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West & Partners employs a diverse range of skills in the design and development process which helps clients, both new and existing, to achieve their development aspirations. ARCHITECTURE The practice is town planning led and this strength is mirrored in the high quality of building design offered to clients requiring architectural distinction and planning permission without dispute and delay. The depth of experience amongst the practice principals in the supervision of building works and the management of architectural contracts enables the practice to undertake contracts with the highest possible assurance to clients with regard to timetable and cost. COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT The practice embraces wide experience of commercial development with particular expertise in the design and realisation of production plant buildings for leading industrial companies, office buildings for headquarters or multi-user occupation, small B1 estates, live/work accommodation and hotels. RESIDENTIAL More than thirty years’ experience in housing for both public and private sectors, including individual clients, providing new build and re-use of former commercial buildings comprising schemes for flats and houses for sale, student housing and accommodation for medical and nursing staff of Hospital Trusts. CONVERSIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO LISTED BUILDINGS Detailed knowledge of architectural history and building tradition is allied with long experience of the duties and responsibilities of English Heritage and the concerns of specialist interest groups.This expertise informs both initial advice to clients and detailed design,
when incorporating and converting historic structures. The “listing”
of a building is an important matter: it does not, however, always necessarily
imply its inevitable, nor its unaltered, preservation. LISTED BUILDINGS Our expertise in listed buildings, historic structures and conservation areas has been increasingly in demand, in recent years. We advise clients in every aspect of listed buildings and provide expert witness appearance at public inquiries. PLANNING APPRAISALS It is often in the early assessment of town planning constraints upon development potential that our expertise proves most valuable to our clients. Whether on a green field site or in urban redevelopment, experienced analysis - particularly of listed buildings, conservation areas and other special planning criteria - provides clear advice to clients as to the strengths and weaknesses of development options, sometimes needing to be interpreted as through the eyes of local authorities. ARCHAEOLOGY Many sites require an evaluation of archaeological potential prior to the submission of applications for redevelopment. Isambard Archaeology, a subsidiary of West & Partners, provides a full consultancy service including the preparation and submission of desk top studies and the commissioning of more detailed investigation from specialist contractors. LOCAL PLANS Our directors have long experience in the actual preparation of statutory plans and are uniquely placed to advise clients upon the potential impact of draft policies, when these are first published by local planning authorities. The practice has successfully represented clients’ interests, both
in written deposition and LOCAL GOVERNMENT : TOWN PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Drawing upon the breadth of public sector experience of Michael West and Chris Francis, the practice builds upon a record of success in advice to clients upon the statutory planning framework and related matters of local policy, government process and development opportunity. APPEALS Being known for local government expertise we frequently advise upon whether or not to appeal and via which route. The practice undertakes the whole process of preparation of appeal evidence, including the incorporation of other expert evidence where required. PUBLIC INQUIRIES The practice is highly experienced in inquiry procedure, including ministerial call-in and enforcement hearings. We are commonly called upon to advise upon formation of the inquiry team and to co-ordinate the preparation of proofs of evidence of other technical disciplines, for expert witness appearance. PLANNING APPLICATIONS Established clients of the practice consult our advice at an early stage to avoid, wherever possible, the lengthy and expensive process of appeal. A few days of intensive research and expert interpretation of the statutory framework can clarify the intention of local planning authorities and save many weeks of expensive delay. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS The EIA Regulations which came into force in March 1999 require the preparation
and submissions of Environmental Statements for a wide range of projects,
including some relatively small developments. The practice is experienced
in the submission of proposals for screening and scoping as well as leading
the preparation and submission of full Environmental Statements.
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| Site updated: 22 January 2007 |