DLBP reflects on another fantastic year

DLBP is reflecting on yet another fantastic year full of successes for our clients and the team.

DLBP started off the year by expanding overseas and opening a second office in Atlanta, Georgia.  This exciting new venture has proved to be hugely successful, with the US team securing rezoning for Spring Lake Village, an Active Adult community of 90 homes and clubhouse set within acres of landscaped grounds in Powder Springs, Cobb County.  The team has also recently submitted a rezoning application for 125 homes at Gainesville, Georgia, and looks forward to progressing this and other new applications in 2024.

In London, the UK team has been exceptionally successful in advising and securing approvals on behalf of many new and long-standing clients.  This has included securing planning permissions for two new care homes, comprising 154 care beds and over 8,000 sq m of floorspace, as well as preparing a further 10 applications for 821 care beds that are currently in the pipeline.  This reflects our position as the leading senior living planning consultancy in the UK, evidenced by DLBP being shortlisted for Property Consultant of the Year at the prestigious LaingBuisson Awards 2023.

DLBP has made in excess of 100 planning submissions, resulting in us securing permission for countless new homes throughout the country, a new exhibition centre at Ramsbury Manor, new electric vehicle charging hubs, over 11,000 sq m of temporary event floorspace, and much, much more.

DLBP has continued to expand too.  In the US, we welcomed Artagus Newell as Director of Planning and Devynn Glanz as Planner in March, and in the UK, we welcomed Elyse Kenny as Senior Planner in September and Ben Murphy as Principal Planner in October.  DLBP is actively seeking to continue expanding into the new year, with opportunities currently for a Senior Planner / Associate Director of Planning and a Planner in the UK.

DLBP were also finalists for Planning Consultancy of the Year at the Planning Awards 2023, and Small Planning Consultancy of the Year at the RTPI London Planning Awards for Excellence 2023, both of which were fantastic events.

Thank you to all of our clients, and the project teams we work alongside, who have made this year so successful.  DLBP wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.

DLBP attends London EV Show

The DLBP London team recently attended the annual London EV Show at the Excel Centre.

Now in its third year, the event brings together a range of different exhibitors, from start-ups to market-leading manufactures and investors to end users, all with an interest in electric vehicles.

One of the leading providers of EV technology and charging point operators exhibiting on the day was Leap24, who DLBP is assisting in the roll-out of EV infrastructure across the UK.  We had a great time catching up with the Leap24 team, as well as learning more about the range of new and exciting products that are entering the market.

The UK Government recently announced a major boost to the EV market in its Autumn Statement by pledging to invest £2 billion in EV facilities, with the roll-out of EV infrastructure no doubt being integral to helping the Government meet its long-term targets for reductions in carbon emissions.

DLBP looks forward to being part of this growing market and supporting the drive towards more sustainable travel.

DLBP secures approval to increase value of green belt residential scheme

DLBP is delighted to have increased the value of an approved scheme by securing approval to amend an existing planning permission for four new homes in the green belt.

DLBP previously secured planning permission, on behalf of a client, for two pairs of semi-detached homes on an undeveloped site located in the green belt and within a conservation area and the setting of a grade-I listed building.  Following this, DLBP was contacted by our client to advise on the ways to increase the value of the previously approved scheme.

Working closely with the client and Chassay Studio, together we explored different ways to amend the approved scheme to increase its value by, for example, separating the semi-detached homes into detached homes, adding rooms to the roofs, and installing basements.

Once the changes had been agreed, DLBP prepared a minor material amendment (section 73) application to vary the originally approved scheme, which sought consent for four detached homes with additional rooms to the roofs, and larger private gardens.  DLBP then finalised and submitted the application and acted as agent throughout its determination, liaising closely with the Council to address all queries through to receiving a positive decision.

DLBP is very pleased to have secured this approval and looks forward to continuing to assist our many clients in securing similar consents going forward.

DLBP secures first permission for LEAP24

DLBP is delighted to have secured its first planning permission for our client, LEAP24.

This permission allows for the construction of an electric vehicle charging station to serve six parking bays on a currently vacant site in Pinner, near numerous shops and a GP surgery.

Working closely with LEAP24, TSG Group and Pulsar Transport Planning, DLBP provided advice throughout the design process to help establish suitable site access arrangements and the proposed layout for the charging bays.  DLBP also liaised closely with Tyler Grange to assess the potential impacts of the charging station on the surrounding trees.

