A planning application is an important stage in many property development projects, but preparing one correctly can involve more than completing the required forms and uploading drawings.
The type of application, planning policies, site circumstances, and information requirements can all affect how a proposal needs to be prepared. Depending on the development, additional reports or specialist information may also be required before the application can be submitted.
This is why many homeowners, developers, and property owners choose to work with planning application consultants.
Professional support can help you understand the planning requirements for your project, organise the necessary information, and approach the application process in a structured way.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we provide planning consultancy support for a wide range of residential and commercial projects, helping clients understand their planning position and progress their proposals.
Why Are Planning Applications More Than Paperwork?
It is easy to think of a planning application as an administrative exercise. In reality, the quality and completeness of the information submitted can be important to how the proposal is assessed.
A planning application needs to explain what is being proposed and provide the information the local planning authority needs to assess it.
The Planning Portal states that applications generally require the appropriate application form, plans, supporting documentation, and the correct fee. Local planning authorities can also have additional information requirements.
For a simple project, understanding these requirements may be relatively straightforward. More complicated proposals can require considerably more planning input.
Planning application consultants can help bring the different elements together so that the planning aspects of the proposal are properly considered before submission.
What Value Do Planning Application Consultants Add?
Professional planning support can be useful because a consultant looks beyond the application form itself.
They can consider the wider planning context surrounding the development and help identify matters that could affect the application.
This may include:
The purpose is not to promise that an application will be approved. Instead, the consultant helps you understand the planning position and present the proposal appropriately.
Which Projects Can Benefit From Planning Application Consultants?
Planning application consultants can assist with many different types of development.
House Extensions
Rear, side, and two-storey extensions can require planning permission depending on the circumstances. Planning considerations can include the scale of the extension, its position, relationship with neighbouring properties, and effect on the character of the area.
Loft Conversions
Some loft conversions can be carried out under permitted development rights, while others require planning permission.
Where a planning application is necessary, the proposal needs to be assessed against the relevant requirements rather than assuming that every loft conversion follows the same route.
New Homes and Flats
New residential development can involve more extensive planning considerations.
A proposal may need to address matters such as:
Planning application consultants can become involved from the early stages to help establish an appropriate planning approach.
Conversion to Flats
Converting an existing property into multiple residential units can raise planning issues that do not arise with a single dwelling.
The number of units, layout, access, parking, and impact on surrounding properties may all need consideration.
Change of Use
Changing the use of a property can require planning permission depending on the existing and proposed uses.
For example, a proposal involving a change between different residential or commercial uses may need to be assessed through the planning system.
Commercial Development
Commercial planning applications can involve a variety of considerations, including access, transport, neighbouring impact, operating conditions and the suitability of the proposed use.
Professional planning input can help identify the relevant issues before the application is submitted.
When Is the Best Time to Involve Planning Application Consultants?
There is no need to wait until your application is ready to submit before seeking professional advice.
When You Have an Initial Idea
If you are still considering what to do with a property or site, an early planning assessment can help establish what options may be available. This is particularly useful for developers or property owners considering several possible development options.
Before Commissioning Final Drawings
Planning and design are closely connected.
If a design is developed without considering planning requirements, changes may later be necessary. Bringing planning input into the process at an earlier stage can allow the design and planning strategy to develop together.
Before Submission
A consultant can review a proposed application before submission to identify potential omissions or planning issues. This allows you to address matters while the application is still being prepared.
After an Application Has Been Submitted
Planning support does not necessarily end once an application has been lodged.
The council may request further information, clarification, or amendments. A consultant can help you understand these requests and determine how they should be addressed.
How Do Planning Application Consultants Prepare an Application?
Every project is different, but the preparation process can involve several stages.
Understanding the Site and Proposal
The consultant first needs to establish what you are proposing and understand the existing property or site. The more clearly the project objectives are defined, the easier it is to assess the appropriate planning route.
Reviewing Planning History
Previous applications and decisions can provide useful background.
A consultant can investigate relevant planning history and consider whether previous decisions highlight issues that may be relevant to the new proposal.
However, previous approval should never be treated as an automatic indication that a new proposal will be approved.
Assessing Relevant Policies
Planning proposals are assessed against the applicable planning framework.
A consultant can identify the policies relevant to the particular proposal and consider how the development should respond to them.
Identifying Supporting Information
Some applications require information beyond architectural drawings.
Depending on the proposal and site, this could include specialist information relating to matters such as:
The need for specialist information depends on the individual project and the requirements of the relevant authority.
