A planning consultant can assess your proposal, review relevant planning policies, identify potential constraints, and advise you on the appropriate planning route. Getting professional advice early can also help you understand what information, drawings, and supporting documents may be required before an application is submitted.
Whether you are a homeowner planning an extension, a developer assessing a site, or a business looking to change the use of a property, planning requirements can affect what you can do and how your project needs to be approached.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we provide professional planning advice and support for clients across the UK. Our services can assist with planning applications, planning appraisals, changes of use, development proposals, planning appeals, and other planning matters.
If you are searching for planning consultants near you, the most important consideration is not simply finding the closest consultant. It is about finding a planning professional with the appropriate experience and services for your particular project.
What Does a Planning Consultant Do?
A planning consultant provides professional advice on planning and development matters relating to property and land.
Their role can vary depending on the project, but may include:
The planning system can involve both national planning policy and policies adopted by the relevant local planning authority. The National Planning Policy Framework provides the national planning policy framework for England, while local plans establish policies for individual areas.
This means that planning advice should be considered in the context of the specific property or site rather than relying solely on general information found online.
Do I Need Planning Consultants Near Me?
Not every property project requires a planning consultant. However, professional advice can be particularly useful where:
The decision to instruct a planning consultant should therefore be based on the requirements of the project rather than simply whether a consultant is located nearby.
Understanding the Local Planning Authority
Each local planning authority operates within its own local planning framework.
While national planning policy applies across England, local policies can influence how development proposals are assessed in a particular area. A consultant familiar with the relevant planning authority can understand the local policy context and identify the planning considerations that may be relevant to your proposal.
Familiarity With Local Planning Issues
Different areas can have different planning characteristics.
For example, a project may be affected by:
A consultant should consider the specific characteristics of your property rather than assuming that the same approach will work everywhere.
Convenient Communication
Some clients prefer to work with a consultant who is physically close to their property.
However, planning consultancy can often be carried out remotely, particularly where the required information, drawings, and documents can be provided electronically.
This means that when searching for planning consultants near you, professional experience and the suitability of the service should generally be considered alongside geographical location.
How to Find the Right Planning Consultants Near Me
When searching online for planning consultants near me, you may find several different firms offering planning services.
Before choosing one, consider the following.
Check Their Planning Experience
Look for experience relevant to your type of project.
For example, if you are planning a residential extension, find out whether the consultant regularly deals with residential planning applications. If you are a developer, you may require a consultancy with experience in development sites, new-build projects or larger schemes.
Check the Services They Provide
Different planning consultants offer different services.
You may need:
Choosing a consultant who can provide the service you actually need can make the process more straightforward.
Understand What You Need Before Contacting Them
Before making an enquiry, gather as much relevant information as possible.
This may include:
You do not need to have every document available before enquiring, but providing useful information can help the consultant understand your project more quickly.
When Should You Contact Planning Consultants?
You can contact a planning consultant at almost any stage of a property project.
However, some stages can particularly benefit from professional planning advice.
Before Buying a Property
If you are purchasing a property with the intention of carrying out development, consider obtaining planning advice before committing to the purchase.
You may be considering the property because you believe you can:
However, the fact that a proposal appears physically possible does not mean that planning permission will necessarily be granted. A planning consultant can help assess the planning position before you proceed.
Before Buying Development Land
If you are looking at land for development, planning advice can be particularly useful.
The potential of land can depend on planning policy, previous applications, existing permissions, access, surrounding development, and other site-specific factors. A planning consultant can help you understand these considerations before you progress with your plans.
Before Preparing Architectural Drawings
Planning advice can also be obtained before detailed drawings are prepared.
This allows the planning strategy to inform the design process. For example, if certain aspects of the proposed development could raise planning concerns, these can potentially be considered while the design is still being developed.
Before Submitting a Planning Application
If your drawings are already complete, a planning consultant can review the proposal before submission.
This can help identify potential issues with the application and establish whether additional information or supporting documents may be required.
Our planning applications service provides professional support for clients who require assistance with preparing and progressing a planning application.
After a Planning Refusal
If your application has been refused, obtaining professional planning advice can help you understand the reasons for the decision.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to:
Professional advice can help you determine which option is most appropriate for your circumstances.
Planning Consultants Near Me for Residential Projects
Homeowners often search for planning consultants near me when they are considering changes to their property.
Common residential projects include:
A planning consultant can help establish whether planning permission is required and identify the planning considerations that may affect the proposal.
For a straightforward project, this may involve an initial assessment. More complicated proposals may require planning strategy and full application support.
Planning Consultants Near Me for Commercial Projects
Businesses and commercial property owners may also require professional planning support.
Commercial planning matters can include:
The planning implications will depend on the existing use, proposed use, site, and relevant planning policies.
Our change of use planning permission service can assist clients who are considering changing the use of a property.
Planning Consultants Near Me for Development Land
Development land can involve more complex planning considerations than a typical residential project.
Before progressing with a development proposal, it may be useful to assess:
A planning consultant can help establish the planning context and identify issues that may need to be investigated before a proposal is developed further.
What Is the Difference Between a Planning Consultant and an Architect?
