When you are planning a property development, finding the right professional to advise you can make the process easier to understand and help you identify potential planning issues before they become problems.
Whether you are extending your home, converting a property, developing land, building a new dwelling, changing the use of a building, or dealing with a planning application, a local planning consultant can provide professional advice based on the planning requirements affecting your project.
Planning decisions are made by the relevant Local Planning Authority, and planning policies and site circumstances can vary between different areas. This means that understanding the planning position for your specific property is important before deciding how to proceed.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can help homeowners, developers, landowners, and businesses understand the planning requirements affecting their projects. From initial planning advice and development assessments to planning applications and ongoing support, our team can help you determine the appropriate planning route for your proposal.
What Does a Local Planning Consultant Do?
A local planning consultant provides professional advice on planning and development matters affecting a particular property or site.
Their work can begin before a planning application is prepared. An initial assessment may involve reviewing the proposed development, researching planning policies, examining previous applications, and identifying potential constraints.
Depending on the project, a local planning consultant may assist with:
The level of support required will depend on the nature and complexity of your project.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can assess your requirements and provide planning support appropriate to your individual circumstances rather than applying the same approach to every property or development.
Why Choose a Local Planning Consultant?
Searching for a local planning consultant is often about finding someone who understands the planning environment affecting your property.
Local knowledge can be useful because planning decisions involve consideration of the relevant development plan, local planning policies, and the specific circumstances of the site. The planning history of the property and surrounding area can also provide useful context.
A consultant familiar with the relevant planning authority can research these matters and use them when assessing your proposal. However, being geographically close to a property is not the only factor that should determine your choice.
Relevant experience, understanding of your type of development, the quality of the planning advice, and the level of support offered are also important.
When Should You Contact a Local Planning Consultant?
You do not necessarily need a planning consultant for every property alteration.
Some works may fall within permitted development rights or may not require planning permission. However, obtaining professional advice can be particularly useful when the planning position is uncertain or when the project involves a significant investment.
You may want to speak to a local planning consultant if you are:
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can help you understand the planning position before you commit to detailed design, construction, or a property purchase where development potential is an important consideration.
Get Local Planning Advice Before You Start
One of the most useful times to obtain professional planning advice is before your proposal becomes too advanced. You may already have an idea for a rear extension, but the proposed size, height, or position could create planning concerns.
Similarly, a developer may identify a site that appears suitable for several properties but discover that access, highways, flood risk, ecology, heritage, or local planning policy could affect the development potential. Obtaining planning advice at this stage can help identify these matters while there is still an opportunity to reconsider the proposal.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can review your plans, development objectives, and available information and advise on the planning considerations that may affect your project.
If planning permission is required, our Planning Permission service can provide professional support with progressing the application.
Local Planning Consultants for House Extensions
House extensions are among the common projects for which homeowners seek planning advice.
A proposed extension may need to be considered in relation to:
Some extensions may qualify under permitted development rights where the relevant requirements are met. However, where the proposal falls outside those rights or the homeowner wants to pursue a different form of development, planning permission may be required.
A local planning consultant can help establish which planning route may apply to the proposed works.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can help assess your proposed extension and advise on the planning considerations that should be addressed before the application is progressed.
Local Planning Advice for Property Conversions
Property conversions can involve more complex planning considerations than straightforward alterations.
For example, converting a house into multiple flats may require consideration of:
A change of use can also require planning permission depending on the existing and proposed uses and the circumstances of the property. Professional planning advice can help establish what permissions and supporting information may be required.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can help assess the planning implications of your proposed conversion and advise on the appropriate route forward.
Local Planning Consultant for New-Build Development
New-build development can involve considerably more planning work than smaller residential alterations. Whether you are proposing one new dwelling or multiple homes, the site needs to be considered in its wider planning context.
A planning consultant may research:
This information can help establish whether the proposed development appears realistic and what issues may need to be addressed.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can help developers and landowners understand the planning considerations affecting a proposed new-build development before progressing to a full application.
Local Planning Consultant for Development Land
If you are purchasing or already own land with development potential, planning advice can be particularly valuable. The physical size of a site does not automatically determine how much development can be achieved.
A site may be affected by planning policies, access restrictions, environmental constraints, neighbouring development, or other matters that influence its potential.
A local planning consultant can investigate the site’s planning history and relevant policies and consider how similar proposals have been treated in the area. This can help you make a more informed decision about whether to proceed with a particular development strategy.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can help landowners and developers assess planning opportunities and potential constraints affecting development land.
Local Planning Consultant for Commercial Property
Local planning advice can also be important for commercial property projects.
You may need professional planning support if you are:
The existing use of a building, proposed use, and associated development all need to be considered in relation to the applicable planning requirements.
If you are considering purchasing or leasing commercial premises because of a particular intended use, obtaining planning advice beforehand can help you understand whether that use is likely to require planning permission.
How a Local Planning Consultant Assesses Your Property
A planning consultant will need to understand the individual circumstances of your property or site.
