Expanding firm's planning services due to the demand

George F White has expanded its planning and development services across the North East following an increase in client demand.
Richard Garland, head of planning and development at George F White.Richard Garland, head of planning and development at George F White.
Richard Garland, head of planning and development at George F White.

Changes in the planning system, opening up new opportunities for property owners, have been one of the key drivers behind the team’s continued success and, as a result, the consultancy has seen a big rise in planning-related work.

Richard Garland, head of planning and development at George F White, said: “The UK planning system has undergone huge changes during a big transitional period.

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“From this, we have seen increases in different types of planning and development needs from clients across the UK, both new and existing.

The planning team was established in 2007 to offer specialist advice. Since then, it has grown rapidly, even throughout the recession.

While the consultancy’s roots were in rural planning and this still remains a core strength, it has evolved to provide specialist planning advice across a much larger range.

“Our team now offers a service more akin to some large-scale urban consultancies, dealing with large-scale applications and urban extension of 1,400 units and upwards,” added Mr Garland.

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“With development land getting more and more complex, joining up planning to an understanding of land deals and values is essential, particularly where equalisation and option agreements are involved.

“That is our unique selling point and we pride ourselves in being the source of highest quality advice for landowners with development needs.”

Working on a diverse range of applications from major residential, retail and agricultural applications through to lawful development certificates and prior notifications, the team has achieved great results with a 93 per cent success rate for applications in the last 12 months.

Mr Garland said: “Our key objective now is to grow the team further – we are currently recruiting for new members of the planning team right across the business – and to continue to diversify services so that we can adapt to clients’ differing needs.”

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For more information about the planning and development services George F White offers or current vacancies, contact Richard Garland on 01665 511994 or send an email to [email protected]