Strategic Advice

When considering investment, and before committing significant resources in land acquisitions it is wise to take advice from us. We can advise on likely planning outcomes, in a managed monitoring, a programmed search function, or a site specific directed manner. We can help you find development opportunities, or we can advise you on specified areas of interest. A little cost at the earliest stage can obviate wasted expenditure later.

Feasibility Study

When a particular site has been identified by our client we can offer direct, sometimes blunt advice about the prospects of winning a planning approval. Such advice is often informed by wider considerations than planning. For example there could be traffic or environment matters affecting outcomes. Our breadth of knowledge is extensive. There are few issues which we will not have encountered before.

Development Plan

Every few years new development plans are produced. Promotion of lands for inclusion in the next plan is an important matter. It cannot be assumed that authorities will simply include the next land in sequence, or zone your land as you might see its best use. We monitor development plans for our clients and make representations and appearances at hearings and Inquiries where appropriate. We have had significant success in increasing allocations.

Masterplanning

It is important to go further than land use zoning in order to evaluate a site. An investor needs to understand his likely return from a scheme. It is also necessary to inform interested parties at a later stage about what is likely to be developed.

Community Consultation

Most developments will have some impact on a local community. It is good practice to inform that community about the proposals at an early stage, and to respond to any concerns raised. Fear of the unknown can motivate local opposition. However responding to legitimate material considerations is likely to result in a more satisfactory outcome for all parties.

Public Meetings

Planning often causes controversy. Elevate have organised or appeared on a panel at dozens of public meetings aimed at giving voice to concerns about policy or development proposals. We have appeared alongside local representatives, developers, politicians and government Ministers.

Planning Application

Applications should be prepared and presented in a manner which offers the best chance of success. The time for simply attaching a map with a red line has passed.

Supporting Statement

Applications for permission to develop lands should be supported with a statement demonstrating compliance with all the material considerations. It is often the case that applications on their way to refusal can be approved if post application supporting evidence is persuasive.

Lending Appraisals

Lenders are legitimately concerned about their investment. We can offer independent guidance and advice on the planning considerations involved. This can be confirming information offered to the bank, considering alternative land use, reviewing the conditions of an approval, or extending the life of an extant planning approval. Often new applications prove necessary to address a changed market.

Expert Witness

The world has become increasingly litigious. We are often called to act as expert witnesses in arbitration or court.

Judicial Review

Government doesn't get everything right. We have instigated several Judicial Reviews on matters of a strategic planning nature, and been expert witnesses in many others.

Environmental Impact Assessment

Development proposals likely to have significant impact on the environment must be accompanied by a detailed analysis of the impact on the environment. These will typically necessitate the involvement of many different professionals. As well as drafting teh planning sections of these documents we generally act as co-ordinator and lead consultant.

Planning Appeal

When an application for a development has been refused planning permission, or looks likely to be refused, a planning appeal can be the preferred option. We have a reputation for our tenacity in appeals. We forensically examine the evidence, and offer some appreciation of the likelihood of success before taking on an appeal. If we are convinced that you have a winnable case we will apply all our skill, experience and tenacity to advance your case. The result is that we succeed at a rate almost double the average.

Other Services

The listings above are not exhaustive. We encounter different issues every week and tailor our service to respond appropriately.