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Planning & permitted development services

Expert planning and development services, including feasibility studies, pre-application enquiries, planning applications and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)

We are specialists in the delivery of permitted development and planning services for the energy, water and infrastructure sectors across the UK and Ireland.

From concept and feasibility stage onwards, we identify both viable options and risks. We collaborate with our clients, government bodies and local authorities to gain relevant planning consents or Development Consent Orders (DCOs).

Clients such as SEPD, UKPN, Cadent, AWL and SEW benefit from our innovative, pragmatic approach, which has saved them time and cost. Recently, we assisted Severn Trent Water in obtaining planning permission for a new Sewage Treatment Works in Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire, effectively minimising public objection through proactive stakeholder engagement.

Blueprints of architectural plans featuring geometric shapes and detailed technical drawings on a light background.

In a time of heightened scrutiny, planners must proactively address statutory requirements and sustainability goals from the outset to unlock timely, cost-effective outcomes. At DM we champion a proactive, collaborative culture where early engagement and technological innovation drive smarter, more resilient outcomes.

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Our Services

Planning advisory services

Permitted development & planning advice

Provision of advice on whether works can be carried out under permitted development or require planning permission.

Feasibility & site/route optioneering

Advice on site/route constraints, design of access/highways, construction traffic management plan, risks, and development opportunities with strategic site selection.

E&P Constraints check service

Review of potential constraints impacting proposals with comprehensive risk assessment, including traffic data collection and assessment services – light, odour, noise, and transport.

Application & consent support

Pre-application enquiries

Preparing pre-application statements and Council submissions to obtain pre-application advice.

Planning applications & appeals

Preparing full/outline planning applications, non-material amendments, certificates of lawful development, and appeal support.

DCO application service

Complete DCO process management, including pre-application, application, examination, and post-decision stages.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

EIA screening & scoping

Preparing EIA screening and scoping opinion requests with Local Planning Authority submission.

EIA Coordination & management

Coordination and management of Environmental Statement production with technical and non-technical chapter preparation.

Consultation & engagement

Consultation & stakeholder engagement

Liaison with directly affected stakeholders regarding development proposals.

Expert witness services

Providing planning expert witness support at public inquiries and examinations.

It has been a pleasure working with such a dedicated and talented team. The DM team's hard work and commitment has been invaluable to the success of this project. They have been fantastic, acting with professionalism and diligence throughout. Without their dedication and support, we would never have achieved planning permission on what is a high-profile project for SES Water.
Logo of SES Water featuring a blue water droplet and stylized text reading 'SES WATER' in blue and turquoise colors.

Our relates services

  • 01

    Stakeholder Engagement

    Building and managing your reputation to establish trust and inspire confidence

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  • 02

    Heritage advice

    We provide professional heritage advice including appraisals, setting statements,  building condition surveys, listed building consent applications and more

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  • 03

    Ecology services

    Specialist ecological consultants, we undertake ecological assessments, habitat surveys, and biodiversity net gain assessments within the UK and Ireland.

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Latest article

Community engagement best practice for Severn Trent Water 

An aerial view of a construction site featuring a circular concrete foundation for a roundabout, surrounded by cleared land and vehicles. In the background, residential houses are visible alongside green fields. Case Studies

How we worked with Severn Trent Water to improve Scunthorpe’s waste water infrastructure and reduce sewage spills into Bottesford Beck

Community engagement best practice for Severn Trent Water