GPS begins by working with our clients to help them create a strategy to gain planning consent for their development. This involves our specialist team using their extensive knowledge of local planning conditions to inform development design, site layout and other design features. This can help overcome potential areas of concern from planning officers, councillors and members of the local community.

PRE-PLANNING

Our company has expert knowledge in providing cost effective viability layouts that help to inform the client of the layout options and optimal land usage.
It is imperative that these layouts are prepared in time and are efficient to maximise the land value. It is also important that these layouts are suitable for any subsequent planning application and exceed the client’s expectations.

A feasibility study is an analysis of a system and the viability of different solutions. The purpose of a feasibility study is to define a problem, need, or opportunity and then use the research to find different solutions.
Our professional engineers at GPS can perform a feasibility study to help fully evaluate your project and the possible outcomes or alternatives to any issues that may appear. These studies help to provide multiple solutions based on given criteria such as cost and functionality. Communities, neighbourhoods, corporations, and individuals can all benefit from the myriad of information provided by feasibility studies.

As part of the planning process we believe it is important to discuss your requirements with your Local Authority prior to submitting a planning application. GPS believe it is for the client’s best interest to discuss the application with your council to ensure they are happy with your proposals. GPS are happy to undertake any pre application consultation and can help advise the best way forward.

OUTLINED PLANNING

We begin by looking at the history of the designated site and the environment surrounding it. We aim to gain a picture of the sites setting; this includes the geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, mining, quarrying, landfill and waste. This is normally carried out at the start of the site investigation process. In addition to reviewing the published information, a detailed inspection of the site (walkover survey) is normally undertaken. It is a fundamental part of the phased approach to site investigation.

A Phase 1 habitat classification and associated field survey technique provides a relatively rapid system to record semi-natural vegetation and other wildlife habitats. Each habitat description and is allocated a specific name; an alpha-numeric code or unique mapping colour. The system has been widely used and continues to act as the standard ‘phase 1’ technique for habitat survey across the UK

We are able to provide site specific ‘Flood Risk Assessments’ (FRAs) to accompany planning applications for both small domestic residential projects and larger commercial developments. In many cases the requirement to produce a flood risk assessment is generated by the site’s location. For example, this may have been requested as a means of documenting the absence of any additional risk associated with increased surface water run-off. However, all planning applications involving a site which exceeds 1 hectare must be accompanied by an FRA.

A Transport Assessment (TA), or its less detailed equivalent Transport Statement (TS), is a report detailing all the transport, traffic, highway and parking related implications associated with a development proposal. A TA or a TS, is prepared in support of a planning application for a development. Before a TA or TS can be prepared, the scope and scale of the report needs to be agreed with the Local Highway and Planning Authorities.

Both a TA and TS examine the effects of a development proposal on all modes of transport, not just the impacts associated with additional vehicle traffic. Detailed assessments are normally required based on the number of predicted trips that will be generated by the development for each of the main modes of transport (walking, cycling, public transport and car), and how these additional trips will be accommodated on the local transport network.

In addition to the above, a Transport Assessment also identifies mitigation measures that may be required in order to offset any potential negative impacts associated with the development. Such measures may include localised highway improvements, new pedestrian and cycle links, new bus infrastructure, etc.

We perform a site appraisal or development feasibility study within every site, in order to determine its suitability for development or viability for a particular type of development. This would usually be carried out prior to purchase, but also applies to sites already within a client’s control and is designed to assist with:

  • Production of a development constraints plan highlighting issues such as utilities, levels, public rights of way, localised ground contamination, etc.
  • Preparation of a utilities report for both existing apparatus and new connections.
  • Preparation of a drainage strategy for both surface and foul water including SuDS.
  • Preparation of an access strategy identifying the most appropriate type and location of highway junctions, as well as the suitability of the surrounding highway network to cope with any additional traffic.
  • Undertaking an accessibility appraisal including linkage to existing public transport and infrastructure.
  • Organising a desktop or full flood risk assessment.
  • Carrying out a desktop or full ground investigation report.
  • Holding preliminary meetings with technical officers from relevant statutory bodies.
  • Organising a desk top or full archaeological investigation.
  • Organising any further desk-top or full studies deemed necessary.
  • Provide pre-application advice
  • Prepare and submit comprehensive planning applications
  • Prepare and co-ordinate Environmental Impact Assessments
  • Advise and negotiate on conditions and Section 106 agreements
  • Prepare and submit planning appeals

