If you are considering hiring a planning consultant, one of the first questions you may have is how much a planning consultant costs.
Planning consultancy fees can vary significantly because no two planning projects are exactly the same. A homeowner seeking advice about a small extension may require a very different service from a developer preparing a larger residential scheme, a landowner investigating development potential or a business seeking a change of use.
The amount you pay can depend on the complexity of the proposal, the stage of the planning process, the work required and the level of professional support you need.
Understanding these factors before requesting or comparing quotations can help you make a more informed decision.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we provide professional planning advice and support for homeowners, developers, landowners and businesses across the UK. Our services can cover individual planning advice through to planning applications and more complex planning matters.
How Much Does a Planning Consultant Cost?
There is no single fixed planning consultant cost that applies to every project.
Fees vary depending on the type of planning work involved, the complexity of the proposal and the amount of professional input required. A straightforward planning enquiry may require considerably less work than a complex planning application involving several planning constraints, specialist reports or discussions with the Local Planning Authority.
The scope of the service is therefore an important part of understanding the fee.
For example, you may only need:
Alternatively, you may require a more comprehensive service involving:
The more extensive the service, the greater the professional input may be.
What Determines Planning Consultant Cost?
Several factors can influence the amount a planning consultant charges.
Understanding them can help you compare quotations more accurately.
The Type of Project
The nature of the development is one of the most important factors.
A simple residential project may involve relatively straightforward planning considerations, while a larger or more complex development may require significantly more research and professional input.
Planning consultants may work on projects including:
The planning consultant cost should therefore be considered in relation to the actual work required rather than simply the type of property involved.
The Complexity of the Proposal
Two applications for similar types of development can require very different amounts of work.
For example, an extension on a straightforward property may have relatively limited planning considerations.
Another extension could involve:
The second project is likely to require more detailed professional assessment.
The Location
Planning is influenced by the policies and requirements of the relevant Local Planning Authority.
A consultant may need to review the local development plan, supplementary planning guidance, planning history and other information relevant to the location.
This is one reason why planning consultancy is not simply a matter of applying the same approach to every property.
The location of a development can affect the planning issues that need to be considered.
The Stage of Your Project
The point at which you instruct a planning consultant can also influence the work required.
You may seek advice:
Early planning advice may involve a relatively focused assessment, whereas a consultant brought in after problems have arisen may need to review a much larger amount of information.
The Level of Support Required
Not every client needs full planning consultancy support.
Some clients may only want professional advice on whether their proposal requires planning permission.
Others may want a consultant to manage the planning side of the project from initial assessment through to submission.
Before accepting a quotation, it is therefore important to establish exactly what level of support is included.
What Services Can Affect Planning Consultant Cost?
The service you choose will usually have a significant influence on the fee.
Initial Planning Advice
An initial planning assessment can be suitable where you are still trying to understand whether your proposal is realistic or what planning route may apply.
This could involve reviewing:
This type of service may be appropriate where you need professional guidance before deciding whether to progress with a larger planning package.
Planning Appraisal or Feasibility Advice
A planning appraisal can be particularly useful for landowners and developers considering development potential.
The consultant may investigate the planning background of the site and consider issues such as:
The purpose is to provide a more informed understanding of the site’s planning position.
Planning Application Preparation
If planning permission is required, you may need more extensive support.
Depending on the agreed service, this can involve assessing the proposal, identifying planning requirements, preparing planning documents and coordinating the information required for submission.
The complexity of the application will affect the amount of work involved.
Planning Application Submission and Support
Some clients want their consultant to manage the application process after the documents have been prepared.
This can include:
When comparing planning consultant costs, check whether these stages are included or charged separately.
Planning Appeals
A planning appeal can require a different level of professional input from an initial planning assessment.
The consultant may need to review:
The complexity of the refusal and the type of appeal will influence the work involved.
Are Planning Consultant Fees the Only Cost to Consider?
No.
When budgeting for a planning project, it is important to distinguish between planning consultancy fees and other costs associated with the development.
Depending on the proposal, you may also need to budget for:
Not every project requires all of these.
