Applications

We combine national expertise with detailed knowledge of local planning authorities (LPAs), enabling us to navigate planning tensions, manage policy conflicts and position development proposals to secure planning permission efficiently, including where proposals differ from adopted planning policy.

This allows us to identify risks and opportunities early, creating robust planning strategies that manage policy conflicts, respond to competing planning considerations and support successful outcomes.

Whether working on greenfield or brownfield sites, we tailor our planning strategy to maximise site potential while balancing local priorities, commercial objectives and planning considerations. We are experienced in navigating policy tensions and delivering solutions where proposals differ from policy but can be justified through wider planning, economic or regeneration benefits.

Our clear, commercially aware approach helps manage planning risk, negotiate solutions to policy and technical constraints, and protect scheme viability throughout the planning process.

Strategic Planning Advice and Applications

We provide comprehensive support throughout the planning application process, acting as the central point of coordination for clients and consultant teams to deliver robust, well-managed and commercially focused planning submissions. Our services include:

• Pre-application strategy and engagement
• Design and Access Statements
• Statements of Community Involvement
• Feasibility studies and planning appraisals
• Retail Impact Assessments
• Health Impact Assessments
• Land supply and housing land supply evidence
• Sunlight and daylight assessments
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) coordination
• Planning Statements and supporting evidence
• Cost and viability advice
• Section 106 strategy and negotiations
• Discharge of planning conditions
• Coordination of specialist technical reports, including transport, highways, drainage, flood risk, heritage, archaeology, ecology, arboriculture, noise, air quality, landscape and visual impact assessments

Rapleys leads and manages the entire application process, bringing together multidisciplinary teams to ensure that all workstreams are aligned and focused on securing a positive planning outcome. Through our integrated approach, we coordinate specialist consultants, manage project programmes, engage with stakeholders and local authorities, and oversee the preparation and submission of all supporting documentation. This joined-up service is strengthened by Rapleys’ in-house expertise across planning, building consultancy, residential, commercial and development disciplines, providing clients with a seamless service throughout the development lifecycle. By acting as your trusted advisor, Rapleys takes care of the complexities, allowing you to focus on your core priorities with confidence.

Development Expertise Across All Sectors

We advise on a diverse range of development projects across the UK, including:

• Residential development
• Commercial development
• Mixed-use schemes
• Strategic land promotion
• Education facilities
• Healthcare and care sector development
• Data centres and digital infrastructure
• Automotive and roadside development
• Retail and leisure schemes
• Urban regeneration projects
• Heritage and conservation-led development
• Master-planning and large-scale placemaking projects
• Hotels & Hospitality

Whether working on greenfield, brownfield or previously developed land, we tailor our planning strategies to reflect the specific opportunities and constraints of each sector. Our experience extends from small-scale developments through to major strategic projects, enabling us to provide commercially focused advice that manages planning risks, navigates policy tensions and delivers solutions where proposals differ from policy but can be justified through wider planning, economic or social benefits.