Coordinating With Other Professionals
A planning application may involve several professionals.
For example, an architect may prepare the proposed drawings while a structural engineer, drainage consultant, or other specialist prepares technical information.
Planning application consultants can help ensure that the planning aspects of these different elements are coordinated.
What Happens Once the Application Is Submitted?
Submitting an application is only one stage of the planning process.
The local planning authority will first need to consider whether the application contains the information required for validation.
Once validated, the application can progress through the council’s assessment process.
Depending on the application, this may involve:
A planning application consultant can help monitor the process and deal with relevant planning correspondence as part of the agreed service.
What If the Council Raises Concerns?
Receiving questions or concerns from the council does not automatically mean that an application will be refused.
The important point is to understand exactly what the planning authority is concerned about.
For example, the council may raise an issue regarding:
A consultant can review the concerns and advise on the appropriate response.
In some cases, amendments may help address the issue. In others, additional information may be needed.
What If Your Planning Application Is Refused?
A refusal does not necessarily mean that the development cannot proceed.
The first step is to understand the reasons given by the local planning authority.
Planning application consultants can review the decision and help you consider the available options.
Depending on the circumstances, these could include:
The appropriate route depends on the individual application and the reasons for the decision.
How to Choose a Planning Application Consultant
If you are looking for professional planning support, consider the following before making your decision.
Understand the Service
Ask what the consultancy will actually handle.
You may require assistance with only the planning application, or you may need support from the initial assessment through to submission and council correspondence.
Check Whether Specialist Reports Are Included
Some planning applications require specialist reports.
Find out whether these are included within the service or whether they need to be arranged separately.
Look for Clear Advice
A good consultant should be willing to explain potential planning opportunities as well as possible obstacles.
Professional planning advice should be realistic rather than based on promises of guaranteed approval.
Consider Communication
Planning applications can involve several stages, so clear communication is important.
You should know who is responsible for your application and how you will be updated as it progresses.
Planning Application Consultants for Homeowners and Developers
The level of planning support required can vary significantly depending on the client.
For a homeowner, the project may involve an extension, loft conversion, garage conversion, or conversion of an existing property.
A developer may instead require support with a new residential scheme, development land, multiple units, or a commercial proposal.
This means the right planning service should be based on the project rather than using the same approach for every application.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we support both homeowners and developers with a broad range of planning requirements.
Why Choose Expert Planning Consultants?
At Expert Planning Consultants, we provide professional planning support for residential and commercial projects.
Our team collectively has decades of experience in planning consultancy and can assist clients at different stages of the planning process.
If you are still deciding whether your proposal requires permission or want to understand its planning potential before preparing an application, our . Planning Permission service provides an appropriate starting point
Whether you are a homeowner looking to improve your property or a developer progressing a larger scheme, our aim is to provide practical planning support suited to the individual project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are planning application consultants?
Planning application consultants are planning professionals who help property owners and developers prepare, submit, and progress planning applications. Their work can include planning assessments, policy research, application preparation, and communication with the local authority.
Can planning application consultants submit applications?
Yes. A planning consultant can act as an agent and submit an application on your behalf, where this is included within the agreed service.
Do planning application consultants prepare architectural drawings?
Not necessarily. Architectural drawings are generally prepared by an architect or architectural designer. A planning consultant can work alongside them to ensure the planning and design aspects of the proposal are properly coordinated.
Can a planning consultant help with supporting documents?
Yes. A consultant can identify the planning information that may be required and advise where specialist reports or other supporting documents may be necessary.
Can planning application consultants deal with the council?
Yes. Depending on the scope of the service, a consultant can communicate with the local planning authority and help respond to requests for information or clarification.
Can planning application consultants help with refused applications?
Yes. They can review the reasons for refusal and advise on potential next steps, which may include amendments, a fresh application, or an appeal.
Are planning application consultants only for large developments?
No. Planning consultants can assist with smaller residential projects as well as larger developments. The level of professional support required will depend on the complexity of the individual proposal.
Professional Support for Your Planning Application
A well-prepared planning application needs to present the proposed development clearly while addressing the planning requirements relevant to the site. Understanding these requirements before submission can help you approach the process in a more organised and informed way.
Planning application consultants can provide support across different stages, from reviewing an initial proposal and coordinating supporting information to submitting the application and responding to planning matters during the assessment process.
Contact us today to discuss your project with Expert Planning Consultants. Whether you are planning a home improvement, change of use, new residential development, or commercial project, our team can advise you on the planning application support available for your proposal.