Planning a property development can involve far more than preparing drawings and submitting an application. Whether you are extending a home, converting a property, changing its use, developing land or progressing a larger scheme, understanding the planning requirements at an early stage can help you make better-informed decisions.
Planning consultancy provides professional advice and support throughout the planning process. A planning consultancy can assess your proposal, review relevant planning policies, identify potential constraints, and advise on the most appropriate route for your development.
Getting the right advice before submitting an application can be particularly important where a project involves planning restrictions, previous refusals, complex site conditions, or a significant financial investment. Rather than proceeding based on assumptions, professional planning support can help you understand what is required and how to move your project forward.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we provide planning consultancy services for homeowners, developers, landowners, and businesses across a range of residential and commercial projects. Our team can assist from the initial assessment of a proposal through to planning application preparation and submission.
What Is Planning Consultancy?
Planning consultancy is a professional service that provides advice and support on planning matters relating to property, land and development.
A planning consultancy can help clients understand how planning policies and regulations may affect a proposed development and identify the permissions or approvals that may be required.
The work can cover a wide range of planning matters, including:
The level of support required will depend on the project. Some clients may only need an initial planning assessment, while others may require assistance throughout the application process.
The purpose of planning consultancy is not simply to submit paperwork. It is about understanding the planning position of a project and helping the client determine the most appropriate way forward.
Why Use a Planning Consultancy?
Many property owners assume that planning applications are simply a matter of completing forms and submitting drawings. In reality, a proposal can be affected by planning policies, site-specific circumstances, planning history and other considerations that may not be immediately obvious.
Professional planning consultancy can help you understand these issues before they become problems.
Get Professional Advice Before You Commit
Planning advice can be particularly useful before you spend significant money on architectural drawings, construction work or the purchase of development land.
For example, if you are purchasing a property because you intend to convert it into flats, extend it or change its use, understanding the planning position beforehand can help you make a more informed decision. Likewise, if you already own a property and are considering an extension or redevelopment, an early planning assessment can help establish whether your proposal appears achievable.
Identify Potential Planning Constraints
Every property and site is different. A proposal that may be acceptable in one location may face difficulties elsewhere.
A planning consultancy can review relevant considerations such as:
Identifying potential issues early gives you an opportunity to consider them before submitting an application.
Choose the Right Planning Route
There can be several possible routes depending on the nature of your project.
For example, you may need full planning permission, permitted development, prior approval, a Lawful Development Certificate or an application to vary an existing permission.
Using the appropriate route from the beginning can help prevent unnecessary work and ensure the proposal is dealt with correctly.
When Should You Use Planning Consultancy Services?
There is no single point at which planning consultancy becomes necessary. In many cases, the earlier professional advice is obtained, the more useful it can be.
When Considering a New Development
If you are considering a new build, extension, conversion or redevelopment, planning consultancy can help you understand the requirements before you progress too far.
An initial assessment can consider the proposed development alongside the relevant planning context and identify matters that may need further investigation. This is particularly useful for projects where the development potential of a site is an important consideration.
Before Buying Development Land
If you are purchasing land specifically for development, planning advice can be an important part of your due diligence.
The fact that land is available for purchase does not mean that your proposed development will necessarily be acceptable.
A planning consultant can help you assess matters such as:
This information can help you assess whether the proposed purchase is suitable for your intended development.
Before Preparing Your Planning Application
If you already know that planning permission is required, professional advice before submission can help ensure that the application is approached correctly.
A planning consultant can review the proposal, identify relevant planning considerations and advise on what information may be required.
This can help reduce the risk of discovering important planning issues only after the application has been submitted.
When Dealing With a Planning Refusal
A refused application can be frustrating, particularly where significant time and money has already been invested. However, refusal does not necessarily mean that the development cannot proceed.
A planning consultancy can review the council’s reasons for refusal and help determine whether the proposal could be amended or whether another route should be considered. Depending on the circumstances, options may include submitting a revised application, making a new application or considering an appeal.
Planning Appraisal
A planning appraisal can provide an initial assessment of a proposed development.
It may consider whether planning permission is required, whether the proposal appears feasible and what planning considerations are likely to be relevant. This can be particularly useful if you are still deciding whether to proceed with a project.
Planning Application Preparation
Where planning permission is required, a planning consultancy can assist with preparing the application.
This can involve reviewing architectural drawings, assessing relevant planning policies, identifying supporting information and preparing planning documentation.
The objective is to ensure that the planning aspects of the proposal are properly considered before submission.
Planning Application Submission
Planning consultancy services can also include managing the submission process.
This may involve:
Our planning applications service provides professional support for clients who require assistance with their planning application.
Change of Use
Changing the use of a property can have significant planning implications.
Examples include converting residential property into commercial premises, changing commercial use, creating flats or converting a property for another use. Whether planning permission is required will depend on the existing and proposed use and the circumstances of the property.
Our change of use planning permission service provides planning support for clients considering a change to their property’s use.
Lawful Development Certificates
A Lawful Development Certificate can be used in certain circumstances to establish the lawfulness of existing or proposed development.
The requirements and appropriate route will depend on the circumstances, so obtaining professional advice can help you determine whether an application is appropriate.
Planning Conditions
Planning permission may be granted subject to conditions.
These conditions can require additional information or action before certain aspects of the development can proceed.
If you have received planning permission but are unsure about the conditions attached to it, a planning consultant can help you understand what they mean and what may need to be addressed.
Planning Permission Variations
Sometimes an approved development needs to be changed.
Depending on the nature of the proposed amendments, a further planning application or variation may be required.
A planning consultancy can review the approved scheme and proposed changes and advise on the appropriate planning route.
