without enforcement action, but it requires a skilled and nuanced approach to avoid making an already tricky situation even worse.
Prism Planning have extensive experience securing Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or Development for a wide range of projects for both commercial and residential developments.
With a wealth of knowledge from working with local authorities, we are ideally placed to understand the likely actions an authority may take to remedy unauthorised development, as well as how best to respond.
Planning Objections
If you have concerns relating to the potential impact of a development on your property or your local area, it is important to communicate your views to the local authority during the application stage.
At Prism Planning, we have significant experience and proven success in delivering planning objections for a range of large and small planning applications, appeals and emerging plans.
We will make sure your concerns are framed and conveyed in the best possible way, using appropriate planning language in a professional style that local planners and inspectors will take notice of. Our knowledgable team will identify other planning concerns and advice on whether any additional documentation would be beneficial to your objection.
Prism Planning can support you with written letters of objection as well as appearing at planning committees to speak on your behalf - an otherwise potentially daunting experience.
When working with Prism Planning, you will be represented by highly experienced planning consultants who understand the law and planning policies.