Alongside this, DLBP prepared a detailed Planning Statement to communicate the wider sustainability benefits of the scheme to the Council (London Borough of Hillingdon).  This included details of the proposal’s contribution to achieving zero-carbon targets in London by 2050, as well as promoting the uptake of low-emission vehicles across the Borough.  DLBP also carefully assessed the character of the site and surrounding area to justify that the design of the proposal would be in keeping to its setting.

Following submission, DLBP worked closely with the Council, ensuring no objections were raised by statutory consultees and providing all necessary additional information to achieve a positive outcome.

DLBP is now assisting LEAP24 UK in discharging planning conditions associated with the recent permission so that it can start work on site as soon as possible.

We look forward to seeing the site become fully operational very soon and are excited to continue working with LEAP24 as it continues to roll out new charging stations across the UK as leaders in the EV revolution!

Tower Hamlets begins consulting on draft Local Plan

The London Borough of Tower Hamlets has started to consult the public on the first draft version of its new Local Plan.

Tower Hamlet’s current Local Plan was only adopted in January 2020, however the Council now considers the vision and certain policies within it to be out of date.

The new Local Plan will set out the vision for the Borough up to 2038.  This Plan is particularly significant as it is the first to be prepared by the Aspire political party, who was elected into power to lead the Council in May 2022.

The current consultation period gives people the chance to review and comment on the draft policies before the Local Plan is formalised in 2024/25.  The formal consultation period commenced on 6 November 2023 and ends on 18 December.

At DLBP, we are reviewing this first draft to consider how it may influence current proposals, as well as to identify the opportunities it may present for future proposals in the Borough.

DLBP excited to present at The HS Property Hub Conference

presenting at The HS Property Hub’s ‘Introduction to Property’ Conference.

Amy will be reflecting on her experience of working as a private-sector Town Planning Consultant and will also be providing some valuable insights about the art of achieving planning permission in challenging political and planning contexts.

Amy will be joined by other guest speakers from Kingston University, Savills, Charles Russell Speechless, Gerald Eve and LSH Investment Management who will be covering topics such as property law, valuations, designing and building assets, ESG and sustainability, and property management, and much, much more.

For more information about the event and how to purchase tickets, follow the link here;

https://www.henrystewartconferences.com/property-hub/hs-property-hub-introduction-property-2023.

Planning application fees to rise from 6 December

The UK Government has announced that planning application fees are to rise from 6 December.

This recent announcement confirmed a 35 percent rise in application fees for major applications (residential accommodation of 10 or more units, or commercial development of 1,000 square metres or more), and a 25 percent rise in fees for minor applications.

This announcement also confirmed an annual inflation indexation of all application fees will be added from 1 April 2025.

DLBP is currently working with many of its clients to prepare and finalise applications before the increase comes into effect on 6 December.

If you would like our advice on how these changes might impact your development, contact our London office on 020 3713 8500 or at contact@dlbp.uk.

DLBP presenting at The HS Property Hub Conference

DLBP is pleased to announce that Amy Paterson, our Associate Director, will be presenting at The HS Property Hub’s ‘Introduction to Property’ Conference on 5 December.

The event is designed to support property professionals and practitioners broaden their knowledge about the entire property sector, as well as those wanting to embark on a career in property.

As a Chartered Town Planner, Amy will be sharing her knowledge and expertise about the complex planning system to provide attendees with an understanding of the key frameworks that planners must work within.   She will also be sharing some insights about the art of achieving planning permission, particularly in politically challenging contexts and on sites with challenging constraints that must be overcome. 

Amy will be joined by other guest speakers from Kingston University, Savills, Charles Russell Speechlys, Gerald Eve and LSH Investment Management who will be covering topics such as property law, valuations, designing and building assets, ESG and sustainability, and property management, and much, much more.

If you are interested in attending the in-person event in London, please contact Amy at amypaterson@dlbp.uk, or The HS Property Hub via the link here -https://www.henrystewartconferences.com/property-hub/hs-property-hub-introduction-property-2023.

DLBP secures consent for new Exhibition Centre to display priceless world-class collection of late Harry Hyams

DLBP is delighted to have secured planning permission and listed building consent, under delegated powers, for a new Exhibition Centre and estate yard to display the late Harry Hyams’ priceless world-class collection of paintings, ceramics and other important objet d’art at The Ramsbury Manor Estate, Wiltshire.

