Project
Planning & Development
We have been involved in residential property in Lancashire, West Midlands, Leicestershire, London and Essex and have a particular specialism and interest in regeneration to provide high quality sustainable residential accommodation.
A | |
B | |
C | |
Executive Summary
- We have considerable experience in dealing with all kinds of land, property and development issues. If you have land and/or buildings with development potential which you intend to sell or develop, then you need advice about valuations and how to maximise your financial gain with regard to the most beneficial development and obtaining planning permission. Should you wish to develop the site yourself then we can manage the entire process from inception to completion of the development prior to sale.
- We also act for prospective purchasers who have identified a site and require information on planning permission, construction costs, timescales and marketability.
Planning Permission
- Planning permission is a complex area and can significantly increase the market value of land and/or buildings. Planning permission and planning law are designed to control the development or use of land for the benefit of everyone in society. More than 10% of planning permission applications are refused therefore, it is important that the process is professionally managed.
- We provide planning reports; making and objecting to planning applications; planning appeals; creating development briefs; planning enforcement; Listed Buildings; Flood risk Assessments; Environmental Impact Assessments; planning gain negotiations etc.
Development
We offer sound practical advice on all matters relating to the identification, realization, valuation and marketing of land and buildings for development or redevelopment. Our experience and expertise can help clients through the complexities and hurdles of today’s development process, including planning, environmental engineering, party wall and site assembly issues. Refer to associated Design & Project Monitoring, Project Management and Party Wall web pages for further information.
There are occasions when the property owner elects not to pursue a planning application or appeal, or development work himself, preferring instead, to pass over the responsibility to a prospective purchaser. This may occur when:
- 1) the owners resources are limited
- 2) the risk is too high
In those circumstances we are experienced in negotiating arrangements whereby, in return for a right to purchase the property if successful, a developer or other prospective purchaser undertakes the necessary planning work at his initial risk. We act on behalf of individual landowners, companies, developers or prospective purchasers.
Such arrangements include:
- Conditional contracts, for example, subject to obtaining outline planning permission, approval of reserved matters or full planning permission for a particular layout or density of development.
- Option agreements where, perhaps, there is a need to promote a site for development through an emerging development plan. This may be for a period of 5 or more years and, clearly, needs to be carefully negotiated to protect the interests of both parties.
Pre-emption agreements where, for example in return for a right of first refusal, a prospective purchaser agrees to promote an area adjoining one which he already owns/controls.
Our Approach
Every client has unique requirements in terms of their service needs and their relationships with consultants. Our first priority is to understand your needs so that we can tailor our services to achieve the best value for money.
We will then prepare a proposal which states clearly:
- Our understanding of your requirements
- The approach we will adopt
- The benefits you will obtain
- Our proposed fees
All of this is for discussion and agreement with you. We believe that successful projects result from a clear understanding of client requirements that are then implemented by high calibre and committed people.
Building Management Consultancy - Converting theory into practice
The Service
- Quality and Technical Assurance
- Performance Measurement and Continuous Improvement Targets
- Forensic, Compliance and Management Auditing and Post Project/Gateway Reviews
- Maintaining, repairing and renewing asset bases
- Value Engineering Studies
- Life-cycle Property analysis of property portfolios or one-off investments
- Change management programmes and risk management studies
- Contract analysis and commercial negotiations
Why Alderman Stone
Through our relationships with diverse government departments and private businesses, we are uniquely placed to measure and assess risk of property managers across the UK.
Against a background of cultural, organizational and legislative change, we are able to make sense of it all and translate the buzz words and theory into robust business practices.
If you would like further no obligation advice or assistance with any aspect, please contact us
This information is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all legal or other aspects referred to. Readers should take further appropriate advice before applying the information contained in this media to specific issues or problems.
Project Management
Project management as a specialist discipline has come of age in business as much as in construction. It's objective is the delivery of reliable outcomes with limited resources against a background of constant change.
Alderman Stone will deliver the client's brief in the fullest sense: to define the scope, agree targets, prepare a plan, pull together the necessary resources and lead the team through the process to a successful conclusion. We protect the client's interest at all stages.
Our expert professionals have strong client focus and an understanding of the value of property. Included in our service is 'value engineering' this is the act of breaking down each element of a project and ascertaining with alternative construction techniques or materials, cost savings for the same or quite often better end results.
Our Specialist Service
Project Recovery and Rescue / Insolvency
Growth new sector reflecting the current market and falling market value of property, restriction upon credit and poor performance, while material prices continue to rise particularly aggregate based materials.
