Key Issues

Local planning authorities have often regarded ‘employment generating’ uses as only offices and industrial uses, but not retail and leisure uses. However, local policies now have to take into account recent shifts in national policy away from such a narrow view. This creates an opportunity to secure a change of use of some sites in a way that may previously have been resisted, subject to the ‘sequential approach’ to location normally required by high-trip generating uses. Commercial development is also likely to engage traffic and highways issues, which will require a careful analysis of the likely traffic impacts coupled with measures aimed at reducing travel by private car.

Experience

Experience has included securing an allocation for a mixed use scheme, including shops and offices, in Guildford, additional car parking for offices in Harrogate (contrary to local, national and regional policy) and helping commercial developers and property owners to safguard their interests affected by CrossRail.

Clients

Prudential Plc, Marylebone Warwick Balfour, Johnson & Johnson, Vocalink, Derwent Valley Plc