We have considerable experience in dealing with all kinds of land, property and development issues, and utilise our skills to unlock development potential and maximise your financial gain and/or improved use. We can assist with the whole process from option appraisal with regard to the most beneficial development, obtaining relevant statutory consents, preparing specifications for tender and contract adminstration of the project to completion.  We can if required act in a project monitoring role for a financial institution.  

We also act for prospective purchasers who have identified a site and require information on planning permission, construction costs, timescales and marketability.

Houses, Offices, factories, warehouses, hospitals, public buildings etc, exist to serve a need. Public Authorities and organisations have to balance the conflicting pressures on accommodation which may mean moving to a new building or extending, refurbishing and rationalizing the existing property.

Our services include as required: 

• Initial ideas;  
• Feasibility Studies;
• Option Appraisals; 
• Occupancy Analysis; 
• Life Cycle Costing; 
• Energy Conservation; 
• Design and Specifications; 
• Obtaining Statutory Consents; 
• Estimating and Obtaining Tenders;
• Complete Contract Administration

Works for new build, repairs, extensions, refurbishments and fitting out schemes utilizing the latest computer design and planning systems.  

We have specialist experience in acting as Employer's Agent,  Partnering Advice,  Section 106 Negotiations and Development Agreements for residential developments. 

Planning Permission

Planning permission is a complex area and can significantly increase the market value of land and/or buildings.  Planning permission and planning law are designed to control the development or use of land for the benefit of everyone in society. More than 10% of planning permission applications are refused therefore, it is important that the process is professionally managed.

We provide planning reports; making and objecting to planning applications; planning appeals; creating development briefs; planning enforcement; Listed Buildings; Flood risk Assessments; Environmental Impact Assessments; planning gain negotiations etc.

Development
 
We offer sound practical advice on all matters relating to the identification, realisation, valuation and marketing of land and buildings for development or redevelopment. Our experience and expertise can help clients through the complexities and hurdles of today’s development process, including planning, building regulations, environmental engineering, party wall, neighbourly matters and site assembly.  

Where a property owner elects not to pursue a planning permission and instead wishes to pass over the responsibility to a prospective purchaser we are experienced in negotiating arrangements for owner or developer whereby in return for a right to purchase the property, a developer undertakes the necessary work at their own risk.  

Such arrangements may include:

• Conditional contracts subject to obtaining outline planning permission, approval of reserved matters or full planning permission for a particular layout or density of development.
• Option agreements where, perhaps, there is a need to promote a site for development through an emerging development plan. This may be for a period of years,  and clearly needs to be carefully negotiated to protect the interests of both parties.

• Pre-emption agreements where in return for a right of first refusal, a developer agrees to promote an area adjoining one which he already owns/controls. 

Development Agreement
Egan principles discourage complex contracts, however, a contractual framework is required.  We produce Development/Build Agreements and procure suitable tendering.
 
Typical Project Lifecycle

Employers Agent

Often advantageous in design and build projects, we have experience in affordable, supported and sheltered housing schemes.  We can undertake sustainability and ecological surveys required for social landlords to achieve Housing Corporation funding - Building for Life, Housing Quality Index etc.

Client Representative
We can act as Client Representative where Local Authorities and Social Landlords partner with a contractor in line with Egan compliance.  Partnering is advantageous and works for New build and Refurbishment.  

Funding

Sustainability and Ecological surveys required for Social Landlords to achieve Housing Corporation funding, to include Building for Life, Sustainable Code Assessment and Housing Quality Index.

Partnering Advisor
For Local Authorities and Social Landlords on regeneration projects procured through Partnering. We participate in Architect, Client Representative and Contractor selection and management of the process on behalf of the Client in line with Egan compliance.  

Section 106 - Negotiations
We have considerable experience in procurement of schemes via Section 106 Agreements for  Housing Associations, Local Authorities and Developers. We have developed our own model agreement (Development/Build Agreement) to expedite matters to deal with the construction issues, thus leaving only site acquisition to the solicitors acting for each party.  We are practical and flexible which ensures a continuity of relationships. 

Portfolio

We specialise in development of residential projects in the Midlands and futher afield, with expertise in regeneration of areas to provide high quality sustainable residential property.  Our dual role as a Chartered Building Surveying Practice for circa 25 years is a massive advantage when combined with the creative side of the property profession.  Some examples of our portfolio are listed below:

	Westcliff-on-Sea 31 apartments, upgrade of building and grounds with addition of new third floor comprising seven new one and two bed apartments.
	Warwickshire Demolition of an existing bungalow for erection of six one and two bed apartments. Works in progress.
	Lancashire The site was formerly a farm building with ancillary buildings that had been partially demolished. We developed an affordable housing scheme of twenty three houses which was subsequently built for Homes England.
	London Six-storey period property converted into twenty-nine apartments prior and in need of extensive refurbishment, to include roof, walls, apartments, communal areas, external fabric and mechanical and eletrical installations in collaboration with management company.
	Croydon Period property converted into five self contained apartments, located in a conservation area. Sensitive development for loft conversion to form one bedroomed new apartment.
	London Derelict property comprising six apartments, extensive remodelling and refurbishment in collaboration with the management company.
	Lancashire Removal of run down garage and replacement with a pair of energy efficient 2 bedroomed 3 bathroom semi detached houses and landscaped gardens.
	Warwickshire Forming new access and erection of detached 2 bedroomed 3 bathroom bungalow with landscaped gardens.
	Warwickshire Infill development and conversion to provide 5 large one  bedromed apartments in close proximity to the town centre.

 
Our Approach

 
Our first priority is to understand your needs so that we can tailor our services to achieve the best value for money. 

We will then prepare a proposal which states clearly:

• Our understanding of your requirements
• The approach we will adopt
• The benefits you will obtain
• Our proposed fees

All of this is for discussion and agreement with you. We believe that successful projects result from a clear understanding of client requirements that are then implemented by high calibre and committed people. 

Contact us on 02476 347171 or email us for a FREE no obligation consultation