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Planning for a better future

We undertake a full range of town planning, EIA and development focused services for our clients.  We help drive positive change and deliver viable, sustainable developments that enhance the built and natural environment.  

We offer comprehensive project management of the planning process, from project concept, site selection and strategic promotion through to planning applications, appeals and conditions discharge.  We are focused on project delivery and securing successful project outcomes at the local level, but we are not afraid to appeal where necessary to achieve the right solution.  

We are a specialist consultancy that provides a full range of town planning services

  • Planning Applications

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    Managing the whole planning application process, from pre application discussions, formal application submission, liaison and negotiations with the Planning Authority, through to application determination.

  • Planning Appeals

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    We have a strong record in securing successful outcomes at appeal, managing the whole appeal process from start to finish, including written representations, hearings and inquiries.

  • Site Promotion & Written Representations

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    We help shape Local Plans and ensure our clients sites are included for consideration when Local Authorities identify development land.

  • Site & Development Appraisals

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    In depth planning appraisals inform our clients of all relevant considerations, enabling them to maximise value from their assets. They are fundamental to the evolution of the design process and ultimately a smoother journey through planning.

  • Planning & Development Strategies

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    A strategic approach from the outset plots a path through the planning process and ensures timely results. We see this as fundamental to every project.

  • Environmental Impact Assessments

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    Detailed knowledge of the EIA regulations enables us to prepare and coordinate Environmental Statements for our clients larger and more complex schemes.

  • Public Consultation & Community Engagement

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    Coordinating consultation events and focus group meetings with key stakeholders improves public involvement and support through the planning process, helping our clients engage with the communities in which they are active.

  • Expert Witness

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    We have successfully acted as expert witness at numerous planning hearings, Inquiries and in High Court cases.

  • Project Co-Ordination

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    We work with a wide network of consultants and where required, are trusted by clients to appoint, project manage and review the work of these third parties, ensuring uniformity and quality.

  • Preliminary Planning Appraisals

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    Initial high level appraisal of the key planning considerations affecting sites or buildings informs our clients of the development potential of their assets from an early stage.

  • Heritage Services

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    Realistic advice relating to potential impacts of development on Conservation Areas and listed buildings, with good track record at Local Planning Authority stage.  Guidance on requirements to submit for Listed Building Consent.  Provision of robust and proportionate Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA) tailored to the scale of the proposal.

  • Townscape Appraisals

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    We undertake detailed townscape appraisals in support of our clients planning applications, assessing and justifying their proposed developments against the existing built context.

  • Permitted Development

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    We save our clients time and money by helping them take advantage of Permitted Development rights, in many cases allowing them to achieve the development they want, without the need for a formal planning application.

Latest News


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Heritage

Heritage Planning: Insights from Historic England’s Latest Updates

Heritage planning is constantly changing, with legal precedent, new policies, updated advice, and a growing emphasis on balancing historic character…...

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Court Ruling Mandates Early Publication of Planning Obligations

Recent High Court judgements have found that legal agreements made under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (which accompany a planning…...

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Planning Appeal Success: Consent Secured for 40MW Solar Farm in Sittingbourne

Union4 have secured planning permission on appeal after a public inquiry for a 40MW solar farm at Vigo Lane and Wrens Road, Sittingbourne,…...

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Planning, Flood Risk, and the Sequential Test: What Has Changed?

For clients and consultants navigating planning applications in areas at risk of flooding, there have been some key recent developments worth…...

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Written Reps Appeals

Changes to Written Representation Appeals

The Government announced yesterday, 25th June 2025, upcoming changes to the Written Representation Appeal (Written Reps) process, aimed and…...

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BNG One Yr On

BNG- One Year On

We’re now over a year since mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements came into force, but the dust still hasn’t quite settled. Providing…...

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UKR Eii F

UKREiiF 2025

Union4 Planning welcomed the opportunity to attend this year’s UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds. The three-day…...

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Government Publishes Updated PPG for the Green Belt

This week (27th February 2025) the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government updated the Green Belt section of the National Planning…...

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Spring Newsletter

Spring Newsletter

 Read here: 2025 Spring NewsletterIt’s been a busy start to 2025, with the planning sector leaping forward with some fundamental changes in policy…...

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