PLANNING specialists Roythornes Solicitors and The LK2 Group have collaborated to offer a more joined-up approach between traditionally distanced design and legal planning teams, supporting both sectors as they emerge from lockdown to consolidate the provision of professional services that should be bolstered by the Government’s recently outlined proposed strategy of “build, build, build”.
The partnership will provide clients with a holistic view of any development project, ensuring it is fully scoped – not just to identify planning and design merits, but to uncover and address any legal hurdles or issues at an early stage, with a view to minimising risks at later stages which could put the entirety of a scheme in jeopardy.
The collaboration between the two Lincolnshire headquartered firms grew from their joint membership of Team Lincolnshire – a delegation of more than 20 businesses from across Greater Lincolnshire’s property and construction industry that attend MIPIM, the world’s largest property conference, each year.
Shruti Trivedi, partner and head of planning at Roythornes Solicitors, said: “Working collaboratively is a key part of the property and construction industry, even more so as we emerge from lockdown into the ‘new normal’.
“We’ve worked alongside LK2 on a number of projects, but this is the first time that we have formally collaborated to bring the sometimes-fractured process of design and planning together. By receiving legal advice at an early stage, we can look at the project differently and better advise on the land development potential early enough to identify any possible hurdles or risks that may arise legally as often schemes are far more advanced before legal and strategic input is sought, often destroying viability or deliverability.
“This is more important than ever as planning is key on the road to the UK’s post-Covid recovery. As we know, the Government recently announced its ‘build, build, build’ strategy but pushing these projects – particularly the niche projects that LK2 is renowned for – through planning, relies on great architecture underpinned by solid legal advice where risks are managed at all stages and not just on design or planning grounds. This is something we hope to offer through this collaboration, aimed particularly at the specialist projects and client base LK2 are well-known for.”
Paul Starbuck, director at LK2, said: “At LK2 we enjoy working collaboratively, from single projects to framework schemes, to achieve the best outcomes for our projects and clients. We’re therefore delighted to be working alongside Roythornes to offer our clients and contacts the best possible outcome for upcoming projects.
“There is sense of optimism within the industry, but we still have a number of challenges ahead. Planning will be key on the road to recovery and by bringing legal expertise in early, we’re able to find out if a project is viable from the very beginning. It gives our clients a stronger sense of confidence in the project because we can offer an all-encompassing service for all their planning needs.”
Shruti added: “We’re expecting to see a number of legislative changes in the coming months which will usher in a host of changes. For instance, the changing permitted development regime being introduced will allow greater flexibility between uses, there will be a relaxation of planning and licencing requirements for premises, and it will be possible to re-utilise vacant buildings more effectively as well as the ability to promote upwards extensions.
“However, in the race to build more we need to ensure that we are also building better. We need to ensure that we are building greener, more sustainable buildings to help safeguard the future. This is something that is already part of the ethos at LK2 and the excellent design led approach they promote and another reason we’re looking forward to working with them.”
For more information visit www.roythornes.co.uk or follow @roythornes on Twitter. To find out more about LK2 visit lk2.co.uk or join the conversation on Twitter @lk2_consultants.