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Urban

Evidence

Evidence

Written for residents rather than for the profession: what a policy actually means, what an objection has to say to work, and what we got wrong.

Parking standards, plainly17 September 2026 Parking standards, plainlyWhat the policy says, what officers actually apply, and where the two diverge.The space between the buildings17 September 2026 The space between the buildingsWhy public realm is the first thing value-engineered out and the first thing residents notice.How to write an objection that works17 September 2026 How to write an objection that worksFree, for anybody. What a committee can lawfully take into account and what it must ignore.Consultation is not a leaflet drop17 September 2026 Consultation is not a leaflet dropWhat we do instead, what it costs, and why it shortens the timeline rather than lengthening it.The eighteen we lost17 September 2026 The eighteen we lostEvery refusal since 2012, with the reason and what we would do differently.

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Why publish the refusals?
Because a practice that shows only its wins is telling you something about its record, just not what it intends. Eighteen of our ninety-one applications were refused; all eighteen are listed with the reason.
Do you act against residents?
We act for developers, and sometimes residents oppose those schemes. What we will not do is act against a group we have previously advised. That has cost us two large instructions.
What is the reduced rate for community groups?
Roughly a fifth of the commercial rate, on about one engagement in six. Say so in your first message and it applies from the first conversation.
How long does an application take?
Three to five months for a minor application, nine to eighteen for a major one. Consultation done properly shortens that rather than lengthening it, which is counter-intuitive and consistently true.

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