Depending on the project, you may be asked to provide:
The consultant can then research the planning position and consider the proposal against the relevant planning policies and site circumstances.
Planning History
Previous applications can provide valuable context.
A refusal may identify issues that need to be considered in a new proposal, while a previous approval may provide information about development in the surrounding area. However, previous decisions do not guarantee the outcome of a new application. Each proposal is assessed on its own circumstances.
Local Planning Policies
Understanding the policies that apply to the property is an important part of planning advice.
A consultant can research the relevant local plan and other applicable policies and consider how they relate to your proposal.
Site Constraints
A property’s location and characteristics can affect development potential.
Potential constraints may include:
Identifying these issues early can help inform the design and planning strategy.
Planning Applications and Local Authority Support
If planning permission is required, a local planning consultant can help with the application process.
Depending on the project, this may involve:
A planning application may require supporting information in addition to architectural drawings. The exact requirements will depend on the proposal and the relevant planning authority.
During the application process, the council may request additional information or amendments.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can help you understand these requests and advise on the planning implications before responding.
How to Find the Right Local Planning Consultant
Searching for a local planning consultant can produce a large number of options, so it is important to consider more than location alone.
Check Relevant Experience
Look for experience with projects similar to yours.
A consultant who regularly deals with house extensions may have a different area of expertise from one who focuses primarily on development land or large commercial projects.
Consider Knowledge of Your Area
A consultant should be able to research the planning policies, history, and requirements relevant to your property.
Local experience can be useful, but it should be considered alongside the consultant’s broader planning expertise.
Ask About the Planning Process
A good consultant should be able to explain the proposed approach, likely stages, and information required for your project.
Compare Experience and Fees
Price is important, but it should not be the only consideration.
Compare what is included in the service, the consultant’s relevant experience, and the level of support you will receive.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can discuss your project and help you understand what planning support may be appropriate before you proceed.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Local Planning Consultant
Choosing Only on Location
The closest consultant is not automatically the best choice.
Relevant project experience and knowledge should also be considered.
Waiting Until a Problem Appears
Seeking planning advice only after a refusal or major issue has occurred can limit the options available.
Early advice can provide more opportunity to adapt the proposal.
Assuming a Nearby Approval Guarantees Success
A development approved nearby may provide useful planning context, but it does not guarantee that your proposal will receive permission.
Each application is assessed according to its individual circumstances.
Assuming Planning Permission Is Always Required
Some development may fall within permitted development rights or another planning route.
A consultant can help establish the appropriate position for your particular project.
Focusing Only on the Application Form
Planning applications often require consideration of planning policy, site circumstances, and supporting information.
Professional planning advice can help ensure these matters are considered as part of the overall proposal.
Get Support From an Expert Planning Consultant
If you are looking for a local planning consultant, it is important to find professional support that matches the requirements of your project.
The right planning advice can help you understand whether planning permission is required, identify potential constraints, assess development opportunities, and determine the appropriate way forward.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can help homeowners, developers, landowners, and businesses with a wide range of planning matters. Whether you are considering a house extension, property conversion, new-build development, change of use, or development of land, our team can provide professional planning advice tailored to your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a local planning consultant do?
A local planning consultant provides professional advice on planning and development matters affecting a property or site. They can assist with planning applications, development feasibility, planning policy, changes of use, planning refusals, and other planning issues.
Why should I use a local planning consultant?
A consultant with experience in your area can research the relevant local planning policies, planning history, and site circumstances. However, relevant project experience and the scope of the service should also be considered when choosing a consultant.
Can a local planning consultant tell me if I need planning permission?
Yes. A planning consultant can assess your proposed development and advise whether planning permission may be required or whether another planning route could apply.
Can a local planning consultant help with development land?
Yes. A consultant can research the site’s planning history, relevant policies, and potential constraints to help assess its development potential.
Can a planning consultant help with a planning application?
Yes. Depending on the service required, a consultant can assist with planning strategy, application preparation, supporting information, and communication with the Local Planning Authority.
Can a local planning consultant help after planning permission is refused?
Yes. A consultant can review the reasons for refusal and advise on potential options, which could include amendments, a revised application, a new application, or an appeal.
Should I speak to a planning consultant before buying a property?
If development potential is an important reason for purchasing the property, obtaining professional planning advice before committing to the purchase can help you understand potential opportunities and constraints.
Can a planning consultant work with my architect?
Yes. Planning consultants and architects often work together. An architect can focus on the design and drawings, while the planning consultant considers planning policy, requirements, and strategy.
Finding the Right Local Planning Consultant
Finding the right local planning consultant can be an important step when you are considering property development or dealing with a planning matter.
Professional planning advice can help you understand the planning requirements affecting your property, identify potential constraints, assess development opportunities, and determine the appropriate route for progressing your proposal.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can help homeowners, developers, landowners, and businesses with a wide range of planning projects. Whether you are considering an extension, conversion, new-build development, change of use, or development of land, our team can provide professional planning advice based on the circumstances of your project.
Contact us today to discuss your project and find out how our expert planning consultants can help you navigate the planning process and take the next step.