Business Details
35 Years
experience
Integrated Architecture & Town Planning Services in Chichester
Established in 1991, Douglas Briggs Partnership is an integrated architecture and town planning practice based near Bosham in West Sussex. Our team of chartered architects and town planners specialises in securing planning permissions for complex developments across residential, commercial, agricultural, and heritage sectors. With over 30 years of experience, we offer tailored solutions for projects in sensitive locations including National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and historic conservation areas. Our expertise extends to constructive conservation of listed buildings, sustainable design, and agricultural planning, supported by a proven track record of successful appeals and heritage award-winning projects.We provide end-to-end services from initial feasibility assessments to detailed design and planning submissions, combining architectural excellence with strategic planning advice. Our independent practice works directly with private and public clients, acting as both architects and planning consultants to streamline development processes. The senior team includes professionals authorised by the Diocese of Chichester for ecclesiastical projects, with specialist knowledge of permitted development rights and prior notification procedures. Our integrated approach ensures clients benefit from coordinated architectural and planning expertise throughout every project phase.
Services
Planning Permission
Replacement Houses
Listed Buildings
Agricultural Development
Equestrian Projects
Church Conservation
Lawful Development Certificates
Sustainable Architecture
Commercial Architecture
Planning Appeals
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of experience in complex planning applications and heritage conservation
- Integrated architectural and planning services from a single practice
- Specialists in developments within National Parks and AONBs
- Authorised advisors for ecclesiastical building works in the Diocese of Chichester
- Award-winning track record in historic building conservation projects
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institute of British Architects
- Royal Town Planning Institute
- Institute of Historic Building Conservators
Services
Planning Permission
We specialise in securing planning permissions for complex developments across residential, commercial, and agricultural sectors. Our integrated approach combines architectural design with strategic planning expertise to navigate sensitive locations including National Parks and conservation areas. With a proven track record in appeals and enforcement cases, we provide comprehensive planning strategy advice from initial feasibility to final determination.
Listed Buildings
Our practice offers expert conservation advice for listed buildings and historic structures. Using constructive conservation principles, we balance preservation requirements with modern usage needs. The team has extensive experience with Grade I, II, and II* listed buildings, including churches and stately homes, having secured multiple Sussex Heritage Trust Awards for successful restoration projects.
Agricultural Development
We provide specialist planning and design services for agricultural developments including polytunnels, glasshouses, and farm buildings. Our expertise covers permitted development rights and prior notification procedures, with successful delivery of over 75 hectares of polytunnel projects across England. We combine operational requirements with planning compliance to maximise agricultural land use potential.
Replacement Houses
Our integrated service coordinates architectural design and planning applications for replacement house projects. We specialise in early-stage site assessments and feasibility studies, ensuring new developments meet both client requirements and planning regulations. The process includes energy efficiency optimisation and site-specific design solutions tailored to individual client needs.
Planning Appeals
We represent clients in planning appeals and enforcement cases, with experience handling appeals from initial submission through to inquiry. Our team provides expert witness testimony and strategic advice on appeal viability, focusing on achieving acceptable development solutions while adhering to strict statutory time limits for all planning enforcement matters.
People
Douglas Briggs
Founder and Senior Partner
Chartered Architect and Town Planner with over 50 years' experience in historic building conservation. Former West Sussex County Council Conservation Adviser and IHBC member. Specialises in listed building works and ecclesiastical architecture, with RIBA and RTPI qualifications obtained since 1971 and 1983 respectively.
Paul Hughes
Associate: Chartered Architect and Planner
Specialises in historic building conservation and sustainable design. Qualified RIBA architect and RTPI planner with expertise in agricultural developments, including anaerobic digesters and polytunnels. Joined the practice in 2005 to develop conservation-focused projects using integrated planning approaches.
Alexander Hall
Associate: Chartered Architect and Planner
Experienced in listed buildings, stately homes, and polo grounds planning. Chartered member of RIBA and RTPI with focus on negotiating heritage asset changes. Authorised by the Diocese of Chichester for ecclesiastical building works, combining architectural and planning expertise for complex projects.
Louise Shaw
Partner: Chartered Planner
Chartered Town Planner with local authority development control experience. Specialises in integrated architecture and planning approach, representing clients at planning inquiries and appeals. Joined the practice in 2004 to develop coordinated planning strategies for complex development projects.
Questions
What planning services do you offer for sensitive locations?
We specialise in securing planning permissions for developments in National Parks, AONBs, and conservation areas, combining architectural design with strategic planning expertise to meet strict environmental requirements.
Can you help with listed building conservation projects?
Yes, our team has extensive experience with Grade I, II, and II* listed buildings, using constructive conservation principles to balance preservation requirements with modern usage needs.
Do you handle agricultural planning applications?
We provide specialist planning services for agricultural developments including polytunnels, glasshouses, and farm buildings, with expertise in permitted development rights and prior notification procedures.
What experience do you have with replacement houses?
We offer integrated architectural and planning services for replacement house projects, including site assessments, feasibility studies, and energy efficiency optimisation throughout the development process.
Can you assist with planning appeals?
Our team represents clients in planning appeals and enforcement cases, providing expert advice on appeal viability and strategic submissions within statutory time limits.
Are you authorised for church building projects?
Yes, we hold Associate status with the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association and are authorised by the Diocese of Chichester for works on listed churches and ecclesiastical buildings.
