Project Requirement & Process
Consul have been appointed as Planning Consultants for United Living to assist with planning applications and general drawing work for their cyclical projects with Peabody and United Living since 2024.
Consul work with United Living and their window manufacturer/installer to prepare existing and proposed drawings of the properties included, as part of this process we will provide advice on what is likely to be granted permission in order for the Client to make an informed decision on which design to proceed with. Once the proposals have been agreed by all parties we prepare and submit a planning application along with all required documentation which varies depending on the Planning authority and the type of application required.
Details
Client
United Living Infrastructure
Services Used
Survey Scope
To complete the surveys, we are initially given a list of properties which are prioritised based on United Living’s programme of works. We carry out a desktop study of each property to establish if there are any planning constraints such as conservation areas, listed buildings and/or article 4 as this may require additional information to be obtained from the survey.
Once the desktop study has been completed, we prepare a strategy to complete the surveys as efficiently as possible and therefore dictate the size of the team that completes each survey. The factors that determine this are size and locations of the properties, vicinity of properties on the list and details to be obtained during the survey.
During the survey we take detailed measurements of the elevation of the properties including window details so that elevation and detailed existing drawings can be produced. The condition of the windows is noted and we also review the windows installed to the properties in the surrounding area to help build a case and ensure that the Clients preferred proposal has the best chance of achieving planning consent. We also take detailed photographs of the elevations and windows to assist the planning application.
Challenges
Access
To ensure we can gather all the information required to produce elevation drawings we require access to all elevations which can sometimes be difficult to arrange especially when is a terraced property with access to the rear only available through a flat. Where this is the case, we have an agreement where United Living will share the contact details of the relevant proper
Obtaining and agreeing to a design
It is often the case the ideal design for the Client is not the same as the most likely proposal to achieve planning permission. It is therefore the case to discuss and agree to the design to be submitted as part of the planning application which provides the best compromise between the two competing variables.
Solution
Access
Where access is via a resident’s flat we have an agreement where United Living will share the contact details of the relevant properties so we can arrange access ourselves for a date and time that fits in with our survey schedule. This is more efficient and saves United Living time and resources.
Obtaining and agreeing to a design
To obtain a final decision on the proposed design we often have design team meetings with United Living and their Client to discuss the options and the reasons why certain materials/designs may or may not get planning permission. We find this allows the Client to make an informed decision that allows the design to be finalised and planning application submitted which has a good chance of getting planning without delaying the works programme.
Result & Benefits to United Living and their Clients
Consul are able to work with United Living to provide advice and quick turnaround from instruction to complete the planning drawings and design. This ensures that the planning applications can be submitted quickly and therefore get decisions promptly in order to not delay the works programme.
Consul are able to work efficiently so that only one visit is usually required to the property which keeps are fees competitive.