Our Preferred Partner initiative was established in 2011 and comprises a network of trusted industry professionals.
This network ensures that specialist advice required through our Four Stage Planning & Design Process can be dealt with quickly and efficiently to provide the best possible chance of success.
Preferred Partners work with our Planning, Architectural and Heritage teams to provide the necessary technical support required to identify and address site constraints before submission and address unforeseen issues that may arise from the Council, statutory consultees, or local residents through the planning process. Our Partner Programme is made up of two categories; GOLD & SILVER, each representing the best value and engagement level to suit your project.
If you are interested in becoming a Preferred Partner or know of a company who could improve our network please do not hesitate to contact Robin Segal.
Arboricultural services are primarily concerned with the management of trees and shrubs on your property. To keep your plants healthy and your home safe. Arboriculturalists (also known as ‘tree surveyors’) are brought in to assess the health and spread of these woody features. There are a couple of reasons as to why you would bring in arboricultural services, such as:
When an arboricultural surveyor visits your property, they’ll kick-start the process by examining each tree and assessing its various features. The report will then list the following information on the trees assessed:
If you plan on developing the land near any trees, your surveyor will create a constraints plan for you to understand how your project may be affected and will be noted by your local authority.
It is best practice to have a topographical survey carried out prior to the tree survey to ensure accuracy. Some arboriculturalists may not carry out the work without a topographical survey.
Tree Surveys are required where there are trees on site that may be affected by your development. They are also required where off site trees will be affected by the proposal so even if you do not have trees on your land you may still require a survey to be carried out and submitted with your application.
If you’ve never commissioned an arboricultural survey before, it’s recommended you reach out to a professional tree surveyor, who’ll be able to advise on the rate their services will be required. Remember, you have a duty of care to maintain all trees on your property, ensuring they don’t pose a health risk to the public or nearby structures.
Developers need to achieve a 10% BNG through the creation or enhancement of habitats to be evidenced via a biodiversity gain plan, which can be submitted to the local planning authority after the planning application has been approved. The assessment needs to be carried out by a professional ecologist, according to the guidance and in line with any Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), and the biodiversity improvements are then recorded in the publicly available biodiversity gain site register. The approach taken to biodiversity protection is referred to as the mitigation hierarchy.
For the purposes of BNG, biodiversity value is measured in standardised biodiversity units. A habitat will contain several biodiversity units, depending on things like its:
Biodiversity units can be lost through development or generated through work to create and enhance habitats.
When considering biodiversity value, you should consult an expert (see Nature Impact). They will:
You need to know about the new rules if you’re a:
Exempt developments: Some developments are exempt from BNG requirements.
Through site selection and layout, developers should avoid or reduce any negative impact on biodiversity. They must deliver at least 10% BNG, as measured by the statutory biodiversity metric.
There are 3 ways a developer can achieve BNG:
Developers can combine all 3 options, but must follow the steps in order. This order of steps is called the biodiversity gain hierarchy.
Example: A developer cuts down some trees on the site. They must make up for this impact on the habitat, as well as delivering 10% BNG. They must do a survey of habitat before development and use the statutory biodiversity metric to explore options. This tells them how to make up for the loss of the trees and what more they need to do to achieve 10% BNG. If they cannot achieve the 10% BNG by creating and enhancing on-site habitats, they must buy off-site units. If that is not enough to achieve BNG, they must buy statutory biodiversity credits.
* The Spatial Risk Multiplier (SRM), a mechanism designed to encourage biodiversity offsetting local to the development site where ecological harm is set to occur, will affect the cost of the BNG units.
One key aspect of their role is property valuation. Chartered surveyors assess the value of properties for a variety of purposes, including sales, purchases, mortgages, and taxation. Using their expertise and knowledge of market trends, they provide accurate and impartial valuations that help clients make informed decisions.
In addition to valuation, chartered surveyors are involved in property management. They assist property owners, landlords, and tenants in managing their assets effectively. This involves tasks such as lease negotiations, rent reviews, maintenance planning, and compliance with regulations. By maximizing the value and performance of properties, they help clients achieve their financial and operational objectives.
Chartered surveyors also play a key role in construction projects. They provide project management and quantity surveying services, overseeing all aspects of the project from planning to completion. This includes cost estimation, procurement, contract administration, and risk management. By ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to high-quality standards, they help clients achieve their construction goals efficiently.
Overall, chartered surveyors are essential professionals who bring expertise and professionalism to the real estate and construction industries, helping clients navigate complex challenges and achieve successful outcomes.
Local planning authorities can require evidence to support a planning application or certificate of lawful development to demonstrate that new developments both provide adequate natural light for future occupants without negatively impacting neighbouring properties. The Building Research Establishment (BRE) guidelines help determine whether a proposed development meets the recommended standards for daylight and sunlight. Daylight and sunlight considerations for neighbouring properties typically apply to main windows in habitable rooms of residential buildings. However, they can also extend to non-residential properties with a specific requirement for natural light.
Rights of light however are a civil matter and can be enforced even after planning permission has been granted. Unlike daylight and sunlight in planning, a right of light can be acquired for any type of room in residential or non-residential properties where the window has existed for over 20 years (subject to any restrictions of title deeds).
