CSJ PLANNING and CSJ BROOKE SMITH

Over that time, CSJ Brooke Smith will advise the housing association on planning aspects of its extensive estate and varied case load which includes new build and refurbishment schemes across the Midlands.

As the recent Regional Spatial Strategy Examination has shown there is a substantial need for additional housing across the Region and a growing demand for social housing. Orbit is a well established national social provided with a strong track record of providing quality units across the UK.

CSJ Brooke Smith is already advising Orbit on a number of its major schemes, including proposals in Stratford-on-Avon, where the organisation is  replacing an estate where poor construction and 'concrete cancer' now means the units are not fit for purposes. The plans to replace these with new units are currently the subject of detailed discussions with the local community and formal proposals will be pursued later this year.

Director at CSJ Brooke Smith, Louise Brooke-Smith said: "We are delighted to have won this long term framework contract. It reflects a considerable number of appointments with Housing Associations and our long established track record in the social housing field. This is an area that is growing in importance, particularly with the emergence of the Homes and Community Agency and the substantial funding for affordable housing, promoted by Government.

"The need to resolve planning issues in a expeditious and yet commercially realistic manner is paramount to making sure that the best schemes can emerge at the right time and with the most appropriate funding in place."

"CSJ is already retained on a number of planning and property panels and frameworks - including those held by Advantage West Midlands and National Grid. Orbit's decision to appoint us further acknowledges our professional expertise and our ability to offer sound, strategic planning advice across a wide range of sectors."

Since it was established over 40 years ago the Orbit Group has grown to be one of the largest housing groups in the UK, employing over 1,800 people and managing around 33,000 homes. It is based in Coventry but has operations as far south as the London Borough of Bexley and Thanet in East Kent and also in East Anglia. Its most recent addition came a year ago when it joined forces with the Stratford-based South Warwickshire Housing Association.