Alderman Stone with extensive knowledge and expertise of materials, construction details and planning for optimal space use can 'rescue' projects and produce cost savings while increasing the capital value of the end result. Trouble shooting and value engineering where each element is broken down and alternatives analysed, forms the core of this activity and is where Alderman Stone excel.
The Service
Review of the business case, including provision of social housing
- Technical due diligence, including condition surveys and defect analysis
- Financial due diligence
- Interrogation of construction processes
- Assembly of a recovery plan
- Project management of the recovery plan, including employer's agent and contract administration
- Cost management of the recovery plan
- Arm's length monitoring of recovery services provided by others
Option Appraisals
We undertake strategic reviews and evaluation of project options in response to client's requirements. Report compares cost benefit/liability on net present value (NPV) basis and internal rate of return (IRR) allowing client to easily compare and be guided to the most suitable conclusion.
Design Specification and Contract Administration
The role of the contract administrator is to act impartially and with fairness in respect of the contracting parties. While employed by the client, the contract administrator maintains a duty of care to the contractor at all times in administering the building contract. The aim is to deliver the project objectives smoothly and with minimal dispute.
The contract administrator takes a hands-on approach to all aspects of the project delivery and has direct input to the design and specification of the works.
The Service:
Obtain statutory consents
- Undertake design and specification duties
- Initiate and manage appointment of contractor
- Carry out feasibility studies
- Issue contractual certificates
- Identify and manage the making good of defects
- Post project review and evaluation
- Assess contractual claims
Why Alderman Stone?
Alderman Stones' independent, multi-disciplinary approach provides a wide range of specialist knowledge and expertise required to successfully undertake the Contract Administrator's role in an impartial manner.
Property Refurbishment and Development
Executive Summary
- Houses, Offices, factories, warehouses, hospitals, public buildings etc, exist to serve a need. Public Authorities and commercial organisations have to balance the conflicting pressures on accommodation and alternative uses to obtain the maximum benefit from the properties they control and occupy. To solve this equation may mean moving to a new building or extending, refurbishing and rationalizing the existing property.
- In the preparation of plans from initial ideas the Building Surveyor can guide and assist in the implementation of this complex and delicate exercise through to final completion of the building works ensuring that a successful project is undertaken and completed to the entire satisfaction of the client.
- We provide full feasibility, design and contract management for new build, repairs, extensions, refurbishments and fitting out schemes from £5,000 - £2 million utilizing the latest computer design and planning systems. ¨ Our services include: Feasibility Studies, Option Appraisals, Occupancy Analysis, Life Cycle Costing, Energy Conservation, Statutory Consents, Estimating and Tenders
- We have specialist experience in the following; Employer's Agent, Partnering Advice, Section 106 Negotiations and Development Agreements for residential developments particularly difficult high density sites.
Employers Agent
Regular role with growth in design and build projects. Ideally suited to our experienced building surveyors to give you ultimate peace of mind. We specialise in affordable housing including supported, sheltered and housing the disabled. Undertake sustainability and ecological surveys required for RSL's to achieve Housing Corporation funding, namely; Building for Life, Sustainable Code Assessment and Housing Quality Index.
Partnering Advice
Client Representative
We act as Client Representative where the client partners the contractor in line with Egan compliance. Partnering is the way forward and works for New build and Refurbishment, incorporating egan principles on Section 106 projects.
Partnering Advisor
For Local Authorities and RSL's on large complex regeneration projects procured through Partnering. We participate in Architect, Client Representative and Contractor selection and management of the process on behalf of the Client. Our development expertise is advantageous in this role.
Section 106 - Negotiations
Considerable experience in procurement of schemes via Section 106 Agreements, including the planning, legal and value areas. We have developed our own model agreement (Development/Build Agreement) to expedite matters to deal with the construction issues, thus leaving only site acquisition to the solicitors acting for each party. We are practical and flexible which ensures a continuity of relationships.
We act for both Housing Associations, Local Authorities and Developers. We have knowledge which gives us an edge in brokering the optimum agreement for all parties.
Development Agreement
As Building Surveyors we are familiar with the practical application of most standard contract forms. Egan principles discourage complex contracts, however, a contractual framework is required. We produce Development/Build Agreements and advise on suitable tendering.
We also advise on Agreements provided to our Clients, particularly on S106 projects.
Project Lifecycle
Our Approach
Every client has unique requirements in terms of their service needs and their relationships with consultants. Our first priority is to understand your needs so that we can tailor our services to achieve the best value for money.