Even if a property is less than 20 years old, rights of light risks cannot be automatically ruled out. If a previous building on the site had windows in a similar location, the right can transfer from an old aperture to a new one.
If a neighbouring property suffers a right of light injury, the affected party may seek an injunction or financial compensation as a resolution for the loss of light.
Our expert consultants provide comprehensive daylight, sunlight, and rights of light assessments, helping developers, architects, and homeowners navigate planning requirements and legal right of light considerations.
You want to showcase your property and own the rights to your own images? Hiring the service of a professional photographer can help you showcase your project. They have an expert eye and will work with you to deliver the best lifestyle, full room and exterior images for the purpose required.
Skip the scaffolding! Drone roof surveys will provide you with sharp HDR pictures and 4K or 6K videos of your property. Our industry-leading image resolution and aerial camera optics capture visuals that are crisp down to millimetres and perfectly-exposed from the brightest tiles to the darkest gutters. With minimal disruption to your property’s everyday use, we’ll quickly and safely identify structural issues with roofs, chimneys, walls, gutters, parapets, and gables.
Aerial property inspection app Scopito sends the visuals we capture to our in-house surveyor in real-time, so as our pilots fly, SSS HQ gets to work on processing, annotating, and delivering geo-tagged surveys. We can cross-reference our shots with existing map data, invite your surveyors to make their own highlights, and, where necessary, provide a full 3D model of your premises. When you book us for multiple inspections, you’ll also be able to compare older surveys to recent ones!
The absolute quickest and lowest-cost option for pseudo-aerial surveys: tiny drones or telescopic pole-mounted cameras! While this grounded approach to roof inspections isn’t quite as in-depth as taking the drone route, the results more than suffice for professional reports and recommendations. We recommend pole cameras for dense urban spaces where conditions aren’t ideal for safe flights, or for projects which call for a faster turnaround than average — they need fewer permissions and can often be booked and completed on the same day.
Early identification of any ecological constraints ensures that development proposals are not delayed, and appropriate mitigation or compensation is incorporated into the design phase. *
Undertaking ecological surveys will ensure that:
Most development proposals require consideration of the impacts of the proposed works on the biodiversity within the site, or close to it.
A preliminary ecological appraisal, typically an Extended Phase I Habitat Survey (Joint Nature Conservation Committee, 2010; Institute of Environmental Assessment 1995) may be required which will identify the habitats and the potential for the site to support protected species or notable species.
The findings of the Extended Phase I Habitat Survey will inform the requirements (if any) for further surveys (see below). The findings of any ecological surveys will typically need to be submitted to the local planning authority in advance of a planning application to ensure that the appropriate information is available to determine an application.
*Please refer to our Species Survey Calendar
In the built environment, the term ‘energy’ is typically used in the context of generating heat, powering equipment, creating products and materials, transportation, and so on. Sources of energy tend to be categorised as either renewable or non-renewable.
According to the Technology Strategy Board, in the UK, the built environment accounts for 45% of total carbon emissions (27% from domestic buildings and 18% from non-domestic), and 73% of domestic emissions arise from space heating and the provision of hot water. The EU Directive on the energy performance of buildings was adopted in 2002. It was intended to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, reduce carbon emissions and reduce the impact of climate change.
Energy performance certificates (EPCs), set out the energy efficiency rating of buildings. They are required when buildings are built, sold or rented if they have a roof and walls and use energy to condition an indoor climate. Buildings are rated from A to G on EPCs, with A representing a very efficient building and G a very inefficient building.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out policies to avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding. This includes requiring new development to be flood resilient and resistant where appropriate. The NPPF defines tests that local planning authorities are expected to abide by to protect people and property. If the tests cannot be met, new development should not be permitted.
The steps are:
The Flood and Water Management Act was introduced on 8 April 2010 to implement Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendations following the widespread flooding of 2007 when more than 55,000 homes and businesses were flooded (see Pitt Review).
The Act requires better management of flood risk, it creates safeguards against rises in surface water drainage charges and protects water supplies for consumers. It gives a new responsibility to the Environment Agency for developing a National Flood and Coastal Risk Management Strategy, and gives a new responsibility to local authorities, as Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs), to co-ordinate flood risk management in their area.
The particular heritage and collective memory of each locality or community is irreplaceable and an important foundation for development, both now and into the future. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) defines a heritage asset as a building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions, because of its heritage interest. Heritage asset includes designated heritage assets and assets identified by the local planning authority (including local listing).
The HS2 London-West Midlands Environmental Statement, published by the Department for Transport in November 2013, suggests that:
Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance, For the sustainable management of the historic environment, Published by Historic England in 2008, defines heritage as: ‘All inherited resources which people value for reasons beyond mere utility.’
It defines natural heritage as: ‘Inherited habitats, species, ecosystems, geology and landforms, including those in and under water, to which people attach value.’
