Our approach

Creating a winning team

Richborough is made up of some of the UK’s most skilled and experienced architects, urban designers, surveyors, planners and housebuilding professionals. We devise a winning strategy for each site and project manage from start to finish.

We instruct highly qualified industry professionals with site relevant experience to supplement our team.

The local authority

We consider the context of the Local Plan and the Local Authority’s five year housing land supply position.

Richborough takes a proactive consultative approach during the pre application stage.

Transport

One of the most technical, complex (and often controversial) aspects of the planning process.

We devise the most suitable solutions to reduce the impact to the highway network. If off-site highways measures are needed we will devise a package that meets the need at minimum cost.

Landscape & urban design

We undertake a strategic Landscape Appraisal (LA) or Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) to inform the:

• Masterplan.
• A supporting 3D model.
• Design and Access Statement (DAS).

Ecology

Phase 1 Habitat Survey determines which habitats or species need to be considered and surveyed.

If Great Crested Newts are present, a mitigation strategy is developed and agreed with the Local Authority.

Topographical survey

It is important to identify:

• Areas which may be difficult or expensive to build upon.
• The impact upon highways.
• Landfall required to support the drainage strategy.

Agricultural land quality

Assessing the quality of agricultural land in accordance with the NFPP and demonstrating sustainability.

Environmental assessment

Covers heritage, noise, air and soil assessments.

The impact upon heritage assets is considered eg: listed buildings. Any mitigation required is incorporated into the masterplan.

Drainage

We consider:

• How surface water will be collected and drained from the site.
• Connections to the main foul sewer.
• Seek agreement with the Council, Environment Agency and utility companies.

Ground investigation

A Phase 1 Site Investigation (SI) is undertaken followed by intrusive bore hole testing once permission has been granted.

An appropriate mitigation strategy is established if ground contamination, inconsistent ground conditions or other issues are established.

Arboricultural surveys

To determine the position and quality of the trees on site and to establish the presence of specific protected tree species.

Stakeholder & public consultation

Instrumental to successful site completion. A public consultation is held with the local community.

Opinions and comments are taken into account and where necessary, adjustments to the masterplan can be made.

Affordable housing

Factors influencing the affordable housing percentage are assessed and we determine whether a case can be made to reduce the obligation or use some of the value to deliver local benefits.

Appointment of a delivery partner/developer

Open Market Value (OMV) is best achieved through a competitive tender process. Together we carry out the entire planning and sales process in return for a modest percentage of the onward sale.