Higham & Co is closely familiar with all the dynamics referred to above and we have long experience in guiding all types of clients (see client list) through what is undoubtedly now a very complex system.
We are fully conversant with all the relevant legislation, guidance and policies from Government, and also case law, and we keep a close weather eye on what the next round of changes will bring. We thus endeavour to advise clients not just on what might be attained today but on the potential tomorrow.
Our services cover the whole spectrum of planning from planning applications at one end of the scale to a long term strategy for bringing significant areas of land forward for development through local plan policy change at the other.
We are fully aware of all the requirements to secure planning permission whether it be for large or small projects and from both a client and local authority perspective. Community consultation is an increasingly important requirement of the planning system and we have had much involvement in this in its various forms.
A significant amount of our work engages with the legal profession in a consultative capacity but we also have a high level of experience in the resolution of planning cases by reference to legal or quasi legal processes.
It is implicit in all this that we are well used to providing evidence.
We are frequently asked to act as lead consultant on major development projects coordinating members of a project team including master planners, architects, legal advisors, highways consultants and environmental engineers – but we are equally comfortable working as a member of a team headed by others.
The Way Forward
We will be pleased to hear from prospective clients to have an initial discussion or meeting in our offices to discuss what the issues are and how we can help.
It can often be appropriate for us to provide an initial audit of what the job might entail and what we think is feasible before settling on a formal instruction in order that time, effort and cost can be expended in the most productive way. Planning is the art of the possible and our aim is to provide realistic advice to clients from the outset as to what we think is, and is not, attainable.
In all instructions we regularly report to discuss progress as there is no doubt that the close involvement of clients is a key to success.
Fees
Our fees are normally charged on a time basis. Other arrangements can be agreed where appropriate.