Addison & Associates have a comprehensive understanding of the planning system and how research might improve its efficiency and performance. We have been involved in a wide range of national and regional research projects. We have a range of skills, knowledge and substantial experience in working with all levels of government, and in a wide range of research fields, that will enable us to develop research methodologies suitable to the wide range. Our expertise is based on our substantial working knowledge and practical experience from a national government, local government, government office and Planning Inspectorate perspective.
Any research needs to be aimed at making the planning sector more effective and to support the key government targets on healthy living/ affordable housing/ sustainable communities and climate change to name but a few. We specialise at looking at planning in a holistic and integrated way as demonstrated by our work on wider aspects of governance and across different disciplines.
Recent and current projects include:
CLG – The Costs and benefits of Environment Impact Assessment, current
Alongside Arup we are working for CLG to contrast a robust evidence base for the UK covering the costs and benefits of the EIA Directive, against which any proposals to change the EIA Directive by the European Commission can be assessed. This is to ensure that the UK government can respond to any proposed changes to the assessment process with full understanding of the real and proportionate environmental benefit in the UK. The work involves assessment of current EIA information; a time and cost analysis of the EIA process for applicants and local planning authorities; the qualitative benefits and disbenefits of carrying out EIA and the likely forthcoming changes; the cross cutting impacts of any changes to the EIA process such as the development management process, and analysis of consultation responses for Equality Impact Assessment.
CLG – Devise a New Development Management Indictor, current
Addison & Associates, with Arup, have been commissioned by CLG to make recommendations for what the new planning performance indicator should be, specifically including a measure of quality in the planning application process and to set up, monitor and report on the effectiveness and success of the Indicator through Pilot Projects with Local Authorities. This work follows on from the recommendations by the Killian Pretty Review. Following an initial scoping stage including stakeholder events the proposals for a new indicator are being tested through pilot projects with local authorities and a final recommendation will be made to CLG.
CLG – research to Support Consultation responses (2009)
Alongside Arup we undertook the analysis of responses to two consultation papers, one on the draft heritage PSS and the other relating to Houses in Multiple Occupation. This involved assessing, both on a quantitative and qualitative basis, and reporting to central government the results. The responses covered a wide range of different planning issues, and formed part of the Government’s drive to make the development management process smoother, simpler and more efficient.
PINS - Market analysis for potential inspectors (2008)
In 2008 Addison & Associates, with the University of Westminster, undertook an investigation of the ways in which PINS current and future recruitment problems might be successfully addressed. The first stage was to review recent research in this area, to undertake an analysis of the planning market place by analysing recent posts advertised and to compare pay etc and to undertake two questionnaires: a survey of staff in the inspectorate and those who have recently expressed an interest in working for the inspectorate. The second stage of the work has been to undertake a survey of potential employees (through a range of relevant professional bodies) to consider the impact of any measures to increase the competitiveness of PINS in the job market and to increase the supply of suitable staff available to PINS.
The report presented a detailed analysis of the results of this research and the potential in the marketplace for the future recruitment of different types of Planning Inspector. It provides an assessment of the information collected and a draft strategy for consideration by PINS.
CLG - Review of information requirements for planning applications, 2008
ARUP and Addison & Associates were commissioned by CLG in June 2008 to assess how the new validation arrangements were being implemented and whether there were areas that needed refinement to improve the system. This work included an analysis of all the current validation guidance in use by English planning authorities and how the national validation guidance was being implemented. Case study visits were undertaken to a range of authorities and discussions were held with applicants to understand their perspective on the new processes.
CLG - Killian Pretty Review, 2008
Addison & Associates, together with ARUP, were commissioned by Communities and Local Government (CLG) in June 2008 to undertake supporting case study research into the planning application process. The research examined the planning application process through a series of 64 in depth case studies, from pre-application stage through to the discharge of conditions and commencement of construction. The research aimed to examine the factors that can disrupt the progress of an application, and to make recommendations for improvement. The work identified and supported many of the recommendations made by the Killian Pretty report including improvements to the statutory consultee process, more widespread use of the development team approach to discuss proposals and the importance of the pre-application stage, thus ensuring all views are taken into account early on in the process.
CLG - Land supply assessment checks, 2008
Addison & Associates together with the Three Dragons and RPI were commissioned to review a selection of 50 authorities in respect to their submission on their five year land supply. This review followed on from the awarding of Housing Planning delivery Grant to ensure that the sample analysis did not indicate substantial issues with the information supplied by authorities which was the basis of the grant. The study included questionnaire, telephone and face to face interviews and has resulted in the preparation of a good practice report which is shortly to be published.
DfT - Securing Travel Plans through the planning system (2001/2 and 2007/08)
Addison & Associates (with Transport 2000) undertook in-depth research for the DTLR on local authorities’ use of the planning system to secure travel plans and prepared best practice guidance published by the Department for Transport/Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. This led onto a substantial training programme from 2001/2 for 2 years at regional level attended by planners, engineers and travel planners. We designed and carried out seminars and workshops on the guidance for both officers and members. We also undertook training for the private sector and the public transport operators on travel plans.
In 2007/08 we completed a review of the published guidance in the light of new legislation and practice with a particular focus on sustainability, and how to utilise section 106 agreements effectively. As part of this work, we carried out a questionnaire of all English planning authorities, undertook a range of case study visits which included interviewing a wide range of local authority officers, developers, and members, and held brainstorming events with representatives of the key agencies and bodies involved e.g. BPF, HPF, POS, operators etc.
Click for link to Best Practice Guidance
Click for link to Case study report
CLG - The Planning Service: Costs and Fees 2002-2007
Following on from previous research, ARUP together with Addison & Associates undertook a Government study into the nature of the Planning Service fee-charging regime. This study examined the scope of planning services that are/could be charged for and the extent of the charges and the parties upon which they should fall. Work included the design and carrying out of four surveys, implementing and managing the survey and consultation process, and the primary collation and analysis of results to produce a series of policy recommendations for ODPM. More recently, the two companies undertook a further assessment of the impact of fee changes over the last few years and an associated reappraisal of costs, which allowed for the production of guidance on benchmark resources – an important step in ensuring the adequate resourcing of planning services.
Previous projects include:
Addison & Associates has previously undertaken considerable research and analytical work for the Government, particularly on planning resources, and the impact of proposed reforms e.g. the evaluation of the planning delivery grant, review of planning fees, quality review of PS1/2 returns, a review of the information requirements for the validation of planning applications, performance indicators and on the handling major applications.