Harry Hyams was an exceptional individual and world-renown developer during the postwar property boom in the UK.  He is most well known as the developer of Centre Point, one of London’s first skyscrapers located at the eastern end of Oxford Street and designed by architects George Marsh and Richard Seifert.

In 1964, Hyams acquired Ramsbury Manor, which was and remains a unique and special place.  Nestled in the heart of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on the banks of the River Kennet, it contains a Grade I listed Manor House dating from the late 1600s; a Grade II* listed entrance gate; a Grade II listed stables and a Grade II listed bridge and weir, all set within a Grade II Registered Park and Garden.

Harry Hyams spent much of his lifetime putting together a very special collection of objects of international significance, including paintings by Rembrandt, Canaletto, Turner and Boilly; porcelain by Dodin; classic and unique cars by Ferrari, Bugatti and Mercedes; furniture by Gibbons and Chippendale; and clocks by Boulton, Wright and Tompion.

On Hyams passing, he bequeathed the Estate and his collection as a gift to the nation.  It was his wish to open the Estate and collection to all members of the public to study, appreciate and most importantly to enjoy.  This wish underpins the charitable objectives of the Ramsbury Manor Foundation.

The planning permission and listed building consent deliver on this, by providing an Exhibition Centre of the highest quality for the display of items from the collection and facilities to support small group visits to the Manor House.  The Centre also includes conservation and storage facilities, a cafe, lecture theatre and ancillary facilities that cannot be provided within the Manor House.

DLBP advised the Foundation through the lifetime of the project, and led the engagement with Wiltshire Council in building support among consultees and demonstrating that the proposal would deliver substantial public benefit.

The North Wessex Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Board was wholly supportive of the proposal, stating that it welcomed “the refreshing design of the exhibition centre (education / research) which succeeds in achieving Mr Hyams' wishes for the estate and its contents to be available to the public”.  The Parish Council was also supportive, commenting that it “thoroughly approve[s] of this application” and that the Trustees of the Foundation had "worked tirelessly to fulfil the wishes of Mr Hyams, their responsibility to the Manor and its environment and to the local villages that surround it“.

DLBP worked with the planning and technical officers at the Council to address comments, and prepared conditions that would allow the Foundation to start development as soon as possible.  The Council accepted these conditions, and also did not seek to impose additional conditions to limit the number of visitors or opening hours as is often seen at other estates. The arguments presented to the Council allowed officers to approve the application under delegated powers, thus avoiding the need for the application(s) to be heard at Planning Committee so removing the political risk of Councillors voting against the officer’s positive recommendation.

DLBP attends fantastic LaingBuisson Awards 2023

The DLBP London team had a fantastic evening attending the LaingBuisson Awards 2023 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.

This event brought together all of the biggest names in the UK health and care sectors, and it was really great to celebrate all of the work we do together.

DLBP are delighted to have been a finalist for Property Consultant of the Year.  Congratulations to all the other nominees and particularly to the winner, Christie & Co.

DLBP also had the privilege of sponsoring the Property Developer of the Year award.  All the nominees were extremely worthy to be shortlisted, and our congratulations go out to the winner, LNT Care Developments.

DLBP excited for LaingBuisson Awards 2023

The DLBP London team is very much looking forward to attending the LaingBuisson Awards 2023 this evening, at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.

This awards ceremony celebrates business that set new standards of excellence within the health, care, and education industries.

DLBP is excited to have been nominated for the Property Consultant of the Year Award, alongside some other very worthy nominees.  We would like to congratulate them all on this achievement.

DLBP is also very proud to be sponsoring the Property Developer of the Year category.  Congratulations to all those who have been shortlisted for this prestigious award.  We cannot wait to see who is announced as the winner on the night.

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act receives royal assent

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act has received royal assent.

The Act has a wide range of implications for developers and the built environment sector but will need further secondary legislation to bring the provisions into effect.