The requirements depend on the individual development and the information requested by the relevant authority.
This is why a quotation should clearly explain what the planning consultant is responsible for and what will need to be arranged separately.
Does a More Expensive Planning Consultant Mean Better Advice?
Not necessarily.
The cheapest quotation is not automatically the best option, but the most expensive quotation does not automatically provide the best service either.
When comparing planning consultant costs, look at the overall value of the service.
Consider:
A consultant with relevant experience may identify planning issues earlier, help you avoid unnecessary work and provide a clearer strategy for progressing the project.
The right question is therefore not simply “Who is the cheapest planning consultant?”
It is:
“Which consultant is providing the right level of professional support for my project and what exactly is included in the fee?”
Why Can Two Planning Consultant Quotes Be Different?
It is common for two consultants to provide different quotations for what appears to be the same project.
This does not necessarily mean that one consultant is overcharging.
The quotations may cover different services.
For example, one consultant may provide an initial planning assessment only, while another may include:
The second quotation may therefore be higher because the scope of work is broader.
Always compare like-for-like services before deciding which quotation represents better value.
What Should Be Included in a Planning Consultant Quote?
Before instructing a consultant, ask for a clear explanation of the service.
A useful quotation should make it reasonably clear:
What Work Will Be Carried Out?
The quotation should explain what the consultant will actually do.
For example, will they provide planning advice only, or will they prepare and submit the application?
What Documents Are Included?
Find out whether planning statements, application forms or other planning documents are included.
Is Application Submission Included?
Some services may include preparing an application but not necessarily all stages of submission or subsequent correspondence.
Is Council Liaison Included?
Ask whether communication with the Local Planning Authority is part of the service.
What Happens If Further Information Is Requested?
A planning officer may request clarification or additional information during the application process.
Check whether responding to these requests is included within the quoted fee.
Are Specialist Reports Included?
A planning consultant may identify that specialist information is required, but the specialist report itself may be provided by another professional.
Make sure you understand whether such costs are included or separate.
How Can You Keep Planning Consultant Costs Under Control?
Professional planning advice is an expense, but there are sensible ways to manage the overall cost of a planning project.
Get Advice Early
Early advice can help identify potential problems before substantial design work has been completed.
If a proposal needs significant changes after the drawings are finalised, you may incur additional professional costs.
Be Clear About Your Objectives
Give the consultant as much relevant information as possible at the beginning.
Explain:
Clear information can help the consultant assess the project more efficiently.
Understand the Scope
Make sure you know what is included before work starts.
This is one of the most important ways to avoid unexpected costs.
Ask About Additional Work
Find out what could result in an additional fee.
For example, additional work may become necessary if:
Understanding these possibilities in advance makes it easier to budget.
When Is Paying for a Planning Consultant Worth It?
Not every project requires the same level of professional assistance.
However, professional planning advice may be particularly valuable where:
The value of professional advice is not simply measured by the cost of the consultant.
It should also be considered against the potential cost of submitting an unsuitable application, redesigning a proposal, commissioning unnecessary work or experiencing avoidable delays.
Planning Consultant Cost for Different Types of Projects
There is no universal fee for each project type because the circumstances can vary considerably.
House Extensions
A straightforward extension may require a relatively focused planning service.
However, more complex extensions may require additional planning assessment depending on the property, location, planning history and proposed design.
New-Build Homes
A new dwelling can involve considerably more planning work than a straightforward domestic alteration.
Issues such as access, design, residential amenity, site constraints and planning policy may all need to be considered.
Development Land
Development land can require detailed planning appraisal before a realistic development strategy can be established.
The amount of work may depend on the size of the site, its planning history, constraints and potential development options.
Change of Use
The planning consultant cost for a change-of-use proposal can depend on the existing and proposed uses and the issues raised by the change.
Some proposals may be relatively straightforward, while others can involve significant planning considerations.
Planning Appeals
Appeal work can require detailed review of the refusal decision, planning policy and the original proposal.
The complexity of the appeal will influence the professional work required.
Common Mistakes When Comparing Planning Consultant Costs
Choosing the Cheapest Quote Without Checking the Scope
A low quotation may only cover part of the work.
