Welcome to deva

We can prepare planning appraisals to advise on the scope for redevelopment or change of use. Our assessments can help to inform planning strategy, planning risk and programme. We can assist on the acquisition or disposal of assets or to add value by the extension, redevelopment or re-use of an asset. 

 We can lead on pre-application engagement with the local planning authority and key stakeholders including the community and elected members alongside relevant bodies such as the highways authority, Natural England, Sport England, English Heritage for example. 

We can lead on the preparation of Planning Performance Agreements with the local planning authority to ensure a smoother and timely route from initial meeting through to planning committee and the issue of a decision. 

We can work with you to identify opportunities to realise value across your land or property portfolio through the planning process. 

We can prepare planning applications for outline, hybrid, full, and reserved matters (including requests for EIA screening and scoping), non-material and minor material amendments (Section 73), applications for advertisements, consents for listed buildings and conservation areas, as well as CIL strategy advice and S106 negotiations. We have extensive advice in working with local authorities to structure planning permissions to minimise conditions especially pre-commencement conditions to enable a swift start on site. 

We can monitor local plan progress and act on your behalf to promote your development site through the planning process or advise on the implications of local plan policy changes for your business organisation or specific assets. We can prepare local plan representations and appear at local plan inquiries on your behalf. 

We can act for you on the preparation and submission of applications for prior approval, including residential, retail, industrial and commercial offices that do not require a standard planning application.  

We can advise on strategy for securing certainty of use including Certificate of Lawfulness for a development or a proposed or existing use. 

  We can advise on all aspects of planning appeals including evaluation of the reasons for refusal given by the local authority, preparation and submission of planning appeals to the Planning Inspectorate, instruction of counsel and expert witness services.