CSR provides detail design services for costing, tender documents and construction of landscape projects, and will supervise construction on behalf of clients to ensure the highest quality of finish.

CSR carries out landscape constraints studies to inform site/route selection and feasibility assessments. Landscape and visual impacts of development are a common reason for refusal of planning permission and CSR can analyse the site/s, the context and relevant policy to inform the decision on location of development.
CSR also produces design briefs to ensure that potential landscape and visual (and other) impacts are avoided in the design process, thus improving the prospect of planning permission.

CSR provides development masterplanning and landscape design services to developers, architects and engineers on projects in all sectors including residential, commercial, town centre, industrial, infrastructure, and tourism, leisure and recreation projects.

CSR provides urban and landscape design services to local authorities and other agencies for streetscape improvements, urban plazas, parks and greenways, to enhance the public realm and green infrastructure of villages, towns and cities.

CSR provides urban and landscape design services to local authorities and other agencies for streetscape improvements, urban plazas, parks and greenways, to enhance the public realm and green infrastructure of villages, towns and cities.

CSR provides urban and landscape design services to local authorities and other agencies for streetscape improvements, urban plazas, parks and greenways, to enhance the public realm and green infrastructure of villages, towns and cities.

CSR formulates and manages applications from inception to decision, advising on planning requirements, coordinating specialist inputs and working closely with the design team to ensure all reports are robust and consistent, and prospects for a successful determination are maximised.  Delivering a planning application can be complex and, if poorly managed, lead to significant delays.  
We identify key zoning and policy requirements early to avoid unreasonable or unworkable ornegative outcomes and minimise requests for further information and prospectsfor delay. We prepare a bespoke Planning Statement demonstrating policycompliance and undertake a full validation check prior to submission. Followinglodgement, we track the application, manage observations, and review thePlanning Authority’s decision and conditions.

CSR formulates and manages applications from inception to decision, advising on planning requirements, coordinating specialist inputs and working closely with the design team to ensure all reports are robust and consistent, and prospects for a successful determination are maximised.  Delivering a planning application can be complex and, if poorly managed, lead to significant delays.  
We identify key zoning and policy requirements early to avoid unreasonable or unworkable ornegative outcomes and minimise requests for further information and prospectsfor delay. We prepare a bespoke Planning Statement demonstrating policycompliance and undertake a full validation check prior to submission. Followinglodgement, we track the application, manage observations, and review thePlanning Authority’s decision and conditions.

Our team prepares and submits planning applications under the Large-Scale Residential Development Act 2021, the mandatory route for schemes of 100+ residential units or 200+ student bed spaces. The process requires a two-stage pre-planning consultation with the Local Authority, making early effective engagement essential. With extensive residential experience, CSR advises on planning strategy and leads applications for developments of all scales.  

We review all relevant national and local policy to identify constraints, advise on design amendments, or provide policy-based justifications where non-compliance arises. Working closely with architectural, engineering and environmental teams, we prepare all pre-application and planning documentation, EIARs, social and community infrastructure assessments, and expert planning reports to secure permission efficiently and seamlessly.

CSR brings an independent and strategic perspective to planning appeals by undertaking a detailed review of all submitted documentation, identifying issues that may have been overlooked by the design team or misinterpreted by the Planning Authority. We closely monitor relevant planning case law to strengthen appeals and responses with robust precedent.

CSR advises clients on the most appropriate course of action, whether through appeal, further engagement with the Local Authority, or resubmission. We prepare and submit first- and third-party planning appeals, contribution appeals, and appeals to amend or remove conditions, and provide expert representation at Oral Hearings when required. Our structured, evidence-based approach consistently delivers strong outcomes for clients.

CSR provides a thorough site appraisal service to identify opportunities, constraints, and to inform the optimal development strategy. Appraisals include a site visit and review of planning history, national, regional and local policy, emerging policy, infrastructure and environmental considerations, planning precedent, development contributions, alternative uses, design team needs, and a recommended course of action.

Where policy does not support a proposal, CSR engages with relevant bodies, advises on avenues for change and prepares strategies to promote proposals, including Development Plan Variations or submissions on emerging policy. CSR also prepares evidence-based Development Potential Reports and Feasibility Studies to assess future development capacity.