They work on a range of projects, from urban transit systems and highways to pedestrian pathways and cycling infrastructure. Their tasks include conducting feasibility studies, impact assessments, and cost-benefit analyses, ensuring projects are economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
These consultants collaborate with government agencies, urban planners, and engineers to design comprehensive transport plans that integrate with existing infrastructure and align with community needs and policy objectives. Their expertise helps in creating transport solutions that promote accessibility, reduce congestion, and support sustainable urban growth.
Landscape architecture is rooted in an understanding of how the environment works and what makes each place unique. It is a blend of science and art, vision and thought. It is a creative profession skilled in strategic planning, delivery and management. Landscape architects bring knowledge of natural sciences, environmental law and planning policy. They lead teams, engage stakeholders and manage conflicting demands. And they create delight with beautiful designs, protecting and enhancing our most cherished landscapes and townscapes.
Landscape architects are often the first port of call when assessing new development in National Landscapes (formerly AONB) or where you are proposing a new one-off dwelling to meet the test of proposing a new house design of exceptional quality where designs have to be truly outstanding, reflecting the highest standards of architecture and significantly enhancing its immediate setting, and be sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area.
They may also be described as acousticians or acoustic engineers. The duties undertaken by acoustic consultants might include:
Acoustic consultants tend to be practical people and creative problem solvers. They require a broad knowledge of the subject, legislation and standards and will generally hold a relevant degree-level qualification and a diploma or postgraduate qualification in acoustics, such as the IOA diploma. They can become members of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA). Consultancy practices and businesses can join the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC). Like many other careers, a budding acoustic consultant usually starts out through a work experience role. They can choose to specialise in specific areas of acoustics, such as audio and hi-fi design, auditorium and concert hall design, broadcasting and telecommunications, teaching spaces, laboratory design and so on.
You want to showcase your property and own the rights to your own images? Hiring the service of a professional photographer can help you showcase your project. They have an expert eye and will work with you to deliver the best lifestyle, full room and exterior images for the purpose required.
Skip the scaffolding! Drone roof surveys will provide you with sharp HDR pictures and 4K or 6K videos of your property. Our industry-leading image resolution and aerial camera optics capture visuals that are crisp down to millimetres and perfectly-exposed from the brightest tiles to the darkest gutters. With minimal disruption to your property’s everyday use, we’ll quickly and safely identify structural issues with roofs, chimneys, walls, gutters, parapets, and gables.
Aerial property inspection app Scopito sends the visuals we capture to our in-house surveyor in real-time, so as our pilots fly, SSS HQ gets to work on processing, annotating, and delivering geo-tagged surveys. We can cross-reference our shots with existing map data, invite your surveyors to make their own highlights, and, where necessary, provide a full 3D model of your premises. When you book us for multiple inspections, you’ll also be able to compare older surveys to recent ones!
The absolute quickest and lowest-cost option for pseudo-aerial surveys: tiny drones or telescopic pole-mounted cameras! While this grounded approach to roof inspections isn’t quite as in-depth as taking the drone route, the results more than suffice for professional reports and recommendations. We recommend pole cameras for dense urban spaces where conditions aren’t ideal for safe flights, or for projects which call for a faster turnaround than average — they need fewer permissions and can often be booked and completed on the same day.
Structural failure can be devastating. It is important therefore to select an individual or company that has a good track record and experience in structurally similar projects. Suitably qualified professionals will generally be Chartered or Incorporated Engineers who are members of the Institution of Civil Engineers and/or the Institution of Structural Engineers. Members of such institutes will generally be required to maintain their professional competence through an ongoing programme of continued professional development (CPD), to hold professional indemnity insurance and to comply with a code of practice.
It is good practice to employ a structural engineer based on their capability, competence and quality rather than simply by the lowest fee. A good design that explores a wide variety of options to find the best solution can save significant costs over the life of a building.
Civil engineers design, construct, maintain and improve the physical environment, including bridges, tunnels, roads, railways, canals, dams, buildings, flood and coastal defences, airports and other large structures. The term ‘civil’ engineer was originally coined to distinguish it from military engineering. Civil Engineering is one of the oldest forms of engineering with many ancient structures including Egyptian Pyramids attracting the appreciation of public since ages.
Civil engineering is a broad profession that encompasses a range of subjects that can be developed as specialisms, such as Structures, Transportation, Environmental, Maritime, Geotechnical, Hydraulic, Sanitary and Water.
Whilst some of these specialisms may be considered sub-disciplines of civil engineering, subjects such as structural engineering (which focuses on the design, assessment and inspection of structures to ensure that they are efficient and stable) may now be considered engineering disciplines in their own right.
As well as professionals, such as architects, civil engineers, and planners, using topographic surveys to make informed decisions on design and project management, topographic surveys are also used as legal documents to define the boundaries of a property.
Depending on the requirements of a project, the surveyed elements will vary. Typical elements include the following:
Topographic surveys are highly beneficial for a number of projects, with one of the main benefits being that they aid with planning and decision making. A topographic survey provides accurate land measurements and gives a clear indication of the arrangements of an existing site, which can be used to make decisions on the planning of new buildings, re-positioning of existing boundaries, and the design of drainage systems.
Another benefit of topographic surveys is that they can save a significant amount of project time and reduce the risk of costly errors occurring, as all decision making throughout the project has been informed by accurate data from the topographic survey.