The key provisions that we’ll be monitoring the status of into the new year are:

• new enforcement powers for Planning Authorities, allowing them to issue ‘completion notices’ where developments aren’t built out in a timely manner, and extending the window for enforcement action to 10 years in all cases;

• an overhaul of the Community Infrastructure Levy system, to be replaced with a levy which will have a rate set as a percentage of gross development value;

• a new and broader ‘Section 73(b)’ route to amend planning approvals;

• new requirements for Planning Authorities to prepare design codes for their entire area, as well as sweeping changes to the plan-making process; and

• the replacement of Environmental Impact Assessments with more streamlined ‘Environmental Outcome Reports’

DLBP will continue to advise our clients on the emerging opportunities – and risks - that the Act will bring about as secondary legislation is introduced.

Stay tuned to DLBP’s LinkedIn for updates on timeframes and further details as they are announced. 

Elyse Kenny joins DLBP as Senior Planner

DLBP is very pleased to announce that Elyse Kenny has joined our London office as a Senior Planner. Elyse joins DLBP from Australia where she attained a Bachelor of City Planning (Honours) from the University of New South Wales and gained over 6 years of experience in private sector planning in Sydney.

In her previous role, Elyse worked on a range of projects including planning applications for large-scale mixed-use developments, educational institutions, care homes, private homes and more.

Elyse is skilled in managing projects and guiding them through the planning process whilst delivering timely and desirable planning outcomes for clients. Elyse also has experience of managing design excellence competitions, assisting with appeals and undertaking independent assessments of applications on behalf of Councils.

Elyse is looking forward to applying her knowledge and experience in supporting the DLBP team on a range of new and exciting projects.

Happy World Planning Day from DLBP!

Today is World Town Planning Day, which is the perfect time to celebrate how DLBP helps to improve the lives of people in the UK and US by creating high-quality and safe places for people to thrive at home, work or in a social setting.

Our team have been reflecting on some of our work over the years.

Conversion of heritage assets

We are currently leading a planning and listed building consent application to convert a disused brewery into 38 new homes.  Our Director of Planning, Andrew Ryley and Senior Planner, Henry Dunleavy have been co-ordinating the scheme to ensure it is sensitively designed to respect the historic setting of the site, and responds to flood risk and ecology constraints, whilst delivering much needed housing to the local area.

“Acting as the agent for a major planning application for the large-scale redevelopment of a disused brewery site in Old Amersham to provide 38 new homes has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my career.  It has helped to broaden my horizons not only in town planning but also in understanding the complex environmental and political issues surrounding the development sector.  It is incredibly important that we take a holistic view of all social, environmental and economic aspects of the work we are delivering.” Henry Dunleavy, Senior Planner.

Temporary events and heritage assets

As the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s retained planning consultant, we have had the delight of securing planning permission for a host of internationally acclaimed events for over 13 years.  The events have included: Salon Privé London, Global Champions Tour, Treasure House Fair, and Masterpiece.  All have been hugely successful and host tens of thousands of visitors each year, all of whom can enjoy the Royal Hospital’s wonderfully historic setting.

We also enhance this historic setting by managing the Royal Hospital’s assets.  Most recently, this includes securing permission for a new bomb display to commemorate an attack on the former Soane infirmary, which is now the site of the National Army Museum.  It is a real honour for the DLBP team to be involved in such significant projects as although planning is usually focusing on the future of a place, that very often involves reflecting on and respecting the history of a place.

Housing for the elderly

We are incredibly proud to be supporting the delivery of much needed specialist accommodation for the elderly across the UK and US.  In the UK, we have secured planning permission for 2,508 care and nursing bedrooms at 28 sites across England and Wales since 2010, and have over 500 more in the pipeline. 

In our newly established US office, we have recently secured our first re-zoning permission for 90 residential senior living homes – called “Spring Lake Village”.

“One of the most important aspects of being a Planner is really hearing, listening, and engaging with community members from the start of any planning process.  It’s important for us to convey how new development will enhance existing communities by providing new infrastructure and enhancing community cohesion in the form of increasing the variety of housing to allow families and friends to live closer to one another.  Upon explaining this and incorporating some of their suggested amendments, we were very pleased that they welcomed a new active adult community as something that would both provide much needed accessible facilities and fit well with the character of their community.” Devynn Glanz, Planner.

DLBP exhibits at National Landlord Investment Show

- the conversion of houses to flats and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs);

- the conversion of commercial premises, such as offices and retail units, to houses and flats;

- extensions, including additional storeys; and

- listed building consents.

If you were unable to speak to us on the day, or simply want to find our more, visit our website dlbp.uk, call us on 020 3712 8500, or email contact@dlbp.uk.

