If you are planning a property development, extension, conversion, change of use or new build, obtaining professional planning advice at the right stage can make the process much clearer. A planning consultant can assess your proposal, identify potential planning considerations, and advise you on the most appropriate route for obtaining the necessary permission.
Planning decisions are influenced by a range of factors, including local planning policies, national planning guidance, the planning history of a property, site constraints, and the nature of the proposed development. Understanding these matters before committing to detailed drawings or submitting an application can help you avoid unnecessary delays and changes later in the process.
Whether you are a homeowner, developer, landowner, or business owner, a planning consultant can provide specialist support tailored to your particular circumstances.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we provide professional planning advice and application support for a wide range of residential and commercial projects. From assessing an initial proposal to preparing and progressing a planning application, our team can help you understand your options and determine the most suitable way forward.
Who Is a Planning Consultant?
A planning consultant is a professional who advises on planning matters relating to property, land, and development. Their role is to help clients understand the planning requirements affecting a proposed project and determine the appropriate approach.
Depending on the circumstances, a planning consultant may advise on:
A planning consultant’s involvement does not necessarily begin when an application is ready to be submitted. In many cases, obtaining advice at an early stage can help establish whether a proposal is suitable and what changes or information may be required.
If you are unsure whether your proposed works require permission, our planning permission service can help you understand the available options and the next steps.
Why Hire a Planning Consultant?
Although some planning applications can be submitted by property owners themselves, navigating the planning process can become more complicated when a proposal involves multiple considerations or significant investment.
A planning consultant can provide an informed assessment of your proposal and help you understand the potential opportunities and challenges before you proceed.
Assess the Feasibility of Your Proposal
One of the main benefits of seeking professional advice is understanding whether your proposal is likely to be achievable from a planning perspective.
An initial assessment may consider:
This does not guarantee that an application will be approved, but it can give you a clearer understanding of the planning position before you invest further in the project.
Determine the Appropriate Planning Route
Not every development requires a standard full planning application. Depending on the proposal, you may need to consider:
Selecting the correct route from the outset can help avoid unnecessary work and ensure that the proposal is dealt with through the appropriate process.
Identify Potential Problems Early
Planning issues are generally easier to address when they are identified before an application is submitted.
For example, you may have architectural drawings prepared for an extension only to discover that the proposal conflicts with an important planning consideration. Identifying this before submission gives you an opportunity to review the design rather than discovering the issue after the application has been made.
Professional planning advice can therefore help you make decisions based on the circumstances of your site rather than assumptions.
When Should You Speak to a Planning Consultant?
There is no need to wait until your project is fully designed before seeking planning advice. In fact, speaking to a consultant early can be particularly useful in several situations.
Before Buying a Property
If you are purchasing a property because you intend to extend, convert or redevelop it, consider the planning implications before completing the purchase.
You may be interested in a property because you believe you can:
However, what appears physically possible is not necessarily acceptable under planning policy.
A planning consultant can assess your proposed plans and highlight relevant planning considerations before you commit to the purchase.
Before Purchasing Development Land
Planning advice can be particularly valuable when considering land for development.
The potential value of a site can depend heavily on what can realistically be achieved through the planning system. Existing permissions, planning history, local policies, access, surrounding development, and other site constraints can all influence development potential.
Obtaining professional advice before purchasing land can therefore help you make a more informed investment decision.
Before Preparing Detailed Drawings
It can also be beneficial to obtain planning advice before investing in detailed architectural drawings. The design and planning strategy should work together. If significant planning issues are discovered after the drawings have been completed, amendments may be necessary.
Early involvement can help ensure that planning considerations are taken into account as the proposal develops.
After a Planning Refusal
A refusal does not necessarily mean that your development cannot proceed.
The first step should be to understand why the application was refused. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to:
A planning consultant can review the decision notice and help you understand the potential options available.
What Services Does a Planning Consultant Provide?
The exact service provided will depend on the type, scale, and complexity of your project.
Planning Appraisals
A planning appraisal provides an opportunity to assess a proposal before progressing to a full application.
It can help establish:
This can be particularly useful if you are still deciding whether to proceed with a project.
Planning Applications
Where planning permission is required, a planning consultant can assist with the application process.
This may include reviewing the proposal, assessing relevant policies, developing a planning strategy, preparing planning documents, coordinating supporting information, and submitting the application.
Our planning application service provides professional support for clients who require assistance with preparing and progressing their application.
Change of Use Applications
Changing the use of a property may require planning permission depending on the existing and proposed uses and the circumstances of the site.
Examples may include:
Our change of use planning permission service can assist clients considering a change to the use of their property.
Planning Permission Variations
If you already have planning permission but want to make changes to the approved scheme, you may need to make a further application.
The appropriate route will depend on the nature and extent of the proposed amendments. A planning consultant can review the approved permission and advise on the most suitable approach.
Planning Conditions
Planning permission is often granted subject to conditions. These can require certain matters to be dealt with before development begins or before particular parts of the permission can be implemented.