DETAILED PLANNING

Phase 2 intrusive investigation comprises obtaining samples and carrying out testing from exploratory holes to obtain information about the ground conditions. The exploratory holes may include hand or machine excavated trial pits, mini rig boring, light cable percussive boring or rotary boring depending on the findings of the Phase 1 investigation and the requirements of the investigation.

Our ecologists are experienced and licensed to conduct Phase 2 surveys for the full range of protected and notable species and habitats, including:

  • Badgers
  • Bats
  • Brent Geese and Wader Surveys
  • Crayfish
  • Dormice
  • Great crested newts
  • Invertebrates
  • Otters
  • Plants (including NVC, BAP, Hedgerow Regulation surveys and invasive plants)
  • Reptiles
  • Water voles
  • Other mammals, amphibians, fish and crustaceans

We are able to provide site specific ‘Flood Risk Assessments’ (FRAs) to accompany planning applications for both small domestic residential projects and larger commercial developments. In many cases the requirement to produce a flood risk assessment is triggered by the site’s location, possibly within the Environment Agency’s indicative flood plain, while in others this may have been requested as a means of documenting the absence of any additional risk associated with increased surface water run-off. All planning applications involving a site which exceeds 1 hectare must be accompanied by an FRA.

A Transport Assessment (TA) or its less detailed equivalent Transport Statement (TS) is a report detailing all the transport, traffic, and highway and parking related implications associated with a development proposal. A TA, or TS, is prepared in support of a planning application for a development. Before a TA or TS can be prepared, the scope and scale of the report needs to be agreed with the Local Highway and Planning Authorities.
Both a TA and TS examine the effects of a development proposal on all modes of transport, not just the impacts associated with additional vehicle traffic. Detailed assessments are normally required based on the number of predicted trips that will be generated by the development for each of the main modes of transport (walking, cycling, public transport and car), and how these additional trips will be accommodated on the local transport network.
In addition to the above, a Transport Assessment also identifies mitigation measures that may be required in order to offset any potential negative impacts associated with the development. Such measures may include localised highway improvements, new pedestrian and cycle links, new bus infrastructure, etc.

We can perform a site appraisal or development feasibility study for any site, in order to determine its suitability for development or viability for a particular type of development. This would usually be carried out prior to purchase, but also applies to sites already within a client’s control and is designed to assist with:

  • Production of a development constraints plan highlighting issues such as utilities, levels, public rights of way, localised ground contamination, etc.
  • Preparation of a utilities report for both existing apparatus and new connections.
  • Preparation of a drainage strategy for both surface and foul water including SuDS.
  • Preparation of an access strategy identifying the most appropriate type and location of highway junctions, as well as the suitability of the surrounding highway network to cope with any additional traffic.
  • Undertaking an accessibility appraisal including linkage to existing public transport and infrastructure.
  • Organising a desktop or full flood risk assessment.
  • Carrying out a desktop or full ground investigation report.
  • Holding preliminary meetings with technical officers from relevant statutory bodies.
  • Organising a desk top or full archaeological investigation.
  • Organising any further desk-top or full studies deemed necessary.
  • Prepare and submit comprehensive planning applications
  • Prepare and co-ordinate Environmental Impact Assessments
  • Advise and negotiate on conditions and Section 106 agreements
  • Prepare and submit planning appeals
  • Act as an expert planning witness at public inquiries

GPS have a fully qualified RSA team who can undertake and provide impartial and independent checks at various stages of your project. All RSA’s are carried out in accordance with HD19/15.

  • Stage 1 – Completion of Preliminary Design
  • General
  • Local Alignment
  • Junctions
  • Non-Motorised User Provision
  • Road Signs, Carriageway Markings and Lighting