If you are considering a property development, extension, change of use, or other planning project in Birmingham, obtaining professional planning advice at an early stage can help you understand what is realistically achievable and which approvals may be required. Birmingham has a wide range of residential and commercial properties, and each proposal needs to be considered against the relevant planning policies, site circumstances, and development requirements.
Whether you are a homeowner looking to extend your property, a developer considering a new residential scheme, or a business owner looking to change the use of a commercial premises, a planning consultant can help you assess the proposal before you commit to the next stage. This can include reviewing planning history, identifying potential constraints, considering permitted development rights, and advising on whether a planning application is likely to be required.
Choosing the right planning route from the beginning can help reduce unnecessary design changes, avoid preventable delays and give you a clearer understanding of the work involved. Expert Planning Consultants can provide planning advice and support for a range of development proposals in Birmingham, from initial feasibility through to planning application submission and, where required, further support with the planning process.
What Does a Planning Consultant Do?
A planning consultant provides professional advice on the planning aspects of property development.
Their role can begin before a planning application is prepared. In many cases, the most useful advice is obtained while a project is still being considered, as this provides an opportunity to identify potential problems before significant time and money has been spent on design work.
A planning consultant may help with:
The exact level of support required depends on the project.
For a straightforward residential alteration, you may primarily need advice on whether planning permission is required. For a larger development, the consultant may become involved throughout the planning process, from initial feasibility through to the local authority’s decision.
When Should You Hire a Planning Consultant?
You do not necessarily need a planning consultant for every minor property alteration. However, professional advice can become particularly useful where the planning position is uncertain, or the proposed development is more involved.
Early advice can be especially valuable where you are considering purchasing a property or site and the viability of the proposed development is an important part of the decision.
Planning Advice Before You Submit an Application
One of the biggest advantages of using a planning consultant is that the planning strategy can be considered before an application is submitted. Submitting an application without understanding the relevant planning policies can lead to avoidable problems.
A professional assessment can consider factors such as:
Planning History
Previous applications and permissions can provide useful information about what has already been accepted or rejected at the property. Planning history can also reveal conditions or restrictions that may affect a new proposal.
Local Planning Policy
A proposal needs to be considered against the relevant development plan and other applicable planning policies. The policies affecting a residential extension, for example, will not necessarily be the same as those affecting a commercial development or a new dwelling.
Site Constraints
A site may be affected by constraints that are not immediately obvious from simply looking at the property.
Depending on the proposal, these could include:
Identifying relevant constraints early can help shape a more realistic proposal.
What Types of Projects Can a Birmingham Planning Consultant Help With?
Planning consultants work across a broad range of development types.
Residential Extensions
Extensions are among the most common residential planning projects.
This could include:
Whether planning permission is required depends on the proposal and the circumstances of the property.
Loft Conversions
Loft conversions can sometimes be carried out under permitted development rights, but this depends on whether the proposal meets the relevant criteria. Birmingham also contains conservation areas and properties where additional restrictions may apply.
Our existing guide to loft conversion planning permission in Birmingham provides further information on the planning considerations specific to loft conversions in the city.
Change of Use
Changing the use of a property can require planning permission depending on the existing and proposed uses.
Examples can include:
The relevant use classes and the specific circumstances of the property need to be established before deciding whether an application is necessary.
New Residential Development
New dwellings generally require planning permission and can involve considerably more planning considerations than a straightforward householder application.
A planning consultant may assess:
Commercial Development
Commercial projects can involve additional considerations relating to use, access, servicing, parking, employment land, noise, operating hours, and neighbouring amenity. Obtaining planning advice before committing to a commercial property or development can therefore be particularly useful.
Planning Consultant vs Architect: What Is the Difference?
Planning consultants and architects often work alongside each other, but they have different areas of expertise.
An architect generally focuses on the design and technical development of a building.
A planning consultant focuses primarily on the planning framework and whether the proposed development is likely to be acceptable.
For example, an architect may develop drawings for a proposed extension, while a planning consultant may assess whether the extension complies with permitted development requirements or relevant local planning policies.
For larger or more complicated projects, using both disciplines can provide a more comprehensive approach.
At Expert Planning Consultants, the planning side of a project can be considered alongside the wider development requirements, helping clients understand the planning strategy before progressing to the next stage.
What Does a Planning Consultant Need From You?
The information required will depend on your proposal, but providing relevant information at the beginning can make the initial assessment more effective.
This may include:
You do not always need to have a fully developed proposal before seeking advice. If you are still at the feasibility stage, that can actually be an appropriate time to speak to a planning consultant.
What Happens During a Planning Consultation?
The consultation will depend on the type of project, but it should provide an opportunity to explain what you want to achieve and understand the planning implications.
A typical discussion may cover:
The outcome should be practical advice that allows you to decide how you want to proceed.
Can a Planning Consultant Improve Your Chances of Approval?
No planning consultant can guarantee that an application will be approved.
The decision ultimately rests with the relevant local planning authority.
However, professional planning advice can help you identify potential problems and develop a proposal that responds to relevant planning considerations.
This can include:
The value is therefore not simply in submitting an application. It is in developing a sensible planning strategy before and during the application process.
Planning Applications in Birmingham
Where planning permission is required, the quality and completeness of the submission can be important.
Depending on the development, an application may require:
Not every project requires all of these documents. The appropriate submission should be based on the individual’s development rather than on unnecessary reports or information.
What If Your Planning Application Is Refused?
A refusal does not necessarily mean that the development can never proceed. The appropriate response depends on the reasons for refusal.
Potential options may include:
The reasons given in the decision notice should be reviewed carefully before deciding what to do next. Where a proposal has already been refused, obtaining independent planning advice can help you understand whether the concerns can realistically be addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a planning consultant in Birmingham do?
A planning consultant provides professional advice on planning matters, including planning permission, permitted development, change of use, development proposals, planning applications and appeals.
Do I need a planning consultant to submit a planning application in Birmingham?
You can submit a planning application yourself, but professional advice can be valuable where the proposal is complex, planning permission is uncertain, or supporting information is required.
How much does a Birmingham planning consultant cost?
Fees vary according to the type and complexity of the project. A simple consultation will generally require less work than preparing and managing a larger planning application.
Can a planning consultant guarantee planning permission?
No. Planning decisions are made by the relevant local planning authority. A consultant can, however, help identify potential issues, develop an appropriate planning strategy, and prepare a robust application.
Can a planning consultant help with permitted development?
Yes. A consultant can assess whether a proposal appears to satisfy the relevant permitted development requirements and advise whether a Lawful Development Certificate may be appropriate.
Can a planning consultant help after a planning refusal?
Yes. A consultant can review the reasons for refusal and advise whether the proposal could be amended, whether a new application may be appropriate, or whether an appeal should be considered.
Should I speak to a planning consultant before hiring an architect?
For projects where the planning position is uncertain, obtaining planning advice early can be useful. It can help identify constraints that should be considered when the design is developed.
Taking the Next Step With Your Development
Understanding the planning position at an early stage can make a significant difference to how confidently you approach a property project in Birmingham. Whether you are planning an extension, conversion, change of use, or a new development, assessing the relevant policies, restrictions, and application requirements before progressing can help you avoid unnecessary delays and costly changes.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we provide tailored planning advice to help property owners and developers understand what is achievable and determine the most appropriate planning route. From initial planning assessments through to preparing and managing planning applications, our support is focused on the specific requirements of each project.
Contact us today to discuss your proposed development and find out how our planning consultants can support you. We can review your proposal, advise on the relevant planning considerations, and help you take the next step towards progressing your project in Birmingham.