The duration of a topo survey is dependent on the size and complexity of the proposed site and project. After the site has been surveyed, it typically takes a few days for findings to be drawn up.
General contractor, prime contractor or main contractor: These are often appointed under a traditional contract to construct a development for which the design is complete.
Civil Engineering Procedure, 7th edition, published by the Institution of Civil Engineers defines a ‘general contractor’ as ‘…a contractor who undertakes the whole of the construction of a project, but usually in turn sub-letting parts of his work to specialist or trades contractors and others as sub-contractors’.
It defines ‘main contractor’ in the same way but with the qualification that this is distinct from a managing contractor or construction manager.
Construction manager: The construction manager manages trade contractors, but the trade contracts themselves are placed with the client. This generally requires an experienced client. A construction manager is generally appointed early in the design process so that their experience can be used to improve the buildability and packaging of proposals as they develop.
A construction manager may also programme construction to begin before the design is completed. This requires careful planning of information release so that the construction process is not delayed by lack of production information.
Management contractor: This is like the role of the construction manager but the trade contracts (or works contracts) are placed with the management contractor rather than with the client.
Design and build contractor: Responsible for the completion of the design as well as construction.
Prime contractors: The client enters a long-term multi-project relationship with a contractor in which competition is introduced at the sub-contract level. Prime contracting is generally appropriate for large clients and projects.
Adnitt Acoustics is an independent acoustic consultancy practice based in Epsom in Surrey. Our services span the entire design and build process, from providing sound and vibration design advice and solutions to testing and monitoring of noise, dust and air leakage.
With most development sites in the South East affected by some form of transport noise, meeting the acoustic components of local authority planning requirements can be onerous. We help clients through the planning process by assessing the extent of any problem, providing practical recommendations, producing the necessary reports and, if appropriate, attending planning meetings.
We can also assess the situation where a new development might affect noise sensitive residential neighbours, including licensing and planning applications.
Call 01372 897 897 or email Robert Adnitt at robert@adnitt.com.
We are a multi-disciplined and experienced Building and Energy Consultancy firm carrying out sustainable building and energy assessments. Base Energy was established in 2008 and now has offices in the North West & South of England. We have grown due to the increase in the building industries emphasis on sustainable development. We have expertise from across the industry, with over 35 years of experience dealing with a wide portfolio of clients including major multi-national companies and independent architects/developers. We continually strive to offer the most comprehensive building consultant service for building developments.
Our team of experienced Sustainability Consultants constantly grows their knowledge and experience of the industry to ensure that we offer the most effective service for you and offer competent advice to be able to get the most out of your development. Supporting and advising our Clients with the concept of sustainable development and we continue to build our portfolio of services in order to offer a complete solution for a sustainable development.
Choose us with confidence to carry out sustainable building and energy assessments to the highest standard.
Our services include:
Contact:
Peter Kinsella, Director
Email: peter@baseenergy.co.uk
Telephone: 020 3286 2016
We are a multi-disciplined and experienced Building and Energy Consultancy firm carrying out sustainable building and energy assessments. Base Energy was established in 2008 and now has offices in the North West & South of England. We have grown due to the increase in the building industries emphasis on sustainable development. We have expertise from across the industry, with over 35 years of experience dealing with a wide portfolio of clients including major multi-national companies and independent architects/developers. We continually strive to offer the most comprehensive building consultant service for building developments.
Our team of experienced Sustainability Consultants constantly grows their knowledge and experience of the industry to ensure that we offer the most effective service for you and offer competent advice to be able to get the most out of your development. Supporting and advising our Clients with the concept of sustainable development and we continue to build our portfolio of services in order to offer a complete solution for a sustainable development.
Choose us with confidence to carry out sustainable building and energy assessments to the highest standard.
Our services include:
Contact:
Peter Kinsella, Director
Email: peter@baseenergy.co.uk
Telephone: 020 3286 2016
Brian Gale Surveyors were established in 1985. We have Building Surveyors and Valuation Surveyors who are experts in working with all types of property, especially period and historic buildings. We are extremely proud to be members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and are regulated by RICS Guidelines and protocol. All our Surveyors are RICS Registered Valuers under the RICS Accredited Valuer Registration Scheme, giving you confidence in our levels of training and expertise.
We are an Independent Surveying Company based in Surrey and are not owned by any large organisation and we are not Estate Agents – so you can relax in the knowledge that our advice will be truly impartial, and not influenced by any “third party interests!”.
We are local, the Surveyors live and work in the area, and this ensures accurate reporting of values and we also have an understanding of the local issues which may affect the chosen property. Since our establishment in 1985, we have given advice upon all forms of property, to both large and small Corporations, Public Bodies, PLC’s and Government/Local Authority departments and carried out thousands of private individual house surveys.
Contact:
Sean Steer, Director
Email: sean@briangalesurveyors.com
Telephone: 01737 245947
Connick Tree Care is an independent, family owned Arboricultural Company established in 1985 and specialising in Consultancy and Contracting. The development of the company has been driven by the aspiration to provide high quality arboricultural services through cost effective solutions whilst ensuring customer satisfaction.
