Town Planning (England)

Do I need planning permission?

Whilst many minor developments can proceed under permitted development rights, more significant developments that may affect local amenity, human health or the environment, require a formal approval by the Local Planning Authority (LPA) before any development can take place. For larger or nationally significant developments, such as major infrastructure projects, energy facilities, or large-scale developments, approval may be required though the Development Consent Order (DCO) process. This process is managed by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS), who produce a report with recommendations for the relevant Secretary of State who then makes a decision on whether to grant consent.

At TEPL, we have a solid understanding of the English planning system, underpinned by our expertise in the key legislative framework. We are skilled in navigating the planning system through the detailed planning policies that guide decisions at the national level, primarily through the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and at the local level through Local Plans developed by the 327 local planning authorities across England.

We have successfully worked on a wide range of projects across various sectors. Our teams experience spans from renewable developments, waste management infrastructure to large-scale industrial developments, demonstrating our versatility and capabilities in delivering diverse projects.

Our expertise include: project and site feasibility assessments as well as providing pre-application advice for clients, helping to identify potential development issues early and ensuring that proposals align with national and local planning policies. For larger or more impactful developments, we are well-versed and recognise the importance of undertaking Pre-Application Consultations (PAC) with local stakeholders to ensure alignment with the needs of all.

We help streamline the planning process, obtaining the necessary consents and delivering value for our clients.