Planning Consultancy for Residential Projects
Planning consultancy is not limited to large developments.
Homeowners can also benefit from professional planning advice when considering projects such as:
For residential projects, understanding the relationship between the proposed design and the relevant planning policies can help you avoid progressing with a scheme that may need significant changes.
Where architectural drawings are already available, these can be reviewed as part of the planning process.
Planning Consultancy for Developers and Landowners
Developers and landowners may require a broader level of planning support because development projects can involve more significant financial commitments and complex planning considerations.
Planning consultancy can assist with matters such as development potential, planning strategy, applications and the coordination of supporting information. For a development site, planning advice may be useful before purchasing the land, during the design stage and throughout the application process.
A planning consultant can also help identify where specialist reports or additional technical information may be required.
Planning Consultancy vs Doing It Yourself
There is no requirement to use a planning consultancy for every project. Some straightforward applications can be managed by property owners themselves. However, the planning process can become more complicated where there are several policy considerations or where the project represents a substantial investment.
Handling the process yourself means you are responsible for understanding the relevant requirements, identifying the correct application route and responding to planning matters.
Using professional planning consultancy can provide an additional level of expertise and help you make decisions based on the circumstances of your particular project.
The decision will ultimately depend on the complexity of your proposal, your experience with planning and the level of support you require.
How to Choose a Planning Consultancy
Choosing a planning consultancy should involve more than comparing prices.
Consider Relevant Experience
Look for a consultancy with experience handling projects similar to yours.
A consultant who regularly deals with residential extensions may have a different area of expertise from one working primarily on large commercial or land development schemes.
Understand the Scope of Service
Before proceeding, establish exactly what the quoted service includes.
Ask whether the service covers:
A clear scope helps you understand what you are paying for and reduces the risk of misunderstandings.
Look for Clear Communication
Planning matters can involve technical terminology and detailed requirements. Your planning consultant should be able to explain the situation clearly and provide realistic advice about the options available.
You should understand what needs to happen next and what information is required from you.
Common Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming Planning Permission Is Automatically Required
Not every project needs a full planning application. Some works may fall under permitted development or another planning route. However, you should confirm this before starting work rather than making assumptions.
Assuming Planning Permission Is Not Required
The opposite mistake can be equally problematic.
Permitted development rights have specific requirements and restrictions. Certain properties and locations may also be subject to additional limitations. If you are uncertain, seek professional advice before beginning construction.
Ignoring Previous Planning Decisions
Previous applications can provide valuable information about a site.
A previous refusal may highlight issues that could also affect your proposal, while an existing permission may provide useful context for future development.
Preparing Drawings Without Considering Planning
Architectural drawings are an important part of many applications, but the design should be developed with planning considerations in mind. Seeking planning advice early can help ensure that the proposed design and planning strategy work together.
How Much Does Planning Consultancy Cost?
Planning consultancy fees vary depending on the type and complexity of the work required.
A basic planning appraisal will generally involve a different level of professional input from a larger development requiring detailed planning strategy, supporting documentation and ongoing application management.
Factors that may influence the cost include:
When comparing planning consultancy quotations, it is important to establish what is included rather than focusing solely on the headline price.
Why Choose Expert Planning Consultants?
At Expert Planning Consultants, we provide professional planning consultancy services tailored to the requirements of each project.
We work with homeowners, developers, landowners and businesses on a variety of planning matters, including planning applications, development proposals, changes of use and other planning issues.
Our services include:
Our approach is focused on helping clients understand their planning position and determine the most appropriate next step.
Whether you are considering a new development, preparing an application or dealing with a planning problem, our planning consultancy team can provide professional advice and support throughout the relevant stages.
What Happens When You Instruct a Planning Consultancy?
The process will depend on your project, but it generally starts with understanding what you are proposing and the circumstances of the property or site.
You may be asked to provide:
The information provided can then be reviewed to establish what planning support is required.
For a straightforward project, this may involve an initial assessment and advice on the next step. More complex projects may require a detailed planning appraisal, preparation of an application and ongoing support through the planning process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a planning consultancy?
A planning consultancy provides professional advice and support on planning matters relating to property, land and development. Services can include planning appraisals, planning applications, changes of use, planning strategy and advice on planning permissions.
What does a planning consultancy do?
A planning consultancy can assess development proposals, review planning policies, identify potential constraints and advise clients on the appropriate planning route. Depending on the service required, they can also prepare and submit planning applications.
Do I need planning consultancy for a planning application?
You do not have to use a planning consultancy for every application. However, professional support can be particularly useful where a proposal is complex, involves significant investment or has potential planning constraints.
When should I contact a planning consultancy?
You can contact a planning consultancy at any stage, but obtaining advice before finalising your design or purchasing development land can be particularly useful. Early advice may help identify planning considerations before you commit to further costs.
Can a planning consultancy help after a refusal?
Yes. A planning consultant can review the reasons for refusal and advise on potential options. Depending on the circumstances, this could involve amending the proposal, submitting a revised application or considering an appeal.
Can a planning consultancy help with change of use?
Yes. A planning consultancy can advise on proposed changes to the use of a property and whether planning permission or another form of approval may be required.
Get Professional Planning Support
Planning can influence the viability, design and progression of a property development. Whether you are a homeowner considering an extension, a developer assessing a site or a business looking to change the use of a property, obtaining professional advice can help you approach the process with a clearer understanding of the requirements.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we provide planning consultancy services for residential, commercial and development projects. Our team can help you understand your options, identify the appropriate planning route and progress your project towards the next stage.
Contact us today to discuss your proposed development and find out how our planning consultancy services can support your project. Whether you are at the early planning stage, preparing an application or dealing with an existing planning issue, our team can provide professional advice tailored to your requirements.