EN-PLAN provide are ideally placed to provide Planning and Architectural Consultancy assistance to clients in Chester and the wider Cheshire area. From inception of the scheme, including drawings and planning/building control applications, through to completion we work on a range of schemes including; barn conversions, office refurbishment, agricultural buildings, new builds and listed buildings, and we pride ourselves on our dynamic and practical approach to planing and development in Chester.

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We have an excellent working relationship with Chester and Cheshire West Council and a full working knowledge of the Planning Policy that covers the planning application process. The planning policies and guidelines for Chester are outlined in the Local Plan and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) set by the council. Here are some key aspects of the planning policy in Chester:

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1. Local Plan: The Local Plan sets out the overall development strategy for the area, including Chester. It provides guidance on land use, development allocations, housing, employment, transportation, and environmental considerations. The plan ensures sustainable development, protection of heritage assets, and enhancement of the local economy and quality of life.

2. Conservation Areas and Heritage Assets: Chester is known for its rich historical and architectural heritage. The planning policy places importance on conserving and enhancing the city's conservation areas, listed buildings, scheduled monuments, and other heritage assets. Development proposals in or around these areas are subject to specific regulations to preserve their character and significance.

3. Green Belt: Chester is partially located within the Green Belt, which is an area designated to prevent urban sprawl and preserve the countryside. The planning policy restricts significant development within the Green Belt and aims to protect its open spaces, natural environment, and agricultural land.

4. Sustainable Development: The planning policy promotes sustainable development practices in Chester. This includes considerations such as minimizing environmental impacts, promoting energy efficiency, incorporating green infrastructure, encouraging active transportation, and providing affordable housing.

5. Infrastructure and Transportation: The planning policy emphasizes the need for appropriate infrastructure and transportation provisions to support new developments and maintain the city's accessibility and connectivity. This includes considerations for roads, public transport, cycling and pedestrian networks, and access to community facilities and services.

6. Design and Urban Quality: The planning policy encourages high-quality design in new developments, ensuring that they are aesthetically pleasing, well-integrated with the surrounding environment, and contribute positively to the local character and sense of place.

 

It's important to note that planning policies are subject to periodic reviews and updates, and En-Plan are fully aware of these.

 

We adopt a collaborative approach when working with the Council and clients to achieve a successful outcome.  Our close working relationships with local authority planning and conservation, and building control officers, enables us to adapt to fast changing regulations and complete projects in line with clients’ objectives.  We offer a complete range of  planning consultancy and architectural design services. This means we are one of the few companies that can offer a ‘one stop shop’ service from inception to completion. 

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EN-PLAN routinely prepare and submit planning applications for a variety of proposals, ranging from small to medium sized redevelopments to larger development proposals and unique one-off projects for local developers and individuals. With a background in Local Authority Development Control, we have an excellent and up-to-date understanding of planning law and legislation. We also prepare listed building applications and Certificates of Lawfulness and can discuss any planning issues that may be affecting you as a third party

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Initial work often involves a planning appraisal, which will involve making an assessment of the physical aspects of the site and the relevant planning policies that apply. This background information allows us to develop a set of parameters that assist in the design process. Initially this may often be in sketch form in order to obtain pre-application advice from the local authority. Once we have established agreement relating to principles such as development, design, layout, scale, mass, density and form, we then progress with a formal planning application.

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As part of our service we offer a free no obligation consultation to discuss your proposal as not  all development requires planning permission as some development is allowed, this is called permitted development.  You can find out if you need planning permission on the Government’s Planning Portal website.

 

Our role is to take responsibility. We see securing planning permission as much more than just complying with the relevant planning regulations. We believe in providing clear and concise recommendations, which identifies planning risk and opportunities and is part of a comprehensive analysis of all options for the site in question.

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We have an excellent track record in achieving planning consent and provide our own in house architectural design service.  We can also provide your  with the additional specialist reports required alongside a formal planning application whether that be a Flood Risk Assessment or a Heritage Statement.

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Post planning approval we can assist in discharging planning conditions attached to your permission and thereby speed up the delivery of your development, and we can manage your Building Regulations Application and provide the technical detail required for this, thereby giving you the approved technical specification to build from.

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Please CONTACT us for a FREE initial consultation. We will be happy to assist with any planning and/or architecture related query to progress your project.  Please see our "PROJECTS" page for more examples of the work we have been involved in.

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Further Information

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Contact Information for Cheshire West abnd Chester Planning Departmnt

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Address: Chester Town Hall, Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 2HQ.

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Phone number: 0300 123 7027

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email: planning@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk