We have long been aware of the importance of technology in planning and are always looking for ways to harness it, to improve the built environment and de-risk the planning system for our clients.

In collaboration with our sister company Context Land, we have developed several systems to ensure we can present development proposals effectively and source the most relevant and up to date planning information efficiently, enabling us to add maximum value to client projects. Examples include:

SITE FINDING AND ANALYSIS

Developers and landowners often come to us seeking assistance in identifying the feasibility of development on sites or in sourcing potential locations of interest for future development. We tend to break this process down into 3 stages and use mapping systems and data analysis to inform our site appraisals:

1. Define the area of search (Demographics, housing delivery data, house prices, council stats);
2. Once the area of search has been established, rule out areas with restrictive designations or negative appeal decisions;
3. Undertake site specific analysis and land registry analysis.

The use of our GIS mapping systems, informed with relevant data analysis, enables us to effectively visualise the planning considerations of sites, making the opportunities and constraints more readily apparent.

Viewshed Analysis

Viewshed analysis plots all the possible places where you can see a proposed development from (a zone of theoretical visibility). This quantitative approach can help local communities and councils be sure that any landscape harm is appropriate, or provides sufficient landscaping mitigation. To ensure absolute accuracy, the process allows for atmospheric refraction and the curvature of the earth. It also takes into account any existing trees, hedgerows or buildings.

This service is great for assessing the visibility of a proposal, but also for sequential site allocation assessments for local and/or neighbourhood plans.

Appeal Search

We are also using digital information systems to support our planning and appeal statements. For example, the Tech team at Plainview have designed a free text search of the entire appeal database which updates in real time, enabling us to find the most relevant and up to date precedents to support your case. This effective search tool has two methodologies supporting it. The first enables us to drill into appeals by type, result, Inspector, Council etc. The second is a Free text search - do you want to find all appeals referencing a certain local plan policy? Well now you can.

SPATIAL ANALYSIS MAP PACKS

We can offer efficient map production, providing spatial justification for development proposals through effective visual tools which can help the potential impacts of proposed developments be more readily understood. Examples of our maps include - local designations, historic patterns of development, local precedents, site topography, and site sustainability including drive-time isographs.

KNOWLEDGEBASE

We have been providing informed and effective planning advice for over a decade. We have digitised our knowledgebase, meaning it is instantly searchable with over 10 years of data and research. This helps to ensure our planning justifications are robust.

All our clients are already benefitting from these services. Contact us to see how we can help you find your next opportunity.