GRC Planning - Graham Clark - Consultant - Devon - Cornwall
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    • Planning Appraisals
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    • Certificate of Lawfulness
  • RECENT SUCCESSES
  • Fees
  • T&Cs
  • Contact
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Getting planning problems solved

Graham Clark -  ​Planning and Development Consultant

Graham Clark - Planning Consultant - Devon
DEVON  |  CORNWALL  |  SOUTH WEST
My name is Graham Clark. I am a Chartered Town Planner with well over 30 years’ experience of working in planning and development, at a senior managerial level, in both the private sector and public sector across Devon and Cornwall. 
 
GRC Planning provides specialist planning and development advice to developers and house builders, as well as personalised advice for private individuals and householders. I specialise in getting planning problems solved large or small.
 
Since Covid the pressures on Planning Departments have increased in the face of the reduction in staff resources and the ability to provide a service that existed pre-Covid. It has meant that achieving a planning permission has become more difficult. Even, getting an application validated and registered has become more difficult as the requirements to be met become more extensive and challenging particularly in light of the emerging Climate Change agenda.
 
I specialise in helping applicants through what can be a labyrinthine and daunting prospect of making a planning application but more importantly ensuring they have the best chance of success.
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Why choose me?

​GRAHAM CLARK BA(Hons) DMS MRTPI  |  Director GRC Planning Ltd

I believe in providing clear no-nonsense, meaningful advice and recommendations. I identify opportunities, as well as planning risk, as part of a comprehensive analysis of all the options for a proposal. I often end up saving clients’ money as well as achieving enhanced values for their land or buildings.
 
I work with a number of architects, architectural technicians, surveyors, drainage engineers, ecologists and tree specialists who I would recommend, as part of a ‘one stop shop’ team not only to get an application submitted but more importantly ensure it has the best chance of approval.
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How I can help you

  • I specialise in getting planning problems solved large or small.
  • I will help you through the often daunting prospect of getting the planning permission you require at a time when Planning Departments are struggling in the face of reduced resources and availability to the public.
  • I will tell it as it is, even if the advice is not what you might want to hear.
  • I will be clear and direct in my communication with you.
  • I believe in building long term relationships so I will be honest if I think you may not be spending your money wisely.​​ ​

For a FREE INITIAL ONE HOUR NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION please contact me to see how I can help you.
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Planning problems solved

HOUSES

​With 18 years as a Planning Director of a Regional Housebuilder I know what it takes to get a planning permission for houses. In those 18 years I never had a planning application for houses refuse. With the Climate Change Emergency permissions for new houses are even more difficult to achieve. I will give you an honest opinion of your chances, based on my years of experience. It means I will not take on a case if I do not think you have a reasonable chance of success.
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SPECIAL PROJECTS

In my time as Head of Development Control and Head of Major Projects at Plymouth City Council I was used to dealing with the complexity and delivery of large projects As a result, I like the challenge of interesting projects that depart from the norm. If I genuinely feel I can assist in achieving a planning permission I will give an honest opinion. It means I often turn projects away. I often say I usually save client’s money rather than spend it.
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CLASS Q CONVERSIONS

Residential barn conversions and particularly Class Q conversions of an agricultural building are challenging to achieve. The requirement to preserve and enhance or ensure compliance with the Class Q requirements for prior approval needs skilful handling to achieve success. I will ensure that a client has the best chances of a success.

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ENFORCEMENT

Anyone who gets enmeshed in the complexities of the planning system can come up against the council, following a complaint, insisting what you thought did not require planning permission, actual does. It can be daunting and worry when faced with what appear threatening correspondence from the Council. My knowledge and experience will give you the best chance of resolving the threat of enforcement action from the Council resulting in achieving the requisite planning permission.
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CONSERVATION AREAS

I normally advise clients never to buy a site in a Conservation Area or a Listed Building. To achieve a planning permission or Listed Building Consent requires knowledge of all the issues as the bar to achieve a consent is set very high. I will only take on a case if there is a reasonable chance of success with all the constraints that a Conservation Area and Listed Building impose.
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NATIONAL PARKS

To achieve a planning permission in the Dartmoor National Park requires the need to demonstrate that any proposal will preserve and enhance the character of the National Park. It is a high bar that requires careful presentation of an application to achieve success.

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APPEALS

At the moment, only one in four appeals are successful. I prefer not to undertake appeals but rather I would seek to secure a planning permission by resubmission. It is quicker and more often than not will achieve a successful outcome. I will, though take on an appeal case if I believe it has that one in four chances of success. 

