Earth, Wind and Fire (EWF) offer an array of planning services. From initial concept, to approved status and appeals if required, we support small and large scale projects every step of the way.

Listed below is a snapshot of the many services that EWF provide. If you don’t see what you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your needs further.

Feasibility Appraisals:

It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new project; however it is prudent to complete a feasibility appraisal to establish if your building dream is achievable. Before you make any large financial commitments EWF will carry out a thorough feasibility appraisal. This will provide you with the essential details of the planning prospect for the site with advice on steps to move forward, noting that the feasibility appraisal would be based solely on planning.

We assess sites throughout the UK and recommend you contact us to discuss your project ideas.

Pre Application Advice:

Before submitting an application to the Local Authority there is an opportunity to carry out a pre application, which is effectively the Council screening the application principle or idea and give their feedback. Whilst the advice the Council produces is often generic, pre application is a good way to notify the Council that an application is pending and can be viewed more favourably. This isn’t a formal requirement and is site or project dependant.

Planning Applications:

The heading ‘planning applications’ covers an extremely broad spectrum, the list below provides merely a snapshot of the various planning options available. Planning is not always as simple as submitting a full application, there are variances and with the expertise of EWF we can guide and advise as to which type of application is most suitable;

• Discharge of Conditions
• Section 73, Variation of Conditions
• Non Material Amendments
• Class Q
• Outline and Reserved Matters
• Full Planning

Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

Planning Compliance:

A planning approval does not give free reign to carry out works as you wish. Whether a large-scale solar farm or a single dwelling, planning compliance is an important aspect of any project during the build out stage, ensuring it’s in line with the approved documentation. 

Ensuring you are compliant with the approval removes any risk of enforcement putting either a stop to work, or worst-case scenario sanctioning the removal or demolition of what has been constructed.

At EWF we have worked on many projects ensuring they are regularised in planning terms, thus avoiding enforcement action. Our work ensures that projects remain operational and has saved clients thousands of pounds.

Planning Appeals:

Whilst every step is taken to achieve an approval, if your planning application has been refused you have a limited timeframe in which to appeal. Each appeal is assessed on its own merits, but it should be noted that an appeal is not a quick solution.

EWF will research, submit and case manage the appeal process for you. We have successfully navigated the appeals process for clients and are well placed to advise you on the best course of action.

We offer this service to clients who did not work with EWF for their original planning application as well as existing clients.

Neighbourhood Plans:

Neighbourhood Plans were introduced as way of giving local communities a voice and input on how they would like to shape their community. Neighbourhood Plans are usually brought forward by either a Parish Council or Local Community Group and once adopted help shape and determine planning applications within its locale.

EWF can help develop and create Neighbourhood Plans to ensure a ‘sound’ document is submitted that meets all criteria.

It should be noted that Neighbourhood Plans cannot be used to prevent development but are designed to encourage progression that is suitable for the area and the sense of community.

Land Promotion:

Local Authorities regularly go through the process of asking for suitable development sites, largely for housing, to be submitted to them to go through the land allocation process.  At EWF we can review any potential development sites with the view of submitting them to the Council for inclusion, giving them the best chance of success in the latter stages of the planning process.

Getting a site included in a Local Authority’s ‘Local Plan’ document and deemed ‘suitable’ offers a larger change of success at the planning stage moving forward.