If you’re planning to do a big property development in your area, then this episode of the Mark My Words Podcast is for you. Today, Mark talks to David Kemp, who has over 15 years of experience in planning. Planning is a long process but David will make sure to touch all the topics that are involved—from submitting your application to financing to talking to authorities and the neighbourhood to starting the property development.

Learn more about permitted development rights, the key risk management areas, and dealing with the objections that come from people in the area. It’s important that everyone is well-informed and no one will be so everything will go as smoothly as possible. David also shares some planning challenges he has faced and how he dealt with it so make sure to listen in.

In planning, you have to push the boundaries if you have to.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Permitted development rights allow you to convert buildings without a planning commission. There’s a process you have to go through first before you enjoy the automatic grant. You have to get the approval of the council after they’ve consulted your immediate neighbours. The neighbours need to be informed about the depth of your extension.
• Traditional retail is struggling lately in the country. It’s become difficult to find a space since there is a shortage or the rates are high.
• In regards to the right of light, you have to consult a property lawyer for legal advice. Make sure you’re not breaking any laws, so you don’t have to face legal ramifications.
• We don’t know what will happen with Brexit and the Bank of England is giving forecasts with what might happen to the UK economy. People now realize opportunities in property investment.
• Always think about the risk. Observe before selling. Test if you have to so you don’t lose a big amount of money. Also, note the key risk management areas. For example, in terms of traffics and parking, hire a team member who’s a good parking highway consultant and can work well with your planning consultant. Other things you should take note: flooding, trees, heritage areas, community engagement, viability and marketing.
• 5 Tips On Meeting Residents and Neighbours
• Figure out who the key influencer is in the area and win them over.
• Explain what the scheme is about. Make them understand.
• Keep your cool. Practise the art of positive communication.
• Encourage them to sign feedback forms.
• Highlight the benefits for the area.
• Speak first to your borough or district members.

BEST MOMENTS

• "It’s politically often a lot easier to change the offices at the moment than to change to residential.”
• “There’s not much free office space left. The rents are going up.”
• “Always ask questions.”
• “As developers, we’re not going for the planning process as the academic exercise.”
• “So much of the planning is a grey area, and it’s all about where we see if we can push the boundaries.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

• Progressive Property
• Mark My Homer Podcast: Mark Interviews David Kemp Development Consultant | Omny | Apple | Stitcher 

ABOUT THE GUEST

David Kemp has over 15 years of experience as a planning consultant for both the public and private sectors. He has also worked as a chartered surveyor, Town and Country Planning consultant and as a planning and environmental lawyer. Throughout the years, his expertise has helped developers, occupiers, and local authorities on the legal and procedural aspects of planning.

David Kemp is currently the Director of DRK Planning Ltd.

• david@drkplanning.co.uk
• LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dkemp

ABOUT THE HOST

Mark Homer is an entrepreneur investor.  He has worked with investment since he was 15 years old using the laws of wealth! He is a spreadsheet analyst with an impressive following from major publications including BBC Radio, The Wall Street Journal, The Independent, as well as co-authoring the UK’s best-selling property books.  Mark has always looked for the best investment vehicle, and at the end of 2007 with Rob Moore the co-founder of Progressive Property his joint portfolio produced more profit than any of the other investments he’d tried in the last ten years, combined.

Contact Method

• Email: Markhomer@progressiveproperty.co.uk
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markhomer1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markprogressive
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/markprogressive