If you have received approval but are unsure what a condition means or what you need to do next, obtaining professional advice can help clarify your obligations.
Retrospective Planning Permission
Where development has already taken place without the necessary planning permission, a retrospective application may be appropriate in certain circumstances.
This can arise where work has been carried out without permission or where the owner discovers that previous works were not properly authorised.
Professional advice can help establish the appropriate route rather than assuming that retrospective permission will automatically be granted.
Planning Consultant vs Architect: What Is the Difference?
A planning consultant and an architect can both be important to a property development, but they generally have different areas of responsibility.
A planning consultant focuses on the planning side of the project. They assess planning policies, consider planning constraints, advise on whether permission is required, and develop an appropriate planning strategy. They can also assist with planning applications and planning issues that arise during the process.
An architect focuses primarily on the design and technical development of the proposed building or alteration. Their work can include developing layouts, preparing architectural drawings, taking measurements, and producing plans for the proposed works.
For example, if you are planning a house extension, an architect may develop the proposed design and prepare the drawings, while a planning consultant considers the proposal against relevant planning policies and advises on the appropriate planning route.
For larger or more complicated projects, both professionals may work together. Coordinating the design and planning aspects can help identify potential issues earlier and produce a more considered proposal.
If you already have architectural drawings, you can provide them to a planning consultant for assessment before the application is submitted.
How to Choose a Planning Consultant
Choosing the right planning consultant is an important decision, particularly where your project involves a significant financial investment.
Make Sure the Advice Is Clear
Planning terminology can be complicated. Your consultant should be able to explain the relevant issues clearly and give you a realistic understanding of the potential options.
You should understand:
Check What the Service Includes
Before instructing a planning consultant, make sure you understand the scope of the service.
Ask whether the fee includes matters such as:
A clear scope helps ensure that both parties understand what is included from the outset.
Common Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming Your Neighbour’s Approval Applies to You
A nearby property may have received permission for similar works, but that does not automatically mean your proposal will be approved.
Differences in property design, site circumstances, planning history, and policy considerations can affect the outcome.
Assuming Planning Permission Is Not Required
Some works may benefit from permitted development rights, but these rights have specific limitations and conditions. If you are uncertain, check the planning position before beginning work.
Starting Work Before Confirming the Planning Position
Beginning development without the necessary permission can create complications and may result in enforcement action. Establishing the correct planning position before construction begins is therefore important.
Ignoring Planning History
Previous applications and decisions can provide useful information about how a site has been considered by the local planning authority.
Reviewing planning history can help identify previous concerns or opportunities that may be relevant to your proposal.
Concentrating Only on the Design
A well-designed building does not automatically mean that planning permission will be granted.
The proposal also needs to be considered in relation to planning policies, neighbouring properties, site circumstances and other relevant matters.
When comparing quotations, it is important to look beyond the headline price. Check exactly what is included and whether the proposed service addresses the requirements of your project.
Why Choose Expert Planning Consultants?
At Expert Planning Consultants, we provide professional planning support tailored to the circumstances of each project.
We work with homeowners, developers, landowners, and businesses on a range of planning matters, including:
Our approach is focused on helping clients understand their planning position and identify the most appropriate next step.
Whether you are considering a development, preparing an application, or dealing with an existing planning issue, speaking to a planning consultant early can help you approach the process with greater clarity.
What Happens When You Contact a Planning Consultant?
If you have not used a planning consultant before, you may be unsure about what happens after enquiring.
The process will usually begin with a discussion about your proposed project. Depending on the circumstances, you may be asked to provide information such as:
This information allows the consultant to understand the proposal and determine what type of planning support may be appropriate.
You can then be advised on the relevant service and the steps required to move your project forward.
Is a Planning Consultant Worth Hiring?
Whether you need a planning consultant will depend on your project, but professional advice can be particularly valuable where there is uncertainty, a significant financial investment, or a more complicated planning history.
A planning consultant can help you understand the requirements affecting your proposal, identify potential issues, and determine the most suitable route.
This can be useful whether you are considering purchasing development land, preparing drawings for an extension, changing the use of a property, or dealing with a planning refusal.
The earlier planning considerations are properly understood, the easier it can be to make informed decisions about how to proceed.
Get Professional Planning Advice for Your Project
Planning is an important part of any property development, and understanding the planning position before committing to the next stage can help you avoid unnecessary complications. Whether you are planning an extension, conversion, change of use, new build or development of land, the right advice can help you understand what is possible and what may be required.
A planning consultant can assess your proposal, consider the relevant planning policies, and advise on the most appropriate route for your circumstances. While planning permission can never be guaranteed, professional support can help you identify potential issues early and approach the application process with a clearer strategy.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we provide planning advice and support for residential, commercial, and development projects. From an initial planning appraisal through to planning application preparation and submission, our team can help you understand your options and take the appropriate next steps.
Contact us today to discuss your proposed development and find out how our planning consultants can help. Whether you are still considering your options, already have architectural drawings, or need assistance with an existing planning matter, our team can provide professional advice tailored to your project.