Planning

Our planning consultancy services are designed to lead our clients through the complexities of the development process. Our work typically involves the project management of planning applications and planning appeals, and the promotion of land through the plan making process.

Our approach identifies the key issues at the outset, developing a solid planning strategy agreed early, which ensures savings on cost and time whilst helping to manage project risks and enhance value. We deliver best value when involved from the outset of a project.

We have an extensive network of surveyors, architects and specialist consultants to draw upon, who we use depending on the nature of each project and our client’s requirements.

Our services

Planning appraisals

We help clients assess whether a site is suitable for a specific development, or to identify alternative development options for a site in which they have an interest. Our appraisals can be tailored to provide detailed advice on specific developments or provide wider commentary on potential options.

Advertisement consent

We help clients to navigate the advertisement consent requirements of the Local Planning Authority. Our experience includes consent for shop front signage, roadside signage and painted signage on listed buildings.

Planning obligations

Planning obligations are legal obligations entered into to mitigate the impacts of a development proposal. They are commonly referred to as a ‘section 106’ agreement. Smith Jenkins has experience in negotiating the best outcomes in these agreements for our clients.

Certificates of lawful use

We can offer our clients advice on the process of obtaining certificates of lawful development from local planning authorities for proposed or existing developments. Such certificates can prove vital in long term strategies for sites.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

Smith Jenkins can help clients navigate The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is a charge that can be levied by local authorities on new development in their area.

Site promotion through development plans

Smith Jenkins regularly monitors the evolving situations of neighbouring authorities to Milton Keynes and beyond. Through this process we are able to assist clients in promoting land through emerging local and neighbourhood plans.

Planning applications

We have extensive experience in preparing and managing planning applications through to positive outcomes. Our expertise lies, but is not limited to, London, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Hertfordshire.

Community consultations

Smith Jenkins take pride in our community engagement which has become an integral part of the planning process. Our experience includes engaging with the public on large scale residential and regeneration schemes, as well as new schools and other major developments. We can offer a range of engagement strategies including an online consultation website, leaflets, and public consultation exhibitions.

Planning appeals

In situations where a positive outcome cannot be reached at planning application stage, Smith Jenkins can assist in the lodging of appeals at Written Representation, Hearing and Inquiry levels with the Secretary of State.

Listed building consent

We project manage the submission and monitoring of LBC applications and liaise with the authority throughout the determination period, to ensure a timely decision.

Planning enforcement

The team has strong experience and capabilities in providing advice for individuals served with enforcement notices. Through this experience we can outline the necessary steps in guiding individuals through this process.

Permitted development and prior approval

We have expert knowledge in providing advice for clients on how to capitalise on opportunities in place from the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO). Smith Jenkins have experience in utilising the full extent of the GPDO to help clients maximise the potential of their land.

Hear from our clients

Terry Brice, Head of Infrastructure, Red Bull Technology — “The quality and timely manner in which Smith Jenkins carry out their work is commendable and their knowledge of the people to make contact with is excellent, and we would have no doubt in recommending them.”

Ian Bray, GSSArchitecture — “Great people to work with; Great team to work for.”

Mark Turner, Director, MK Dons — “Smith Jenkins are involved in many planning applications and other planning related work on a varied range of projects for us. They have always shown an excellent knowledge of the planning system and have very strong connections with the Local Authorities that we are involved with. Since working with Smith Jenkins, they have now become the planning consultant of choice for our group of companies and continue to provide a level of service that few others can compare to.”