By Laura Potts, MRTPI, Planning Consultant, CAD Architects
As we start the New Year, it is a perfect time to take stock of what has been achieved so far and make plans for the year ahead. It has been two and a half years since we set up CAD Planning (in April 2022) and it has been an amazing period of growth, exceeding our early expectations.
When we were first established, we were one of the few independent planning consultancies in South West England. Setting up an independent planning consultancy was an innovative step by CAD Architects and we are delighted that their faith in the idea has been validated.
As a division of CAD Architects, we have been able to assist CAD Architects in-house, helping to streamline and progress architecture projects for their clients. We have been able to provide an opinion on whether a proposal needs planning permission, provide Planning Appraisals, pre-application advice, appeals, and prepare third party representations.
We have also been able to support the CAD Heritage division with Planning and Heritage Advice, providing Planning Appraisals and Historic Impact Assessments. Importantly, we have also offered independent advice to our own clients, including those working with different architecture firms. What we offer can be tailored to a multi-disciplinary approach or it can be a stand-alone service.
We are delighted to report that we have had a huge number of successes. The range of the work has been immense, spanning residential and commercial sectors. Our successes include securing planning permissions, listed building consents, and certificates of lawful use. It has been especially rewarding to help stalled applications progress and move forward again.
I am happy to say we must be doing something right because we are now seeing many repeat clients returning to us.
As the business has grown, we have been able to expand and took on another staff member, Martin Woodley. Martin joined us from Cornwall Council, having previously worked for a number of local authorities across the South West. He has over 30 years’ experience as a Chartered Town Planner. The addition of Martin to the team has strengthened our expertise still further and enables us to provide an even more rounded service to our clients.
As consultants, we always ensure that we are completely abreast of all the latest changes in legislation and we have thorough knowledge of all Local and National Planning issues.
This is a time of massive flux in planning regulations, which are being driven at government level by imperatives such as the challenge of climate change as well as the UK housing crisis. The sheer volume and speed of the current changes to the planning landscape is unprecedented. However, this makes it all the more exciting and stimulating to work in this field and it is a privilege to help guide clients through the maze.
So as we start 2025, I am proud that CAD Planning is now a fully-fledged division of CAD Architects. We have our own brand identity and a fast-growing roster of our own clients and projects.
As we look to the future, we are focussed on staying at the top of our game and continuing to grow. We will navigate all new planning policies and legislation, so that our clients can be on the inside track, as they benefit from our professional knowledge and insight. In 2025 and beyond, we are looking forward to helping more clients achieve their ambitions and deliver successful building projects.
Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
To find out more about CAD Planning, contact us on 01872 630040 or email info@cad-planning.co.uk