Planning Permission For Commercial Property

Obtaining planning permission is often the first hurdle to ensuring you are able to develop your property and business the way you intend to. Failing to obtain the necessary consents can have consequences for your business. Trying to understand the statutory requirements and negotiate the planning system and legislation can be difficult. Here at Claphams, we are able to assist you and your business. Our solicitors have extensive knowledge in planning and consents matters and will be able to guide you and your business on how best to approach your development from a planning perspective.

Regardless of the nature or scale of your intended development, Claphams solicitors can help you. We have experience in planning applications across a range of industries including retail, leisure, hospitality and residential developments.

Our lawyers are able to assist with:

• Drafting planning applications
• Advising on obtaining planning and non-planning consents
• Advising on the necessary road and consent laws
• Advising on Compulsory Purchase Orders
• Advising on Environmental Impact
• Negotiating and drafting planning agreements
• Appeal strategies and representation at local public hearings and judicial review (if necessary)
• General consents and planning advice
• Major development consultation periods

In any planning application, the initial step is always to assess whether permission is needed in the first place. In a small number of circumstances, obtaining planning permission won’t be necessary. If your proposed development or alteration is what is known as a ‘permitted development’ then you will not be required to gain planning permission. However, where your development involves erecting a new building or changing the use of your commercial property, you will be required to obtain the requisite planning permission.

If your proposed development is classed as ‘major’ then it may be necessary to undertake a community consultation prior to submitting a planning application. The proposal must be publically advertised and a public consultation must take place to allow the local community to express their views on the proposed development.