Menu
29/11/2011
Planning Consultancy To Open In Belfast
One of Northern Ireland's best-known planning consultants has taken the bold step of setting up a new planning consultancy business in Belfast, despite the challenges faced by the local development and construction sectors.
Clyde Shanks says that his new eponymous company, established with support from Ulster Bank, will offer a full range of planning consultancy services, blending a focus on traditional core sectors of the local development market whilst targeting growth areas such as renewable energy.
The new company has already secured work on major development schemes, including the construction of a major commercial leisure scheme and on a number of planned renewable energy projects.
Clyde Shanks says that despite the perception of a challenging market, he believes there are still good opportunities for an independent local planning consultancy.
Mr Shanks said: "The market is certainly very different from a few years ago, but many of the changes that have taken place present opportunities.
"There is so much to be done over the next 10 years in planning development of our energy infrastructure, both in terms of new renewable sources and the necessary grid infrastructure expansion.
"There is also pressing work to be done in re-adjusting and re-shaping development schemes planned at the height of the boom. There is a sense that we are returning to reality and starting to concentrate on what is genuinely deliverable.
"With the changes that have taken place in the market, I also think there is now an even greater focus on personal relationships.
"Clients are looking for flexible, locally-owned firms for valuable advice. One of the reasons I decided to set up the new business was to offer excellent levels of professional service and quality of advice at an affordable price," he said.
(CD)
Clyde Shanks says that his new eponymous company, established with support from Ulster Bank, will offer a full range of planning consultancy services, blending a focus on traditional core sectors of the local development market whilst targeting growth areas such as renewable energy.
The new company has already secured work on major development schemes, including the construction of a major commercial leisure scheme and on a number of planned renewable energy projects.
Clyde Shanks says that despite the perception of a challenging market, he believes there are still good opportunities for an independent local planning consultancy.
Mr Shanks said: "The market is certainly very different from a few years ago, but many of the changes that have taken place present opportunities.
"There is so much to be done over the next 10 years in planning development of our energy infrastructure, both in terms of new renewable sources and the necessary grid infrastructure expansion.
"There is also pressing work to be done in re-adjusting and re-shaping development schemes planned at the height of the boom. There is a sense that we are returning to reality and starting to concentrate on what is genuinely deliverable.
"With the changes that have taken place in the market, I also think there is now an even greater focus on personal relationships.
"Clients are looking for flexible, locally-owned firms for valuable advice. One of the reasons I decided to set up the new business was to offer excellent levels of professional service and quality of advice at an affordable price," he said.
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 January 2018
Belfast City Council To Reform Planning Services
Belfast City Council has announced it's intention to reform Planning Services, with a renewed focus on how it communicates with various customer groups. The announcement follows recommendations in a report it commissioned by Scotland's former Chief Planner, Jim Mackinnon CBE and broad consultation with a number of stakeholder groups.
Belfast City Council To Reform Planning Services
Belfast City Council has announced it's intention to reform Planning Services, with a renewed focus on how it communicates with various customer groups. The announcement follows recommendations in a report it commissioned by Scotland's former Chief Planner, Jim Mackinnon CBE and broad consultation with a number of stakeholder groups.
30 November 2010
'Super Councils' To Make Planning Decisions
News that Northern Ireland's councils will soon be taking full responsibility for drawing up their own development plans and also making the vast majority of planning decisions has been revealed. The move is part of an overall reform of local government, which - despite obvious delays in implementation - "is moving forward apace".
'Super Councils' To Make Planning Decisions
News that Northern Ireland's councils will soon be taking full responsibility for drawing up their own development plans and also making the vast majority of planning decisions has been revealed. The move is part of an overall reform of local government, which - despite obvious delays in implementation - "is moving forward apace".
23 April 2013
Boost For Solar Energy Welcomed
Alliance South Down spokesperson, Councillor Patrick Clarke, has welcomed the announcement by the Environment Minister that schools, businesses and farm buildings will no longer need planning permission for solar panels. The change relates to micro generation equipment, including solar panels, which generate electricity or heat from sunlight.
Boost For Solar Energy Welcomed
Alliance South Down spokesperson, Councillor Patrick Clarke, has welcomed the announcement by the Environment Minister that schools, businesses and farm buildings will no longer need planning permission for solar panels. The change relates to micro generation equipment, including solar panels, which generate electricity or heat from sunlight.
29 April 2010
Protest Follows Planning Service Cuts
Protest action takes place today as the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has become the latest body to criticise the NI Planning Service's bid to redeploy as many as one in three of its employees.
Protest Follows Planning Service Cuts
Protest action takes place today as the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has become the latest body to criticise the NI Planning Service's bid to redeploy as many as one in three of its employees.
09 May 2002
Good planning benefits economy and the environment
The economy and the environment can both be winners if we have good planning processes the Northern Ireland Minister of Environment Dermot Nesbitt has said.
Good planning benefits economy and the environment
The economy and the environment can both be winners if we have good planning processes the Northern Ireland Minister of Environment Dermot Nesbitt has said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, most persistent and occasionally heavy across southern and western counties this afternoon. Risk of low cloud and fog patches affecting the Down coast. Light winds. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Continuing cloudy through the evening with further outbreaks of rain, the rain turning lighter and patchier from the south overnight. Winds remain light. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