As part of our range of services we provide a high quality arboricultural consultancy to multiple market sector clients including private residential, public realm and commercial. Our consultancy department can provide professional arboricultural advice on a wide range of topics which include;
In addition to our consultancy department Connick Tree Care have a large contracting department with multiple depots throughout the South East of England who can undertake all your physical tree work requirements.
Call Richard Tilling on 01737 779191 or email richard.tilling@connicktreecare.co.uk
David Archer is a well respected Arboricultural Consultant handling a wide variety of tree related work including:
Contact:
Matt Rew, Technical Director
0333 772 1152
matt@davidarcherassociates.co.uk
dBA Acoustics carries out consultancy work focusing on acoustic survey, noise impact assessment, sound insulation testing, acoustic design and noise control. They are accredited by the Sound Insulation Testing and Measurement Association and provide a personal & professional approach with an agile business model tailored for small to medium sized projects.
Contact details:
dBA Acoustics
Railway Cottage
49 Arnold Road
Woking
Surrey
GU21 5JX
Email: david@dbaacoustics.co.uk
Tel: 01483 771282
Draffin Associates is an award winning established independent landscape and environmental design consultancy. The core skills are landscape planning, design and management offered in a personal and responsive service. We assist private and corporate landowners and property developers in enhancing their land investment. We have significant experience working at sensitive planning locations. We help clients to build commercially successful schemes while addressing wider environmental issues.
Contact: Adrian Draffin, Director
Email: info@draffinassoc.co.uk
Tel: 07561 445633
Flume provides civil engineering services, specialising in flood risk and drainage design services. With years of experience in the industry, we have built a reputation for delivering innovative design solutions for our clients.
Our team of skilled engineers, hydrologists, and flood risk consultants work closely with clients to understand their requirements, and develop solutions that are sustainable, resilient, and cost-effective.
Contact : Tom Quigg
Email : info@flumeconsultants.com
Telephone : 020 805 850 22
Geared Consulting Partnerships are a team of chartered engineers based in Adelaide, Australia & London, United Kingdom, who provide structural + civil design and consultation services.
In the United Kingdom, we are also experts in dealing with Party Wall matters.
With 30+ years of on site building experience and a focus on providing creative yet practical solutions, we specialise in Architecturally led bespoke residential & commercial projects. We pride ourselves in being involved in most of our projects from concept through to construction, so will always keep the end goal in mind during the whole process.
Contact : George Ramsay
Email : george.r@gearedpartnerships.com
Telephone : 0203 951 8308
Founded back in January 2000 we had the opportunity to set-up Hook Survey, with a passion for our friendly, flexible and reliable approach towards meeting our client’s needs in terms of specification, time-scale and cost, and in the accuracy and high quality presentation of our end product.
With 30 years experience of the surveying & building industry we have spent the years since building up an excellent reputation with an ever expanding portfolio of clients.
Initially based in Bexley, South London, expansion of the business has led to our re-location into more spacious office accommodation in nearby Wilmington, Dartford, ideally situated near to the M25 with easy access to main transport links.
In 2014 our Midlands office was opened by Ben Cox in order for us deal with demand across the whole of the UK, this continues to expand and has been a real success ever since it’s first year of opening.
To date The Hook Survey Limited has received over 9000 instructions from a wide range of clients for topographical, measured floor plan, elevation and hydrographic surveys.
These range in size from small single unit developments to large consortium sites including amongst others
• Shopping Centres
• Golf courses
• Service tracing
• Department stores
• New housing schemes
• As-built surveys
• Office developments
• Sports grounds
• Boundary disputes
• Hotels
• Leisure Centres
• Landfill sites
• Local authority buildings
• Universities
• Schools
Our Survey teams are employed in a variety of surveying fields using the latest survey technology of Lecia instrumentation, Laser scanning, GPS, SCC & MBS building software, 2d & 3d processing & latest AutoCAD.
In 2003 we became full members of The Survey Association, known generally as TSA it is the trade body for commercial survey companies in the UK.
Contact:
T: 01322 277221
E: mail@hooksurvey.com
The House of Building Group is committed to delivering exceptional project management and unparalleled client service, ensuring superior results at every stage. From home extensions, conversions, and renovations to custom garden rooms, landscaping, and energy-efficient solutions, our expert team guides you through the entire process – from the initial architectural design to the final finishing touches. We take pride in our attention to detail and dedication to transforming your space with the highest quality standards. Trust us to bring your vision to life with excellence and precision.
Contact:
David Mizon, Managing Director
Tel: 01737 219641
Email: info@houseofbuilding.co.uk
Our experts offer guidance on flood risk, flood risk mitigation, resilience and resistance to help safeguard the natural environment and private property.
Flooding puts people’s homes, businesses, wellbeing and livelihoods at risk. Damaging floods are becoming more prevalent due to extreme weather patterns caused by long-term global climate change.
The need for a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) is currently a planning requirement under the NPPF. We have considerable experience in supporting developers on how best to manage flood risk from the conception stage through to construction.
We are able to guide you through the process to protect your project. We do so by ensuring objectives are met while satisfying Environment Agency (EA) and Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) criteria.