Always establish exactly what is included.
Assuming the Quote Covers Everything
Planning consultancy, architectural drawings, surveys, and specialist reports can be separate services.
Do not assume that one quotation automatically includes all professional costs associated with the project.
Waiting Until Problems Occur
Getting planning advice after a refusal or major design problem may mean that additional work is required. Early advice can sometimes help identify potential issues before they become more difficult to resolve.
Comparing Prices Instead of Services
Two consultants charging different fees may be providing completely different levels of support.
Compare the service, not just the number at the bottom of the quotation.
Expecting Guaranteed Approval
No planning consultant can guarantee that the Local Planning Authority will approve an application.
Professional planning advice can help you understand the planning position and prepare a proposal appropriately, but the final decision rests with the relevant planning authority.
How to Choose a Planning Consultant
When looking for professional planning support, cost should be one consideration rather than the only consideration.
Look for a consultant who:
A consultant who understands your project can potentially provide greater value than a cheaper service that does not fully address your planning requirements.
For more information about the wider role of a planning consultancy, our guide to Planning Consultancy Services explains how professional planning support can assist with development proposals, planning applications and planning strategy.
Why Choose Expert Planning Consultants?
At Expert Planning Consultants, we understand that planning consultant costs need to be considered alongside the scope and quality of the service being provided.
Our team collectively has decades of experience in planning consultancy and supports homeowners, developers, landowners and businesses across the UK.
We can provide professional support for a wide range of planning matters, including:
The level of support required will depend on your individual project.
For a straightforward proposal, you may only need focused planning advice. For a more complex development, you may require support throughout the application process.
Our aim is to provide a service appropriate to the planning requirements of your project rather than applying the same approach to every client.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a planning consultant cost?
There is no single planning consultant cost that applies to every project. Fees vary according to the type and complexity of the work, the stage of the project, and the level of professional support required.
Why do planning consultant fees vary?
Planning projects differ considerably. A simple planning enquiry may require limited professional input, while a complex development may involve planning research, policy assessment, application preparation, supporting documents and council correspondence.
Is a planning consultant worth the cost?
Professional planning advice can be valuable where a proposal is complex, planning permission is required, development potential is uncertain, or the project involves significant investment. The value depends on the circumstances of the individual project.
Does a planning consultant’s fee include the council application fee?
Not necessarily. Planning consultancy fees and Local Planning Authority application fees are separate costs unless specifically stated otherwise in the quotation.
Do planning consultant fees include architectural drawings?
Not necessarily. Architectural design and planning consultancy are different professional services. Some companies may offer both, but you should confirm exactly what is included in the quotation.
Can I get planning advice without paying for a full planning application service?
Yes. Depending on the consultant and the project, you may be able to obtain an initial planning assessment or planning advice before deciding whether to proceed with a full application service.
Should I choose the cheapest planning consultant?
Not necessarily. A cheaper quotation may cover fewer services. It is important to compare the scope of work, experience, and level of support rather than choosing based on price alone.
Can planning consultant costs increase during a project?
They can if the scope of work changes or additional work becomes necessary. For example, significant amendments, additional planning issues, or an appeal may require further professional input. Ask the consultant about potential additional charges before starting.
Understanding the Value of Planning Advice
Understanding planning consultant cost is an important part of budgeting for a property or development project, but the cheapest quotation is not necessarily the most appropriate choice.
Planning consultancy fees can vary according to the type of development, its complexity, the location, the planning issues involved, and the level of professional support required. Comparing quotations properly means looking at what each consultant will actually provide and identifying any services or costs that are excluded.
Obtaining professional planning advice early can also help you make more informed decisions. Whether you are considering an extension, development land, a new home, a change of use or a planning application, understanding the planning position before progressing can help you identify potential issues and determine the appropriate route.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we provide professional planning advice and support for a wide range of residential, commercial and development projects across the UK. Our team can help you understand the planning requirements affecting your proposal and provide a level of support suited to your individual circumstances.
Contact us today to discuss your project and find out what planning support you may need and how our planning consultants can help you move your proposal forward.