DRK Planning

DRK Planning is a multi-disciplinary planning practice that serves clients throughout England from its London base. The firm was founded by David Kemp, and its multi-disciplinary team brings around 30 years of experience in planning and development to each project. DRK Planning provides a diverse range of expertise, aiming to add value to owners and businesses through various property services. The company's planning expertise integrates planning, development, and legal competence, with a focus on maximising development value and reducing planning risk across both public and private sectors.

The planning regime can be a complex and often frustrating environment for developers and landowners. DRK Planning's multi-disciplinary background positions the firm to bring together various strands of this process. The company provides a personal and flexible service, prioritising an understanding of the client’s specific needs, objectives, and development pressures. This approach allows DRK Planning to offer clear and realistic advice regarding the likely timeframes and costs involved in a project.

The firm aims to prevent development projects from beginning incorrectly due to well-intentioned but unfounded advice, navigating the complexities exacerbated by ever-changing planning policies. David Kemp, the founder, contributes nearly 30 years of experience as a planning consultant to the firm. His expertise stems from an extensive background as a chartered surveyor, Town and Country Planning consultant, and a specialist planning and environmental lawyer, having worked in both private practice and the public sector. Mr.

Kemp holds qualifications including a BSC (HONS), PGDL, and MRICS, and is a non-practising barrister. DRK Planning has cultivated a strong reputation within the industry over more than a decade, demonstrating a sound understanding of risk and resilience, which enables the firm to adapt during uncertain periods. The company maintains a robust governance structure to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery, a positive customer experience, and value for money for its clients. DRK Planning offers comprehensive Town and Country Planning consultancy services to clients across all sectors in the UK.

The firm's services encompass Pre-Planning and Due Diligence, Urban Regeneration, Planning and Other Applications, Objectors and Enforcement, and Appeals and Other Objections. The company's approach to development projects involves several stages, beginning with an initial 'High Level' Appraisal to assess the viability of an opportunity. This is followed by a structured fee-paying service for developers, which includes a Stage A: High-Level Review focusing on the principle of development and detailed initial planning review. Stage B involves Pre-Application work, which may include seeking pre-application advice or considering Permitted Development rights, and establishing relationships with planning officers.

The final Stage C covers the Full Planning Application process, including consideration of community engagement and political risk. This structured methodology allows the firm to balance time with risk, helping clients manage their exposure while value is added throughout the project lifecycle. While DRK Planning offers a broad spectrum of planning consultancy services across various sectors, the firm's primary focus is not exclusively on Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). The company's project portfolio includes a wide range of planning case studies covering diverse sectors, including residential developments.

DRK Planning's expertise in residential projects involves navigating the complexities of housing, new builds, conversions, and redevelopments. This experience in general residential planning and development means the firm is equipped to handle projects that may include student accommodation as part of a wider residential or mixed-use scheme. The firm's capabilities extend to advising on planning issues related to property development from inception through to completion for both public and private sectors.