We also provide strategic advice and guidance to Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) and other water-level management organisations.
Contact : Neil Jaques
Email : njaques@motion.co.uk
Telephone : 07557 304223
Website: www.motion.co.uk/services/flood-risk
Motion is a leading independent consultancy providing expert advice in transportation, water, infrastructure and civil engineering design services. From small-scale, one-off tasks to large, multi-million pound projects, we work in partnership with clients and transport authorities to achieve innovative, sustainable, integrated, viable and safe solutions. Our wide-ranging skills are deployed frequently, though not exclusively, on development led projects.
Contact:
David McMurtary, Associate Director
Email: dmcmurtary@motion.co.uk
Telephone: 01483 531 300
Nature Impact creates and sells offsite Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units to developers, ensuring compliance with mandatory BNG regulations. They establish high-integrity and science-backed habitat banks across Southeast England and collaborate with a trusted network of providers to ensure customer needs are met.
Their projects are secured for nature in perpetuity, offering wonderful long-term ecological value, along with a strong focus on delivering community benefits.
Contact : Tom Nelson, Director
Email : tom@natureimpact.world
Telephone: +44 1737 237571
We are consulting engineers with a wealth of experience covering all aspects of Drainage Design, including Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems Design, Flood Risk and Consequence Assessments, as well as Flood Evacuation plans, and Surface water management schemes nationwide.
Contact:
Sadia Luckett, Director
Email: sadia@nimbusengineering.co.uk
Telephone: 0800 0614 916
Petrow Harley is an award winning practice of Chartered Landscape Architects with over twenty years professional experience. We have successfully worked on over 500 separate projects and developed a collaborative and ideas led approach to the problem solving of environmental issues faced when making changes to our world. This is successfully combined with the technical abilities we have amassed over many years for a broad range of private and public sector clients.
Our strength lies with our ability to bring together the diverse skills and experience required within a working culture that combines creativity, pragmatism and commercial sense.
Contact:
Robert Petrow, Director
Email: rp@petrow-harley.com
Telephone: 020 8949 0803
We are a leading Chartered Surveying practice with over 20 years of experience, specialising in daylight and sunlight assessments for planning and rights of light matters. We work with private homeowners, architects, and developers to ensure new buildings comply with planning requirements. In addition to planning-related assessments, we offer legal rights of light assessments and help optimise development potential while addressing this constraint. Our extensive expertise ensures projects meet all necessary requirements while effectively managing the risks associated with legal rights, making us a trusted partner for both developers and property owners.
Contact : Alice Cook, Senior Right of Light Surveyor
Email : Alice.Cook@right-of-light.co.uk
Telephone: 0800 197 4836
Solent Sky Services is a multi award-winning full-service aerial media consultancy.
Serving commercial, marine, event, and construction industries with professional aerial films and ground photos, property and land surveys, FPV Drone Filming and in-house editing and marketing. It’s been proven that drone videos and photography are highly engaging both on and offline. We provide bespoke drone content to help businesses obtain higher engagement with their marketing campaigns and assist filmmakers with story telling.
Our impeccable safety record has earned us special CAA permissions, allowing us to fly further, higher, and closer than other drone companies, in more places, circumstances, and conditions. We’re a family-run business, headquartered in Portsmouth and operating all over the UK. We’re very well-connected within the drone, film making, and advertising industries, and can assemble larger teams for projects of all scales.
We hold the legacy PfCO certification and all flights are carefully conducted with full risk and method statements being undertaken.
Our owner is a qualified surveyor with over 16 years’ experience and our head of photography has his masters in visual communication. We’re trusted to deliver by large corporate companies and small businesses alike, safety is paramount and delivering a superior service is mission critical.
We add value at each stage of the planning process by providing:
Michael Woods B.Sc. Hons
Owner, Drone Pilot, Producer and Director of Photography
Email: mike@sss.direct
Sara Woods
Co owner / Project Manager
Email: sara@sss.direct
Tel: 02393 879555
Web: www.solentskyservices.co.uk
Solent Sky Services is a multi award-winning full-service aerial media consultancy.
Serving commercial, marine, event, and construction industries with professional aerial films and ground photos, property and land surveys, FPV Drone Filming and in-house editing and marketing. It’s been proven that drone videos and photography are highly engaging both on and offline. We provide bespoke drone content to help businesses obtain higher engagement with their marketing campaigns and assist filmmakers with story telling.
Our impeccable safety record has earned us special CAA permissions, allowing us to fly further, higher, and closer than other drone companies, in more places, circumstances, and conditions. We’re a family-run business, headquartered in Portsmouth and operating all over the UK. We’re very well-connected within the drone, film making, and advertising industries, and can assemble larger teams for projects of all scales.
We hold the legacy PfCO certification and all flights are carefully conducted with full risk and method statements being undertaken.
Our owner is a qualified surveyor with over 16 years’ experience and our head of photography has his masters in visual communication. We’re trusted to deliver by large corporate companies and small businesses alike, safety is paramount and delivering a superior service is mission critical.
