DPP provided advice to Latimer Developments limited ahead of their purchase of a significant gateway site on Digbeth High Street, Birmingham. DPP undertook an initial planning appraisal of the site, providing comment on the principle of redevelopment of the former storage use and considering the proposed development of a residential scheme. As part of this assessment, DPP drew on its recent experience of securing similar proposals near the site.

DPP provided technical input into the development of a scheme, including advise on scale/mass. DPP also undertook research to establish the likely S106 liability at the site as well as exploring how additionality of affordable housing would be dealt with. DPP’s advice was used to inform a commercial bid for the site. As part of the bidding process, DPP facilitated meetings with key local planning authority officers, including the Assistant Director. These meetings were secured outside of a formal pre-application process thanks to DPP’s excellent working relationship with them.

Achievements

DPP’s input and ability to facilitate very early dialogue with the local planning authority meant that Latimer had the confidence to progress with a bid for a large-scale development at the site. DPP’s input also helped convince the vendors that Latimer were taking forward appropriate proposals and could deliver a timely planning consent.