Residential Development

We have masterplanned, advised and fought for approval on hundreds of residential development proposals. In the course of such instruction we have encountered and overcome most difficulties imaginable. Family homes are possibly the most emotive of planning proposals. The disappointment of being refused permission to build a dream home can be devastating. The right advice from the outset can help avoid refusal, or change the minds of decision takers. Rural housing approvals are particularly difficult to win. Elevate has developed a reputation as a leader in this sub-sector.

Renewable Energy

Wind

Government has set targets with the aim of increasing the use of renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The planning process for wind energy can be particularly complicated, due to the potential impact on the environment and local residents. Of all renewable technologies, wind turbines have the greatest visual and landscape effect and so it must be demonstrated that the impact on the landscape is minimal. The material consideration in the determination of such applications is the local and wider environmental, economic and social impact however the potential impacts of wind turbine development however will vary according to the particular location and proposed scale of the development. Any planning application for such a development will need to include detailed information in relation to the noise output of the turbine, wind speed survey, visual assessment and the impact on residential amenity. Some forms of wind energy may also require a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment depending on their scale and location. We have advised on the planning issues on a series of wind energy developments, ranging from 250kW turbines to wind farms comprising several 2.5MW turbines. We have on occasion been team members in the preparation of large renewable energy based applications but often been lead consultants in the preparation of EIA. In such cases we will instruct appropriate experts in their field, prepare relevant sections, coordinate teams of sub-consultants and produce the final EIA.

Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic Digestion is a treatment that composts biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen, producing a biogas that can be used to generate electricity and heat. It is a form of renewable energy and is widely used as the process produces a methane and carbon dioxide rich biogas which is suitable for energy production, thereby reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and reducing carbon emissions. This type of development promotes and assists 'sustainability' at a local level through the use of cleaner and more efficient fossil fuels and the exploitation of renewable sources of energy and alternative energy technology, whilst at the same time sustaining the local rural economy. Due to the nature of the facility, it works particularly well on farms whereby silage and manure is used as the feedstock within the digester to produce electricity and heat. The electricity can then be used on the farm or distributed to the national grid. The by-product left after the digestion process is a nutrient rich biofertiliser which can be used on the farmland as a biofertiliser and a soil improver. The facility can be developed as a form of farm diversification which provides opportunities for farmers to achieve an increased income and assisting in sustaining the rural economy. There are also opportunities to receive funding for such farm diversification projects, subject to receiving full planning permission for the development. Obtaining planning permission for this type of renewable energy project can be complicated, due to the nature of the development and the potential impacts on the environment and neighbouring residents. Elevate Planning has considerable experience in such developments and is well placed to advise and steer you through the application process from commencement to completion.

Biomass

Biomass generation shares many of the planning policy issues with AD. Siting is more often within an industrial setting.

Data Centre

Energy cost is an essential consideration in the development of Data Centres. These often include a renewable energy source.

Minerals

Quarries by their very nature raise questions of environmental impact. Weighing these impacts during extraction against the benefits to the environment after restoration, and the economic benefit is a complex task. We have experience of winning approval for hard-rock and gravel extraction on some of the most sensitive sites in the country, amongst the several dozen quarry approvals in our portfolio.

Waste

We all generate waste, but none of us want it collected or managed near where we live. The definition of waste is quite broad, with most of its haulage, handling and disposal falling within the various policy and licensing regimes.

Retail

We have acted as lead consultant on some of the largest retail and mixed use developments across Ireland and the UK on behalf of operators such as Tesco, Marks and Spencer, B&Q, Ikea and other convenience and big box operators. We have prepared Retail Impact Assessments which support applications, or can demonstrate how they might be harmful to existing operators in an area. All RIA's carried out incorporate extensive quantitative and qualitative reasoning either in support of, or against a development. Sequential tests also form an important part of any assessment in order to determine if any more suitable site is available. Elevate are ideally positioned and suitably experienced to guide your retail development through the planning system.

Enforcement

The impact of good planning policy can be undone by unlawful development. Conversely, overzealous officials can mistake perfectly legitimate forms of development as enforceable against. Much of our enforcement work is in defence of the actions of developers in advance of them securing a planning approval.

Farm Diversification

Farm diversification is becoming more and more popular, as many farmers look to new ways to generate additional income outside mainstream agricultural activity. Farm diversification enterprises can vary widely, from an engineering workshop to a cattery. The Government is promoting various forms of farm diversification to sustain & enhance the rural economy and many projects are eligible for funding from local action groups. Planning permission will be required for most forms of farm diversification and in most cases obtaining funding will be subject to receiving full planning permission. Elevate has vast experience in preparing such applications and subsequently assisting farmers in obtaining funding for their projects.