Development Control

Most building work and some changes in the use of land or buildings require planning permission.  This can be obtained by application to the Council.  The administrative systems put in place to control development can be quite difficult to understand. Bowen Planning will tell you if planning permission is required and, if it is, suggest the means of achieving it. 

At the outset, a full explanation will be given of: -

    • the steps involved
    • the information that will be required to support the application
    • the possible costs
    • the likely outcome

Architectural and development advice

Bowen Planning works closely in association with a chartered architect and chartered surveyor who will provide a full architectural service for the design and construction of the proposed buildings.

Pre-application consultation

Bowen Planning attaches considerable importance to conducting pre-application consultations with the Council’s Planning Officers before an application is made.  This will reveal any possible conflict with the Council’s planning policies and will provide a clear indication of whether they are likely to be acceptable.   Particular attention and appropriate time and resources will, therefore, be devoted to this stage in the process.

Preparation of Design and Access Statements

Most applications have to be accompanied by a Design and Access Statement.  This document describes and sets out the justification for the proposal having regard to the Council’s planning policies.  They will be prepared by Bowen Planning as part of the planning submission.

Preparation of Development Briefs

If necessary, Bowen Planning will prepare a Development Brief to establish the design parameters for a development before a planning application is submitted.  This will be presented to the Council as the subject of discussion to highlight and seek agreement on possible contentious issues.  It would be appropriate in the case of complex or sensitive proposals such as those located in Conservation Areas.

The ‘Local Requirements’

This is information that the Council considers necessary to support the planning application.  If there are, for example, ecological or landscape impact implications of the development reports prepared by specialist consultants will be required.  Bowen Planning will arrange for them to be carried out and ensure they meet the Council’s needs.

Planning Appeals

If an application fails to obtain the approval of the Council, Bowen Planning will advise on whether an Appeal should be lodged.  If the client wishes to proceed, Bowen Planning can make the appeal to the Planning Inspectorate and prepare the necessary evidence to substantiate the proposals.