CSR monitors and interprets emerging planning policy, legislation, and guidance to help clients understand how change may affect development opportunities and long-term site potential. Operating across all sectors, we provide strategic planning advice and prepare well-considered, evidence-based submissions that actively promote sites and protect client interests. Our experience spans National Policy, Development Plans, Local Area Plans, Draft Guidelines, Residential Zoned Land Tax and major transport and infrastructure  initiatives. 

We engage proactively with plan-making and consultation processes, informed by past planning decisions and evolving policy direction, to support robust arguments for policy change. Through this approach, our submissions help shape planning  frameworks and maximise development potential.

Development Plans typically advise that residential schemes of over 75 units should consider providing a childcare facility for at least 20 children, subject to existing provision and local demographics. CSR prepares Childcare Audits to establish the need for a facility, assessing population profile, projected demand from the scheme, and existing childcare capacity within the catchment. Where required, we advise on the appropriate number of places to be provided.

A Social Infrastructure Audit (SIA) examines the accessibility and capacity of existing facilities to sustain large-scale residential design. CSR prepares SIAs early in the process, identifying open space, education, healthcare, and community facilities and recommending the community infrastructure required to support the proposed development.

CSR provides a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) service and has extensive experience directing, managing and coordinating the preparation of EIARs for a wide range of development proposals. We advise on whether an EIAR is required (EIAR Screening), the appropriate scope and level of detail (EIAR Scoping) and manage specialist consultants’ inputs on behalf of clients.  

Several team members hold environmental qualifications, enabling technical review of specialist chapters. CSR supports large-scale urban and rural developments and strategic infrastructure schemes through all stages of the EIA process.

CSR advises clients in enforcement proceedings and responds to warning letters and enforcement notices issued by planning authorities. Following the grant of permission, we review planning conditions, provide a clear compliance schedule and prepare high-quality submissions to discharge conditions and facilitate early commencement of works. We also identify a coordinated compliance strategy and prepare specific technical inputs where required. 

All planning permissions are subject to Development Contribution Schemes. CSR independently reviews contribution conditions to ensure charges are correctly calculated and advises on options where errors arise, including First-Party Appeals to An Bord Pleanála. Such appeals do not delay commencement where no other appeal is lodged, and CSR has secured substantial savings for clients.

In an increasingly complex and onerous planning environment, clients are keen to find clear, efficient routes through the system and to avoid unnecessary planning applications. CSR specialises in the strategic preparation and lodgement of Section 5 applications, providing early clarity on whether proposed works constitute development and, where they do, whether they are exempt and therefore do not require planning permission. This proactive approach helps clients reduce risk, save time and cost, and progress projects with confidence.

CSR represents clients at oral hearings and in court proceedings on planning matters, coordinating the preparation and presentation of evidence and advocating on behalf of clients to present the strongest possible case.

CSR works at the strategic and design-led level to shape places of lasting quality. We collaborate with developers, local authorities, architects and engineers across all sectors to deliver integrated masterplanning and landscape design solutions.

High-quality urban environments shape everyday experience and improve quality of life. At its core, urban design is the thoughtful shaping of places to create vibrant, inclusive settings for living, working, socialising, and recreation. CSR applies this approach to deliver sustainable communities, well-functioning urban areas, and distinctive public spaces that meet the needs of today while adapting to the demands of the future.

Our planning and landscape architecture team includes qualified urban designers and provides a comprehensive service from initial concept development through to detailed design and planning. We have a strong record of delivering award winning town plans, such as the Skibbereen Town Centre First Plan, shaped by local engagement and focussed on opportunities, which was awarded Highly Commended in the Urban Design category at the 2024 Irish Landscape Institute (ILI) Awards.

CSR offers a comprehensive geo-spatial service including evidence-based insights to support planning and development projects. Our geo-spatial team support our work on planning applications, development viability, urban regeneration strategies, as well as reports such as Childcare Audits, and Social Infrastructure Audits.

Our team can provide mapping and infographics that provide depth and insight for socio-economic profiles, business cases, policy insights and economic analysis.

CSR’s qualified arborist undertakes pre-planning Tree Surveys to BS5837:2012 on behalf of our clients, as part of the initial stages of project planning. The tree survey will identify and assess all trees present on the site in terms of their relative merit for retention or removal, current health / projected lifespan, and associated root protection areas that may form a constraint to construction. This information then informs the masterplanning and design stages of the proposed development project, and ultimately will accompany the final planning application, helping to set out a clear rationale and justification for the proposed development in terms of existing trees.