Stephen Bell, partner commercial property team, Napthens Solicitors
At the moment, as far as I am concerned everything is just ‘in principle’, there is very little in the way of detail when it comes to the proposed changes we have heard about.
Covid, government changes
and cutbacks have all had a massive impact when it comes to the planning system. Pre-planning applications used to be more positive, you received early informal guidance, there was a conversation. Nothing was legally binding but it was a start. That has changed.
Then there is the time that things take. In some parts of the country, it can take two years to secure planning. I know of one small housing scheme where it has taken another two years on top of that to sort out the Section 106 agreement. Also known as a planning obligation, this is a legally binding agreement between a planning authority and a developer, entered into as part of granting permission.
Nationally there needs to be more of a long-term strategic planning framework and it needs to span more than one government’s time in office. We need it to cover 10, 15, 20 years.
A return to proper town planning would also be welcome, we have lost that knowledge in the system that we once had. We need people who know how things work.
We have torn up a lot of things that worked and we have a lot of stuff that act as barriers.
About us
Founded in 1979, HPA is a Lancaster based Architecture Studio working all over the UK. We pride ourselves on delivering projects in collaboration with our clients, and work in a variety of specialist sectors including leisure and education, through to housing and manufacturing. Our multi-disciplinary team, which includes Architects, Technologists, Planning and Heritage Consultants; allows us to offer a full range of Built-Environment Consultancy Services to clients.
Our recent achievements and plans for the future
The cutting-edge factory and headquarters we designed for Stonegate Farmers in Chippenham recently received a Royal visit for its official opening. We’ve also recently delivered a newly refurbished Sixth Form College in Barrow-in-Furness, which was 4 years in the making. We’re currently working on plans for the redevelopment of the heritage lottery supported Talyllyn railway in Wales; and have a number of exciting projects closer to home.
How have you adapted to address key planning challenges?
HPA has a long history of working on projects with high levels of planning protection (eg Heritage Projects, National Parks etc), and this depth of experience has helped us to adapt to the challenges of an ever increasingly complicated planning system. Being able to offer a collaborative design-led approach to planning, supported by an in-house multi-disciplinary team, helps us to deliver positive outcomes for clients.
www.hpa.ltd
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About us
Collaboration is at the heart of what Napthens does; whether working with clients, colleagues, or with the wider community. Our people and the relationships we build make us unique.
Established since 1923, Napthens is an award-winning independent law firm delivering legal solutions to help navigate the journeys through business and life.
Our recent achievements and plans for the future
Our award-winning and growing commercial property team is recognised as tier one (exceptional) service in The Legal 500, which comprises comprehensive client testimonials and demonstrates the expertise within the team.
We recently established NREC (Napthens Real Estate Club), a community that through its LinkedIn group and in-person events, aims to foster connections and encourage knowledge-sharing among professionals and individuals in the north west.
How have you adapted to address key planning challenges?
Our real estate teams and our clients face continued delays linked to a reduced number of senior planning officers and reduction in local authority resources generally. This impacting site development acquisition and ultimately delivery of new homes. We try to engage personally where we can to push matters through.
napthens.co.uk About us
S&L obtain planning permission for developers and landowners, alongside project managing and leading external teams. We also provide expert advice on whether land and buildings have development potential, prepare representations to promote the development of land via Local Plans, provide estate advice and prepare appeals.
Our recent achievements and plans for the future
We’re currently working on schemes in Preston which have benefitted from Town’s Fund monies including the £7.4m conversion of Amounderness House to shared office space; and the enhancement of Waverley Park and Moor Park. S&L is actively involved in the extension of North-West Preston and closely monitoring the progression of the Central Lancashire Local Plan on behalf of several clients across the Region. A transformative new residential project in Preston city centre is due to be submitted for planning by S&L very soon... watch this space!
How have you adapted to address key planning challenges?
Planning has never received so much press coverage. The Government is committed to fundamental reform through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. The current system is riddled with inherent risk and delays. We pride ourselves on identifying potential, de-risking projects through carefully devised strategies, and the ability to problem solve in order to create successful outcomes for our clients’ land and property.
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