Planning and Environmental

Our multi-disciplinary planning and environmental group includes legal experts and planning consultants. The team undertakes a range of complex and smaller development projects for public and private organisations and private clients.

The group was ranked in the top tier in the 2008 edition of Chambers and Partners and cited as "well respected and one of the leaders in the region."  Clients recommend us as a "forward thinking one-stop shop" and a "very interesting practice with high profile clients and a wide variety of work."

The service includes specialist environmental advice and representation.

Site appraisals
Site appraisals and assessment of development opportunities. Given our extensive library of Local Authority Planning documents and expertise we can provide cost effective appraisals of individual sites or large property portfolios in a short time scale.

Pre-application negotiation
Pre-application negotiation with Local Planning Authorities. We are able to meet with Local Authority Planning Officers and other statutory consultees in order to discuss relevant issues which can inform the submission of an application leading to a speedier decision and an increased chance of success.

Public Relations
DMH Stallard can assist with the handling of objections, including preparation and consultation before an application is submitted. 'Statements of Community Involvement' are increasingly required for major applications and allocation of sites for development through the Development Plan process. DMH Stallard can also represent clients at meetings, prepare press releases and handle enquiries which can do much to mitigate the effect of objections or ensure that they do not arise in the first place.

Supporting statements
Supporting statements for submission with planning applications. The production of supporting information with a planning application is important in ensuring all organisations, members of the public and Councillors are fully informed.

Monitoring planning applications
Once submitted, DMH Stallard undertake the important task of monitoring the progress of the application and entering into any necessary negotiations with the
Local Planning Authority.

Speaking at Planning Committees
Increasingly Local Authorities allow applicants and objectors the opportunity to address the Members at Planning Committees. DMH Stallard have experienced Planners and Lawyers who are effective in such public speaking.

Environmental Impact Assessments
The team advises on environmental searches and provides particular expertise in respect of contaminated land. Most major development applications now require an environmental statement. DMH Stallard can advise initially on the need for an EIA and, where needed, co-ordinate and edit the Environmental Statement to ensure it reads as a coherent whole. The combined legal and planning skills at DMH Stallard are supplemented by contributions from outside specialists brought in as required.

Planning Appeals
Planning Appeals, Public Inquiry, Informal Hearing or Written Representations. DMH Stallard can provide expert witnesses at Public Inquiries in respect of planning appeals and ‘called-in’ applications for major schemes. Other proposals can be appealed by Informal Hearing or Written Representations which can also be undertaken by DMH Stallard. We have a proven track record at appeal with a success rate well above the national average.

Development Briefs
DMH Stallard Planners have experience in the production of development briefs for the comprehensive development of major and mixed use sites.

Representation at Regional Spatial Strategy and Local Development Framework Examinations
The DMH Stallard Planning Team seek to influence national, regional and local planning policies. The approach maximises the chances of success at a time when development plan policy is the primary consideration in decision making. DMH Stallard are involved in representing a wide range of clients on structure and development plan reviews on matters of site allocation and general policy.

Legal Agreements
Most schemes require legal (Section 106) agreements relating to matters such as affordable housing, financial contributions towards highway improvements or off site leisure provision etc. DMH Stallard can provide the legal expertise and negotiating skills to ensure any S106 agreement is reasonably required under the Planning Act and properly formulated.

Planning and Management of Major Projects
Planning successfully for Major Projects depends on a thorough understanding of planning policies, the site’s planning history and government and regional guidance. This is presented in the form of a planning statement which sets out the case for the development; addressing potentially contentious issues with the Planning Authority, other statutory agencies or third parties. Most schemes require legal agreements relating to matters such as affordable housing, financial contributions, access, operational restrictions, etc. to be negotiated with the Planning Authority; ensuring that the decision making process does not leave opportunities for legal challenge by objectors and providing guidance through the complexities of planning and environmental law.

Most major projects now require an environmental statement. This involves input from a team of consultants, architects, specialists in environmental protection, transport, ecology, archaeology and others, whose contributions must read as a coherent whole and from whom evidence may be required at a Public Inquiry if the scheme is the subject of an appeal or call in by the Secretary of State. The Planning Team can recommend experts with whom they work regularly in all these fields and can project-manage the commissioning and submission of the Environmental statement and other similar supporting material.