We add value at each stage of the planning process by providing:
Michael Woods B.Sc. Hons
Owner, Drone Pilot, Producer and Director of Photography
Email: mike@sss.direct
Sara Woods
Co owner / Project Manager
Email: sara@sss.direct
Tel: 02393 879555
Web: www.solentskyservices.co.uk
Spatial Dimensions are a professional Geomatics (Land) Surveying company specialising in measured building surveys, laser scanning and 3D modelling. We measure, map and model for a large variety of professional sectors within the built environment. From control surveys, topographical surveys up to accurate 3D Rights of Light models, 3D visualisations and scan to BIM surveys.
We have made significant financial investments in the latest geomatics technology available, meaning we have the right tools for the projects we undertake. The combination of the best people with the right values and the right tools for the job has led to phenomenal growth since our inception.
Our team fully understand the interest of all parties, from architects to homeowners. We offer consultation, listen and consider all options before advising our clients of the best solution from their projects. We strive to deliver a first class customer service, with continual communications throughout by:-
We share common purpose and values. We want to be refreshing in our customer care, to be mindful not to overload clients with too much technical jargon in our fee proposals and to help them understand what/how and when we are delivering. We aim to show full support after completion of a job and we are proud to have and continue to receive numerous testimonials from both our regular clients and new clients alike. Our staff are trained in customer service and offer a discreet and confidential presence on site where appropriate. This has led to a loyal and happy client base with several 5 star reviews and testimonials.
Peter Fenwick, Commercial Director
peter@spatial-dimensions.com
01732 458799
www.spatial-dimensions.co.uk
We are an Independent ecology consultancy with our head office based in Leatherhead, Surrey. Our work takes us across England and includes a range of projects from barn and loft conversions to large-scale urban expansions, new solar farms (PV) and new town design and green and blue infrastructural development.
We have over 20 years of experience in the consultancy sector and our team brings together a wealth of experience and technical excellence. We are passionate about our job and believe that effective ecological management can be achieved alongside development. As such, the Ecology Partnership is able to provide appropriate and sustainable solutions to support the projects that we become involved in.
Contact : Alexia Tamblyn
Email : info@ecologypartnership.com
Telephone : 01372 364133
TTC offers expertise at the level you require it, strategic or technical, available on a project by project basis. Because we’re results orientated, with masses of practical, hands-on experience, once we understand your needs, we get down to work.
TTC offers a cost-competitive service by operating a team of highly experienced consultants and associates with demonstrable expertise and a track record on delivering results. We also work closely with a range other specialist consultants to extend our skill base which means you can access a range of expertise.
Contact : Rory Spiller
Email : Rory@ttc-tp.com
Telephone : 07707 150432
WS Heritage provides independent, commercially informed advice and services in the historic environment and conservation. For schemes involving listed buildings, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, new design or archaeological deposits, we provide support at all stages of planning and development.
From feasibility and concept, throughout the whole of the planning process, to site and the discharge of conditions or appeal.
Acting on behalf of developers, architects, planners and property owners, our expertise is drawn from projects across the public, private and third sectors, involving a wide variety of historic buildings and areas, throughout the UK. As a result, our approach to advocacy and negotiation with authorities on behalf of clients is pragmatic and objective, whilst remaining both cost-efficient and effective.
Mark Sanderson | 07951 926869 | enquiries@ws-heritage.co.uk
By combining our 35 years of experience in the custom AV and electrical installation industries, AV Innovation has created the perfect Smart home technology company by bringing together the skills and knowledge of our Directors, James Cameron, Chris Shaw and George Cherry.
Our customer focused approach to all our clients projects, means delivering the clients vision is always about how the initial design through to completion mirrors those expectations.
All projects from the single media room, custom Kitchen rewires, large residential house builds and commercial office electrical maintenance projects are approached with the same skill and support levels for all our clients. AV Innovation specialise in AV and Electrical works:
Contact : James Cameron, Director
Email : info@avinnovation.co.uk
Telephone: 0203 621 8718
Cogan Environmental Consulting Limited is a bespoke consultancy specialising in air quality, odour, dust, greenhouse gases and climate change expertise supporting planning and permitting applications across the United Kingdom and abroad. Cogan’s Practice Manager and employees have supported over 1000 projects throughout their careers. This has involved a diverse range of projects, including residential, student, commercial, retail, leisure, community, education, healthcare, distribution, and hospitality developments, industrial, waste, mineral, agricultural, power generation, and utility projects, as well as defence, aviation, and infrastructure schemes.
Contact:
Dr Austin Cogan, Practice Manager
Tel: 07881 824629
Email: austin@cogan-ec.com
Festa design, manufacture and install architectural glazing and luxury entrance doors working on projects within the bespoke residential and design led commercial sectors.
Contact:
Sam Patrick, Head of Technical Sales
Tel: 01484 949105
Email: sam@festa-system.co.uk
Friendly, professional insurance advice and solutions for businesses and commercial organisations, including specialised trades, as well as personal insurance for private clients.
Are you having work done on your property? This needs to be disclosed, as many home insurers are unable to provide cover during the build period.
Don’t worry; we can help you arrange the specialist cover that you need during this time to ensure that your greatest financial asset is properly protected, and you are complying with any contractual regulations or lenders’ requirements.
