Managing planning risks early for success

Throughout the life cycle of a development, there are examples of projects where costly design changes or delays could have been avoided by early engagement of Environmental Planning Permitting Specialists, experienced in identifying and managing a wide range of environmental risks. 

Too often early consideration of environmental planning risks is limited to a narrow scope of key issues that overlook perceived lesser issues which eventually lead to major programme delays, cost increases and consenting challenges at a later stage. 

The requirements of an Environmental Permit to operate a site is a prime example, where failure to consider permit specific requirements at the planning design stage can require design changes and planning variations to obtain an Environmental Permit.  Suitably experienced Environmental Planning Specialists can bring valuable experience and insight to de-risk projects early in the design process (even at due diligence / feasibility stage).

This was the theme of a presentation on the Planning and Permitting Considerations in relation to the Medium Combustion Plant, at the recent Gruppo AB Cogeneration’s event in Manchester, by Delta-Simons’ Environmental Planning Unit Director, Michael Robinson.