If you are searching for planning consultants near you, you may also wonder whether you need a planning consultant or an architect.
The two professionals have different primary responsibilities.
A planning consultant focuses on planning matters. Their work includes interpreting planning policies, assessing development proposals, advising on planning permission, and preparing or supporting planning applications.
An architect focuses primarily on the design of the proposed building or alteration. Their work can include developing layouts, preparing architectural drawings, taking measurements, and developing the design.
For example, if you are planning a house extension, the architect may prepare the drawings while the planning consultant considers whether the proposal is likely to be acceptable under relevant planning policies.
For many projects, the two professionals can work together.
This coordinated approach can help ensure that the architectural design and planning strategy support each other.
What Planning Services Can You Get From a Planning Consultant?
Planning Appraisal
A planning appraisal provides an initial assessment of a proposed development.
It can help establish:
Planning Applications
Planning consultants can help prepare and progress planning applications.
This can involve reviewing the proposal, assessing relevant policies, preparing planning documentation, and coordinating supporting information.
Change of Use
A change of use may require planning permission depending on the existing and proposed uses and the circumstances of the property.
Examples include:
Professional planning advice can help establish what route is appropriate.
Planning Appeals
If an application has been refused, a planning consultant can review the decision and advise on whether an appeal may be appropriate.
Our planning appeals service provides professional support for clients considering this route.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Planning Consultant
Choosing Based Only on Location
A consultant being physically close to you does not automatically mean they are the right choice.
Planning experience, relevant services, and understanding of your project should also be considered.
Assuming Every Planning Consultant Offers the Same Services
Some firms may focus on specific areas of planning.
Before instructing a consultant, check whether they can provide the particular service your project requires.
Assuming a Planning Consultant Can Guarantee Approval
No planning consultant can guarantee that a planning application will be approved.
Professional advice can help identify planning considerations and develop an appropriate strategy, but the final decision rests with the relevant planning authority.
Leaving Planning Advice Until the Last Minute
Waiting until the drawings are finished or construction is about to begin can make planning problems harder to address. Where there is uncertainty, obtaining advice earlier can give you more flexibility.
Assuming Online Information Applies to Your Property
General planning information can be useful, but it may not account for the specific circumstances of your property or site. Professional advice should be based on the actual proposal and relevant planning context.
Why Choose Expert Planning Consultants?
If you are searching for planning consultants near me, Expert Planning Consultants can provide professional planning support regardless of whether your project can be managed remotely or requires advice relating to a particular local planning authority.
Our services cover a wide range of residential, commercial, and development projects, including:
We focus on understanding each client’s individual proposal and providing practical advice on the appropriate planning route.
Whether you are considering a project, preparing drawings, or dealing with an existing planning matter, our team can help you understand what needs to happen next.
What Happens When You Contact Us?
The first stage is to understand your project.
You may be asked to provide:
Once the information has been reviewed, you can be advised on the appropriate planning service and next steps. For some clients, this may involve an initial planning appraisal. For others, it may lead directly to planning application preparation or support with an existing planning matter.
The process will depend on the individual requirements of your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find planning consultants near me?
When searching for planning consultants near you, consider their experience, the types of projects they handle, and whether they offer the specific planning service you require. Location can be useful, but expertise and suitability should also be considered.
Do planning consultants need to be local?
Not necessarily. Much planning consultancy work can be completed remotely using digital drawings, documents, photographs, and online communication. What matters most is that the consultant understands the relevant planning framework and can provide the appropriate service for your project.
What can a planning consultant help me with?
A planning consultant can assist with planning permission, planning applications, planning appraisals, changes of use, planning conditions, development proposals, planning refusals and appeals.
Should I contact a planning consultant before buying a property?
If the intended development is an important reason for purchasing the property, obtaining planning advice before completing the purchase can help you understand the potential planning opportunities and constraints.
Can planning consultants help with development land?
Yes. A planning consultant can assess planning history, relevant policies, existing permissions, and potential development opportunities to help you understand the planning position of a site.
Can a planning consultant help after planning permission has been refused?
Yes. They can review the reasons for refusal and advise on possible next steps, which may include amendments, a revised application, a new application, or an appeal.
Can planning consultants work with my architect?
Yes. A planning consultant can work alongside an architect to ensure that planning considerations are taken into account as the architectural design is developed.
Find the Right Planning Consultants Near You
Searching for planning consultants near me is often the first step when you need professional assistance with a property or development project. However, choosing the right consultant should involve more than simply finding the closest firm.
The consultant’s experience, services, and understanding of your particular planning requirements should all be considered. Whether you are planning a residential extension, changing the use of a property, purchasing development land, or dealing with a planning refusal, professional advice can help you understand your options and approach the planning process with greater clarity.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we provide planning advice and support for homeowners, developers, landowners, and businesses across a wide range of projects. From initial planning appraisals to planning applications, changes of use, and appeals, our team can help you determine the appropriate way forward.
Contact us today to discuss your project and find out how our planning consultants can help. Whether you are at the beginning of your development plans or already dealing with a planning application, our team can provide professional advice tailored to your circumstances.