DLBP had a brilliant time last week exhibiting at the National Landlord Investment Show in London.

The event brought together thousands of existing and prospective landlords and property investors, who were treated to an array of exhibitors and guest speakers from the property and investment worlds.

The DLBP London team really enjoyed speaking with such a wide range of attendees and other exhibitors, who were all very interested to hear about the planning advice and services that we provide. This includes securing permission for:

Ben Murphy joins as Principal Planner

DLBP is delighted to announce that Ben Murphy has joined our London office as a Principal Planner.

After completing a Master’s degree in Planning and Sustainable Development at University College Cork, Ireland, Ben moved to London, where he has since gained over four years experience working within private planning consultancies dealing with complex urban redevelopment projects across the south-east of England.

Ben enjoys managing the preparation of planning applications for large-scale development proposals and working within multi-disciplinary teams to secure planning consents.  He has a particular interest in innovative development sectors such as Build-to-Rent, airspace development, and co-living.

Ben has a strong track record of identifying opportunities in constrained urban environments to maximise the commercial values of client’s properties, and is committed to providing a dedicated and driven service to our valued clients.

Ben will be working with our growing team across a range of projects in the residential and care sectors, and we look forward to supporting his professional development within the company.

DLBP exhibiting at National Landlord Investment Show, London

DLBP is delighted to be exhibiting tomorrow at the The National Landlord Investment Showat Old Billingsgate, London on 1 November 2023.

The National Landlord Investment Show is the largest property investment exhibition in the UK. The event regularly attracts thousands of attendees with an interest in the buy-to-let and private rented sectors in Greater London and surrounding areas.

DLBP is very much looking forward to meeting a wide range of visitors and exhibitors at the event and sharing our knowledge and experience of how to increase the value of property assets by providing town planning advice for:

- the conversion of houses to flats and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs);

- the conversion of commercial premises, such as offices, to houses and flats;

- extensions, including additional storeys; and

- listed building consents.

DLBP secures unique consent for bomb display at Royal Hospital Chelsea

DLBP has secured a rather unique consent to install a bomb display associated with the redevelopment of the Soane Stable Block, at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea is currently undertaking works to refurbish the grade II listed Soane Stable Block and create a new museum and exhibition centre which will be accessible to the public, for which DLBP secured permission previously.

To improve the visitor experience, the Royal Hospital sought the assistance of DLBP to secure planning permission to install a below-ground exhibition space for the display of a replica World War II bomb that commemorates an attack on former Soane Infirmary, which is now the site of the National Army Museum.

DLBP liaised closely with Peregrine Bryant Architects and Image Makers to prepare a proposal that would be improve the visitor experience, whilst protecting the heritage value of the site and surrounding area.

DLBP also engaged with the National Army Museum prior to and following submission of the application to ensure the display was acceptable from its perspective, as well.

DLBP is delighted to continue supporting the Royal Hospital Chelsea in facilitating this new, exciting development and its wider charitable objectives.

DLBP attends Association of Accounting Technicians budgeting course

DLBP recently attended the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Essentials one-day training course on budgeting, as part of its Continuous Professional Development programme.

This course provided an understanding of how and when to prepare a budget and how to make informed budgeting decisions.

Other key lessons were how to provide more insightful reports base on financial information and communicate financial information to other parties.

DLBP looks forward to putting all of the knowledge and understanding learned into practice, and will be adding further AAT Essentials courses to its CPD programme very soon.

DLBP research reveals extent of London planning permission shortage

Research recently conducted by DLBP has revealed the downward trends in the number of planning applications submitted and determined in London over the last 10 years.

Our research found:

• the number of residential and commercial planning applications fell sharply between 2016 and 2021 but rose slightly in 2022;

• the number of residential permissions granted increased gradually between 2016 and 2019 but declined dramatically from 2019 to date;

• there has been a continual decline in the number of major applications determined in the Capital, from a high of 1,600 in 2014 to 900 in 2022; and

• fewer major applications are being determined within the required 13-week statutory deadline, from a high of 55% in 2014 to a low of 20% in 2022.

Notwithstanding the above, permissions for affordable housing have increased since 2016 when the London Plan policy requiring the provision of 35% affordable housing was introduced.

In the current climate, where the determination of applications is increasing delayed and the number of permissions is declining, DLBP continues to assist our clients in successfully navigating the planning process and delivering timely planning outcomes.