Planning & Development Briefs
We can prepare and negotiate planning briefs with local authorities as part of a co-ordinated strategy to maximise development opportunity and gain support and endorsement from local authorities. Our expertise enables us to carry out the necessary research and prepare written and illustrative materials for briefs.
Our advice includes:
- Identifying the key planning issues influencing the development of a site
- Providing guidance on transport, conservation, environmental and other associated issues
- Preparing and negotiating briefs with local authorities
- Engaging with local communities
Property Market Research
We provide urban, regional and sectoral market studies and forecasts as well as in-depth analysis of supply and demand across all commercial property types. Our clients include property and land owners, occupiers, developers, investors, institutions and the public sector. The research is tailored to each client project and includes recommendations for future action. Working closely with our agency and investment teams our knowledge of the property market in Scotland is unrivalled.
Reports for clients include:
- Economic impact assessments
- Sectoral – retail, office, industrial, leisure, residential, science parks
- Assessment of market demand and trends
- Property impacts of transport projects
- Retail market analysis and impact assessment
- Research to inform planning policy
- Consumer research
Valuations
We provide independent property valuations across all sectors including retail, office, industrial, hotel, leisure, student accommodation and sport stadiums. We value property types ranging from small single buildings to large portfolios throughout the UK and apply our expertise to development opportunities including mixed use and residential property.
We are represented on the valuation panels of the majority of commercial lenders. Our reports and valuations include detailed analysis, information on the driving forces in the market, objective advice and an emphasis upon the strengths and weaknesses of a particular property or investment. Accurate valuations play a vital part in property acquisitions and disposals. Our service includes current values and opinions of the projected value of developments on completion and suggestions on how to improve a property’s performance and return. Our reports and recommendations can also assist with raising capital against assets.
Two members of our team are on the RICS Valuation Faculty Board.
Our advice includes:
- Thoroughly analysing relevant comparable evidence
- Demonstrating an awareness of a property’s history
- Providing an understanding of current market sentiment and wider trends
- Identifying opportunities to enhance a property’s value
- Delivering accurate property valuation advice
Planning Representations, Applications & Appeals
We prepare structure plan and local plan representations and objections as part of a co-ordinated strategy to promote sites for development. We also co-ordinate expert inputs to our clients’ planning applications to ensure applications have the best opportunity to receive approval. This involves negotiating with planning authorities to ensure development is maximised and cost is minimised. We also co-ordinate and act as expert witness at planning appeals on behalf of developers and objectors.
Our advice includes:
- Advising on the implications of structure and local plan policies
- Representing your interests as new development plans emerge
- Co-ordinating specialist teams including architects, transport experts and environmental consultants
- Preparing planning applications and negotiating with local authorities
- Conducting planning appeals
Project Management
We provide pro-active project management services to organisations and individuals during all phases of a property development from initial site option appraisals, through planning, to final construction works. In doing this we add value to investments, limit risks and optimise design and construction periods. We achieve required quality standards and reduce costs, maximising overall value for money. Our approach to project management is pragmatic and pro-active.