We will then prepare a proposal which states clearly:
- Our understanding of your requirements
- The approach we will adopt
- The benefits you will obtain
- Our proposed fees
All of this is for discussion and agreement with you. We believe that successful projects result from a clear understanding of client requirements that are then implemented by high calibre and committed people.
If you would like further no obligation advice or assistance with any aspect, please contact us
This information is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all legal or other aspects referred to. Readers should take further appropriate advice before applying the information contained in this media to specific issues or problems.
Space Planning
Space Planning
Offices, warehouses, hospitals, the list goes on but one factor is evident in today's world "efficiency".
Making the most of space available has become a sector in itself, particularly when companies want to grow organically.
With our computer aided software and planning expertise, we can come up with designs and plans to maximise your space to save costs and make your working environment dynamic and work for you.
If you would like further no obligation advice or assistance with any aspect, please contact us
This information is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all legal or other aspects referred to. Readers should take further appropriate advice before applying the information contained in this media to specific issues or problems.
Building Management Consultancy
The management of property portfolios continues to undergo fundamental change, aimed at optimizing value and return. Whilst, Government procurement policy encourages innovative purchasing of services. Managing these changes and measuring the benefits is a specialist skill.
The Service
- Quality and Technical Assurance
- Performance Measurement and Continuous Improvement Targets
- Forensic, Compliance and Management Auditing and Post Project/Gateway Reviews
- Maintaining, repairing and renewing asset bases
- Value Engineering Studies
- Life-cycle Property analysis of property portfolios, or one-off investments
- Change management programmes and risk management studies
- Contract analysis and commercial negotiations
Why Alderman Stone?
Through our relationships with diverse government departments and private businesses, we are uniquely placed to measure and assess risk for property managers across the UK.
Against a background of cultural, organisational and legislative change Alderman Stone is able to make sense of it all, and translate the buzz words and theory into robust business practices.
If you would like further no obligation advice or assistance with any aspect, please contact us
This information is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all legal or other aspects referred to. Readers should take further appropriate advice before applying the information contained in this media to specific issues or problems.
Maintenance, Repairs & Improvement, Condition Surveys
Planned and Preventative Maintenance
Maintenance of property portfolios is often low in the list of priorities, planned preventative maintenance is even more rarely considered.
Investigating and recording the condition of property can provide the basis to formulate and budget for the annual expenditure necessary to initially return the premises to a suitably repaired condition and to continue to keep it up to that standard, thus avoiding the often unforeseen, unplanned and difficult to finance, repairs which result from property which is left unattended.
Careful and correct analysis of building defects by an expert can often avoid time consuming abortive and ill considered remedies that frequently fail.
Major or minor defects either as a result of design, construction, or workmanship, create problems, annoyance, discomfort and loss of production to tenants, and often reduce the value of an investment. Investigation and rectification by a Building Surveyor, will prevent escalation and continuing deterioration and will restore the premises for the benefit of tenant and owner.
We investigate and record the condition of property using the latest technology and survey methods and implement cost effective planned and cyclical maintenance programmes.
- Condition survey to identify remedial works required in short term (1-5 years) and long term planning 5-20 years if required. Budget costing's are included together with priority designation 1-4, to allow forecasting and budget allocation.
Our Approach
Every client has unique requirements in terms of their service needs and their relationships with consultants. Our first priority is to understand your needs so that we can tailor our services to achieve the best value for money.
We will then prepare a proposal which states clearly:
- Our understanding of your requirements
- The approach we will adopt
- The benefits you will obtain
- Our proposed fees
All of this is for discussion and agreement with you. We believe that successful projects result from a clear understanding of client requirements that are then implemented by high calibre and committed people.
Rolling Out A Programme
Programme management is the delivery of a programme of related projects for a single client. Examples might be a retail brand roll-out or an estate refurbishment. The challenge for the project manager is to formulate standards and ensure they are delivered consistently and with increasing success and efficiency.
The Service
- Developing a comprehensive brief and set of standards
- Preparing project and programme plans and targets
- Appointing teams of specialist support professionals
- Developing a design and management manual
- Running pilot projects
- Directing and monitoring delivery of the programme
- Monitoring, evaluating and improving processes as the programme proceeds
Why Alderman Stone?
Alderman Stone has wide experience in multiple project environments, allied to a specialism in the care and development of existing buildings. This gives us particular strength in programme management.
This information is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all legal or other aspects referred to. Readers should take further appropriate advice before applying the information contained in this media to specific issues or problems.