Collas Crill has launched a new planning application service for homeowners in Guernsey and Jersey considering applying for planning permission.
Over the last two years Channel Island homeowners have responded to restrictions on travel, increased home working and a rising property market by driving a boom in home extension, remodelling and improvement projects.
The time it takes to actually start a project has increased over the same period.
Paul Nettleship, Partner and Head of Property Law in Guernsey, said: “Appointing an architect, if required, seeking initial advice and securing necessary planning and building regulation permissions, as well as factoring in the availability of contractors, tradespeople and materials all take time that can be outside homeowners’ control.
“This can lead to delays, escalating costs and added stress for the homeowner and, in the worst case scenario, could mean that a project needs to be scaled back or abandoned altogether.”
The new service will be led by Senior Planning Consultant, Chris Crew (pictured), and brings together his and the Channel Islands property teams’ planning expertise and detailed knowledge of the application process.
Chris joined Collas Crill in April 2022 to offer specialist planning advice. He is a Chartered Member of The Royal Town Planning Institute and has more than 17 years’ experience gained in the UK and Guernsey. He joined the firm from the States of Guernsey Planning Service where he worked as a Senior Planning Officer for eight years.
The new planning service offered by Collas Crill will ensure all the necessary plans, drawings and supporting information are collated, and the property team will complete and submit the planning application on the client’s behalf.
“This planning application service allows us to take the strain out of what can be a stressful process and is a natural extension of our offering to clients. It ensures that the application is right first time, avoiding additional delays and costs and makes it more likely that permission is granted at the first time of asking,” said Chris.