Contact: Clara Boyce, Commercial Account Executive
Email: clara.boyce@greeninsurance.co.uk
Telephone: 01424 612423 / 07467 998612
Technology for the home that’s simple, convenient, reliable and efficient. We cover audio visual, data networks, WiFi, home cinema, multiroom audio, lighting control, blinds and curtains, CCTV, intercom, door entry and more.
We help with the technology design of the home – from wiring, to interiors, to how it’s going to work. Collaboration is key, we listen, advise and work closely with the rest of the design team.
We’re located in Surrey and are able to cover most of the Home Counties (Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire), and of course we serve London too.
Contact : Jon Rebbeck, Director
Email : jon@meshsystems.co.uk
Telephone: 01737 448049 (Reigate)
Telephone: 01932 943052 (Weybridge)
Raven Renewables provides sustainable energy solutions to commercial and not-for-profit organisations. We specialise in working with housing developers, builders, social housing providers, third sector and commercial businesses.
Using the latest technologies in heat pumps, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and battery storage units, our expert team installs renewable energy systems to meet your organisation’s specific needs. We can use a combination of one, or all the technologies, to create a sustainable energy system that maximises your return – reducing your energy bills and your carbon footprint.
We understand that no two businesses are the same, and that’s why we design and install bespoke systems that are unique to each of our clients.
We specialise in:
Solar panels
Heat pumps
Battery storage
Our team of experts can install these in any combination to provide the most efficient and effective energy solution for you and your business.
At Raven Renewables we pride ourselves on our customer-focused approach, this has allowed us to build a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses looking to reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint.
Contact : Mark Gardiner, Business Development Manager
Email : mark.gardiner@ravenht.org.uk
Telephone : 01737 272493
Our trusted Preferred Partners have a vital role in the planning and design process.
We work closely with all of our clients to shape a clear design brief from the outset of each project. The site constraints often dictate the level of specialist external advice required to support a planning application. Obtaining topographical surveys, seeking highways, heritage, noise, arboricultural and ecological advice at an early stage is fundamental to ensuring the best chance of obtaining planning permission and ensuring the project can be built successfully from the outset.
Preferred Partners or input from other external consultants are not always necessary on every application, however it is becoming more important to front load applications to ensure sufficient information is provided for the Local Planning Authority as well as reducing the number of pre-commencement conditions that slow down the process after permission has been granted.
Involves:
Liaising with Preferred Partners or external consultants at an early stage.
Results in:
Obtaining necessary fee proposals from identified Preferred Partners.
The Concept Design covers the outline proposals for the project leading to a pre application submission to the Local Planning Authority where required. While projects vary, this stage ensures that the Design brief has been met before moving on to the Spatial Coordination stage. Additional reports may not be required at this stage to validate a pre-application submission, however where there are significant constraints or the high probability that one of the Local Planning Authorities internal consultees will need to comment then providing the necessary information at an early stage can secure a more positive response from the Local Planning Authority at this stage.
Involves:
Liaising with Preferred Partners or external consultants and addressing planning policy and site constraints with the necessary information.
Results in:
Client approval and/or Pre-Application submission (Usually requires a meeting with and written response from the Local Planning Authority).
Using feedback from the client and/or pre application process the Spatial Coordination can be finalised. We work closely with our Preferred Partners and/or external consultants to ensure that the site constraints and relevant planning policies have been addressed in order to progress with an application. This often involves Arboricultural reports to identify tree constraints and protection plans, Highways reports to ensure pedestrian and vehicular safety and Ecology walkovers to ensure that wildlife and protected species are not harmed by the proposal. Other reports that are becoming mandatory are Energy Statements and Community Infrastructure Levy forms setting out any necessary contributions triggered by the proposal.
Architectural Visualisation is used for all types of application and can make all the difference when conveying the impact of a proposal on the character of the area. Some Local Planning Authorities will request Architectural Visualisations to use at Planning Committee to provide additional detail for members of the public or elected members to provide additional detail.
Involves:
Liaising with Preferred Partners to ensure that the Planning Submission covers all of the constraints identified at the outset or following pre application feedback from the Local Planning Authority.
Results in:
Planning application submission; monitoring application through to decision. Liaising with Preferred Partners and/or external consultants to ensure that internal consultee comments are responded too where necessary.
Following receipt of the planning approval there may be the need to discharge conditions as well as handling the detailed technical design before construction can commence. Our services include Building Regulations drawings and submissions, detailed drawings and specifications, tendering and contract administration. Our Preferred Partners and/or external consultants will provide specialist reports to aid the discharge or conditions and provide technical information such as Structural Calculations for Buildings Regulations as well as advice from Quantity Surveyors on costings to enable us to go out to tender on building projects.
Involves:
Assessing planning conditions; Co-ordinating external consultants; Building Regulations drawings; detailed drawings & specifications
Results in:
Releasing pre commencement conditions; Building Regulations plans approval; Contract administration; Hand over
5 Pool House
Bancroft Road
Reigate
Surrey
RH2 7RP
Brouard Architects
1 Bromley Lane
Chislehurst
Kent
BR7 6LH
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