A specialist town planning consultancy

Firstplan specialise in the preparation and submission of a full range of planning applications. From our experience, the submission of a well prepared, robust planning application significantly improves the chances of securing planning permission.  We deal with all types of application including:

• Large scale and EIA planning applications;
• Medium scale residential and commercial applications;
• Change of Use applications;
• Individual householder applications;
• A full range of prior approval applications;
• Variation of conditions and non-material amendments;
• Lawful Development Certificates;
• Listed Building Consent applications; and
• Advertisement Consent applications.

Firstplan has extensive experience of planning appeals from written reps and informal hearings through to Examinations in Public (EiP).  Firstplan regularly work with leading members of the Planning Bar and our Directors have acted as expert witnesses giving evidence at numerous planning inquires.  Our expertise can help to minimise both the cost and risk associated with pursuing an appeal.

The Government’s continued emphasis on a Plan-led planning system means the allocation of a site for a particular use in a Local Plan can markedly improve the chances of securing permission, often adding significant value to the site.

Firstplan has extensive knowledge of the complicated, and ever changing, development plan system and can help put together the best possible case for promoting a specific site for development.

Successfully incorporating the new with the old is no easy task, but where it is achieved, the rewards are obvious. Firstplan prides itself on providing our clients with pragmatic, viable solutions to the challenges of historic buildings. Our services include:

• Listed building applications;
• Conservation area consents;
• Heritage Statements;
• Negotiation with heritage bodies including English Heritage;
• Advising on the importance of strategic views.

Firstplan can quickly provide positive, yet realistic, planning appraisals clearly setting out what is achievable on a particular site.  ‘Knowledge is Power’ and our site appraisals give our clients the power to make fully informed decisions when negotiating on a land deal or considering the future of a site, and are often one of the most important stages of the planning process.

Effective public consultation can often be a decisive factor in the success of a planning application.  We can advise on the extent of consultation necessary for maximising the chances of securing permission for a specific proposal and implement an appropriate strategy to avoid objections wherever possible.

Firstplan provide planning advise for the management of a number of large property portfolios, including many leading retailers and large estates comprising hundreds of properties.  Through effective on-going asset management, we are able to maintain and maximise the development value of the portfolio.

If enforcement action is threatened, or indeed underway, it is imperative that the best possible advice is given to resolve the matter as quickly and effectively as possible.  Firstplan regularly deal with difficult, complex enforcement matters and are experienced in negotiating with enforcement officers to rectify the breach of planning controls and avoid further action.

Firstplan has a proven track record of leading and co-ordinating teams of specialist consultants to deliver robust Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for all types of major development projects.   We manage the EIA process from the initial screening and scoping exercise, through to collating and reviewing input from the wider EIA team to produce a robust Environmental Statement.

Firstplan have a proven track record and considerable experience in this specialised field of planning. We regularly act for major UK operators on sites across the UK and are experienced in dealing with planning applications for:

• Mineral extraction;
• Concrete batching plants;
• Aggregate plant and depots;
• Urban coating plants;
• Waste recycling operations;
• Site Remediation.

The current government’s continued commitment to revitalising town centres presents both opportunities and challenges for retail development.  As one of our specialist sectors, we have extensive experience of preparing the robust evidence often required to support edge of centre, and out of centre retail developments including:

• Retail Impact Assessments;
• Sequential Assessments;
• Town Centre Health Checks.

A well-prepared objection based on valid planning grounds can often be given considerable weight in the determination of an application. We regularly prepare objections to planning applications and Local Plan documents on behalf of local residents, land owners, amenity groups and other interested parties.