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Town and country planning

DTZ has the knowledge and experience to guide you through the United Kingdom's unique planning system.

What we do

DTZ provides a planning service that reflects the UK’s unique town and country planning laws and regulations. We advise on a wide range of projects from complex urban regeneration schemes, through master plans to individual sites. Our specialist teams around the country can help you achieve the best outcome for you and your organisation.

Our range of planning services includes:

  • Planning and development strategies
  • Project co-ordination
  • Masterplanning
  • Urban design - development frameworks and design briefs
  • Planning applications
  • Appeals and inquiries
  • Expert witness
  • Sustainability appraisal
  • Environmental assessment
  • Regeneration planning
  • Local Development Framework planning – planning policy
  • Conservation area and listed building advice
  • Community involvement and stakeholder consultation
  • Planning gain/obligations
  • Compulsory purchase
  • Research

Bulletins  

Enforcement Powers – The Localism Act made changes to enforcement powers which allows Local Planning Authorities to obtain a Planning Enforcement Order where the time limits for enforcement have passed but a breach of planning control has been concealed. Click here to read more.

Mayoral Community Infrastructure Levy - On the 1st April 2012, the Mayor of London introduced a new Community Infrastructure Levy that will be paid by most new developments in London. The levy will help to pay the Mayor’s contribution towards Crossrail. The CIL will be calculated based on the London Borough in which the development is proposed and will be either £50, £35 or £20 / sq m. Click here to read more.

National Planning Policy Framework - On 27 March 2012, the Government published its eagerly awaited National Planning Policy Framework ("NPPF"). The NPPF sets out the basis of the planning system and that there should be a "presumption in favour of sustainable development". Click here to read more.

Local Development Orders – The use of a Local Development Order as a planning tool can provide local authorities with an invaluable tool for taking the initiative and creating a more certain planning environment that is more conducive to investment. Click here to read more.

National Planning Policy Framework: Brownfield Land – Whilst the draft NPPF made no specific reference to brownfield land, the published NPPF made explicit what was always implicit in that planning policies must encourage brownfield sites to be brought back into use. Click here to read more.

The Localism Act – The Act offers a reform of the planning system which will see a reduction in the role of regional governance and a greater role for neighbourhoods to influence how their areas are planned. Click here to read more.

Use Classes Order – The Use Classes Order categorises different land uses into classes. A change of use within the same use class can usually take place without the need for planning permission, whereas a change of use between use classes will typically require planning permission. There are also some permitted changes. Click here to read more.

Waterfront Regeneration – DTZ has extensive experience of advising public and private sector organisations on waterfront regeneration projects. This bulletin demonstrates our skills and knowledge of expediently meeting complex and evolving planning policy requirements for flood adaptation in order to make time and cost savings for our clients. Click here to read more.

Why choose DTZ?

We know that each planning situation is unique and that’s why DTZ always bring the most appropriate people to each proposal. This way, you can be rest assured that you will receive tailored planning advice, supported by a range of DTZ experts - please click here for the list of sectors we cover.