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LOCAL PLANS

Most Local Plans in the south-west are up to date but many towns and villages are now preparing their own Neighbourhood Plan. When adopted this Plan takes precedence over a Local Plan in the determination of applications. It is, therefore, imperative that if you have a parcel of land with potential for planning permission representations are made on your behalf to ensure that the land is included in the Neighbourhood Plan.
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GRC Planning Services

Planning Appraisals

Development feasibility, strategy, tactics and processes. Content of development proposals and identification of application and obligation requirements.
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Planning Applications

Preparation and submission of planning applications and project co-ordination.
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Planning Appeals

Submission and management of planning appeals and appear as an expert witness at Public Inquiries.
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Class Q conversions

Required when converting an agricultural building to a new dwelling without the need for planning permission subject to certain restrictions.
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Householder Extensions

Householder extensions – a streamlined process from concept to build. Sometimes you do not need planning permission.
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Land Promotion / Representations

Promotion of development sites through the local and neighbourhood plan making process.
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Rural Exception Sites

If you are the owner of land adjoining, but outside, the built-up area of a village then residential development may still be possible under the Government’s Rural Exception Site policy.
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Certificate of Lawfulness

A Certificate of Lawfulness is essentially a means of obtaining a decision from the planning authority that a proposed use or works do not require planning permission.
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Testimonials

​Mr & Mrs Taylor
South Hams District Council area
We have just heard that our Appeal to build two houses within our plot has been successful. We are just writing to say thank you and make no mistake, this outcome is the result of your commitment as our representative. You have worked tirelessly on our behalf, being professional at all times, and guided us through the whole process. You are clearly passionate about the intricacies of planning and construction as was demonstrated by your vast knowledge and application to our Appeal.
​Mr & Mrs Moore
Dartmoor National Park area
We have found Graham to be thorough and pragmatic in his approach and his experience enables him to be able to identify the key issues and solutions needed to gain planning approvals, even where we haven’t always expected to be successful. Added to this is his quick turn-around times and friendly style. We would not hesitate to recommend his services to others.
​R. Nordgren
East Devon District Council area
I just wanted to send our specific thanks for your critical role in this planning success. The transparent planning approach you advised, which we felt was quite a bold move at the time, has been found to be exactly the right strategy. We’re delighted to have this consent which should therefore convert a problem scheme into one we can be proud of when successfully delivered. We are therefore hugely grateful for your guidance on this matter.
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​Simon Ellis
Architect & Building Management Consultant
Graham has an extensive knowledge of planning and with his experience in both the public and private sector, he has an unrivalled ability to provide prompt and concise advice, tailoring the two areas together. With a positive approach to development opportunities Graham offers a first class service.
​​Kevin Buckingham
MNAEA Director
Lawson Estate Agents
I have known Graham for ten years and worked alongside him on several projects. His work ethic, knowledge, experience, and attention to detail are second to none. I would strongly recommend GRC Planning.
​Victoria Peat
South Hams area
GRC Planning was recommended to us. They were able to supply a rigorous and rapid planning objection on our behalf. We were well guided and kept fully informed and involved during the whole process. I would recommend them wholeheartedly.
​Chris Anscombe
Planning Inspector Retired
I have known Graham for many years, both as a colleague and friend. He is trustworthy, honest, totally competent and very professional in planning matters and I would highly recommend his services to anyone in need of assistance in this development minefield.
​Dane Rogers
Modbury, South Hams area
Graham’s analysis and advice have been invaluable, enabling us to navigate the complex planning process and achieve a result that would otherwise have been out of our reach.
Mr P Blank
South Hams District Council area
Just wanted to thank you again for all your help. Your response I am sure has achieved this outcome.
Mr M Humphries
Plymouth City Council area
This is great news We are slightly blown away lol!
Mr N Jenkins
South Gloucestershire Council area
I would like to thank you for your continued efforts and support Graham. You have always given us great service and offered excellent advice through the highs and lows of the campaign. [To achieve a planning permission]
Mr. P Sessions
Cornwall Council area
Back down to earth today... now just trying to work out how to afford to build it! I sincerely can't thank you enough for your input and guidance... you were the key reason we won the appeal.
Mr & Mrs P Jinks
Plymouth City Council area
This is fantastic news. Thank you for all your help in getting this over the line, I hope that you don't get one quite so awkward again.
Mr & Mrs Pattinson
East Devon District Council area
We are so grateful for all your help. We have no doubt that without your expert service we wouldn’t have got the approval.
Mr G. McPherson
West Devon District Council area
Thank you for navigating this issue with skill and patience. Thank you for your much appreciated work in achieving this grant of planning.
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