Groundwork for this successful outline application started some time ago when Bloomfields established several fallback positions on site (for a couple of residential units using permitted development rights) and then engaged with Swale Borough Council in pre-application discussions.  The pre-application discussion identified that the principle of the development on this brownfield site should be accepted, despite the site’s location outside the limits to built development and with part of the site falling within the Strategic Gap (where a ‘landscape buffer’ was considered necessary).  Further liaison with the Council identified the opportunity to increase the number of units on the site, and this was subsequently worked into the masterplan by Bloomfields’ architectural team.  Due to the Council’s turnover of staff, the case saw three different officers considering the proposal on separate occasions, requiring altering the proposal several times to meet the different recommendations of each officer, which meant a great deal of patience from Bloomfields and the client. Many third-party consultants were managed by Bloomfields, including drainage engineers, highway engineers, landscape architects, and ecologists to name a few. Along the way, Bloomfields were able to involve members of the Lambert and Foster team to advise on easement matters relating to neighbouring land owners, utility matters concerning overhead power lines and to advise on values.  The benefits of being part of a multidisciplinary firm were acutely apparent in this case, and following a favourable permission (which did not require the case to be heard at Planning Committee) the site has been offered for sale though Lambert and Foster.