When planning is refused and thoughts turn to Appeal scenarios, we can help, even if Design is not a Reason for Refusal and even if we did not design your proposal in the first place.
With Jonathan’s experience both as Design Expert Witness and as co-chair of two Design Review Panels, we can help you to take a fresh look at your design proposal or masterplan, understand why it was refused and build a strong case for why it should be allowed.
Seeing the bigger picture
Design can be important to that argument even if there is no Design Reason for refusal by providing reassurance and confidence to Inspectors on the credibility of the design.
Questions around character, appearance, landscape and townscape, the relationship with existing development, layout, scale and the quality of a proposed place can all become key issues at appeal. Our design expertise can make a real difference here.
We look critically at the scheme and the reasons for refusal, identifying where the description of the proposal can be strengthened - through supporting with illustrated evidence and statements.
We have a proven track record
Urban Design Box has experience in Planning Inquiries and Hearings and has acted as expert design witness on a wide range of both Outline and Detail proposals, helping clients successfully navigate the appeal process and secure planning permission.
An appeal is about more than challenging a refusal. The strongest appeal witnesses provide a clear, well-evidenced case explaining why a proposal is appropriate for its context and why, when considered as a whole, it should be supported.
Design expertise at appeal
At Urban Design Box, our experience extends beyond preparing design proposals for planning applications.
We have acted as expert design witnesses at planning appeals, providing independent professional evidence and presenting our assessment to Planning Inspectors through written and drawn material, round table sessions on Design and in traditional Cross-Examination formats. Each requires a slightly different approach, but the fundamentals remain the same: clear evidence, a thorough understanding of the site and context, and a compelling design rationale.
A refusal can be frustrating, but it can also provide valuable insight into the issues that need to be addressed. With the right advice, an appeal is an opportunity to step back, interrogate the scheme and make the strongest possible case for approval.
If your planning application has been refused, speak to Urban Design Box. We can help you understand the design issues, strengthen your design case and give your scheme the best possible chance at appeal.
