Whether you are planning an extension, converting a property, developing land, building a new home, changing the use of a building, or dealing with an existing planning issue, professional planning advice can help you understand the requirements affecting your project.
Planning matters can vary considerably from one property or development site to another. The relevant Local Planning Authority will consider a proposal against applicable national and local planning policies, the characteristics of the site, and other material considerations. As a result, what may be acceptable for one property may not necessarily be appropriate for another.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can help clients understand their planning position and determine the most appropriate way to progress their projects. Whether you need advice at the early stages of a proposal or support with a planning application, our team can provide professional planning guidance tailored to your circumstances.
What Does a Planning Consultant Do?
A planning consultant provides specialist advice on planning and development matters.
The services provided can vary depending on the type of property, proposed development, and level of support required. A planning consultant may help with:
A planning consultant’s role is not limited to completing an application form. In many cases, valuable planning work takes place before an application is submitted.
By assessing the proposal and relevant planning considerations at an early stage, a consultant can help establish whether the development is realistic and whether changes or additional information may be required.
When Should You Use Planning Consultants?
You do not necessarily need professional planning advice for every property alteration. Some straightforward works may fall within permitted development rights or may not require planning permission.
However, obtaining advice from planning consultants can be particularly useful where there is uncertainty about the planning requirements or where the proposed project represents a significant investment.
You may benefit from professional planning support if you are:
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can assess your project and advise on whether professional planning support would be appropriate and what type of service may be required.
Get Planning Advice Before Starting Your Project
One of the benefits of appointing a planning consultant early is that potential planning issues can be considered before significant time and money are invested in the development.
For example, you may have a clear idea of how you want to extend your property, but the proposed height, footprint, position, or relationship with neighbouring properties could create planning concerns.
Similarly, a development site may appear suitable for several homes, but access, highways, flood risk, ecology, design requirements, local policy or other constraints could affect what can realistically be proposed.
Professional planning advice can help you identify these matters before detailed design work progresses too far.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can review your proposal and provide advice on the planning considerations that may affect your project. This can help you make a more informed decision about whether to proceed and what steps should be taken next.
Planning Consultants for Residential Property
Planning consultants can assist with a wide range of residential projects, from individual home improvements to larger residential developments.
House Extensions
Extensions can involve planning considerations relating to their size, height, position, appearance, and impact on neighbouring properties.
Some extensions may qualify under permitted development rights if the relevant requirements are met. Others may require planning permission. A planning consultant can assess the proposed works and advise on the appropriate planning route before you proceed.
Property Conversions
Converting a house into flats or changing an existing building into residential accommodation can involve several planning considerations.
These may include the number and size of proposed units, access, parking, refuse storage, external appearance, and the effect on neighbouring properties.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can help assess the planning considerations associated with your proposed conversion and advise on the information that may be required.
New-Build Development
New residential development generally requires careful consideration of planning policy and site circumstances.
For individual homes or larger residential schemes, planning consultants can research the site’s planning history, surrounding development, applicable policies, and potential constraints.
This can help establish an appropriate development strategy before a planning application is prepared.
Planning Consultants for Development Land
If you own land or are considering purchasing a site with development potential, obtaining planning advice can be an important part of the decision-making process.
The size of a site does not automatically determine how much development can be achieved. Planning policy and site-specific circumstances can have a significant influence on the potential use and scale of development.
Planning consultants may assess:
The findings can help provide a clearer picture of the site’s planning position.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can help landowners and developers assess potential development opportunities and identify planning matters that may need to be considered before progressing with a proposal.
This can be particularly valuable where development potential is an important factor in deciding whether to purchase or invest in a site.
Planning Consultants for Commercial Projects
Planning consultants can also provide advice on commercial property and development proposals.
This can include:
Planning requirements can vary significantly depending on the existing and proposed use of a property.
If you are considering purchasing or leasing a commercial property for a particular purpose, professional planning advice before committing to the transaction can help you understand the planning position and identify potential issues.
How Planning Consultants Assess a Development
Every project has its own planning circumstances, so the assessment process will depend on the proposal.
A planning consultant may request information such as:
This information can then be considered alongside the relevant planning policies and circumstances of the site.
Planning History
Previous applications can provide useful context when assessing a proposal.
A refusal may identify planning issues that need to be addressed, while previous approvals can provide information about how development has been considered in the surrounding area.
However, previous planning decisions do not guarantee that a new proposal will receive approval. Each application is assessed according to its own circumstances.
Planning Policy
National and local planning policies form an important part of the planning assessment.
A consultant can research the policies relevant to the property or site and consider how they relate to the proposed development. This can help identify areas where the proposal may need to be adapted or where additional justification may be required.
Site Constraints
Site-specific constraints can influence development potential.
Depending on the location, these may include:
Identifying these issues early can give you a greater opportunity to address them during the design and planning stages.
Development Feasibility
The information gathered during the assessment can then be used to consider whether the proposed development appears feasible from a planning perspective.
This does not guarantee planning approval, but it can provide useful professional advice to help inform your next decision.
Planning Applications and Submission Support
When a proposal is ready to progress, planning consultants can provide support with the application process.
A planning application may require more than an application form and architectural drawings. Depending on the proposal, the Local Planning Authority may require planning statements, supporting documents, or specialist reports. A planning consultant can help identify the information that may be relevant to the application and coordinate with architects or specialist consultants where necessary.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can help prepare and progress planning applications while providing support when planning matters are raised by the council. During the determination process, the Local Planning Authority may request additional information, clarification, or amendments.
Professional planning support can help you understand these requests and determine how best to respond while maintaining the overall planning strategy for the proposal.
Get Help From an Expert Planning Consultant
If you are uncertain about the planning requirements affecting your property or development, speaking to an expert planning consultant can help you establish a clearer route forward.
A planning consultant can assess your proposal, research relevant policies and planning history, identify potential constraints and advise on the planning process that may apply.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can provide professional planning advice for homeowners, developers, landowners and businesses. Whether you are considering a development opportunity, preparing a planning application or dealing with an existing planning issue, we can help you understand the planning considerations relevant to your project.
Why Choose Professional Planning Consultants?
Planning requirements can be complex, particularly where a development involves multiple considerations or significant investment.
Working with professional planning consultants can provide several benefits.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can tailor our planning support to the requirements of your project, whether you need initial advice or assistance throughout the application process.
How to Choose the Right Planning Consultant
Choosing a planning consultant should involve more than comparing fees.
The right professional should have relevant experience and be able to understand the planning considerations associated with your particular type of development.
Before appointing a consultant, it can be useful to establish:
Planning consultancy services may cover planning advice, feasibility assessments, application preparation and planning support. Local authority application fees, architectural drawings, and specialist reports may be separate depending on the requirements of the project.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can discuss your requirements and help establish the most appropriate level of planning support for your project.
Common Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Seeking planning advice too late can create unnecessary difficulties.
One common mistake is investing heavily in detailed drawings before understanding whether the proposed development is likely to be acceptable in principle.
Another is assuming that a previous approval or a similar nearby development guarantees the same outcome. Planning decisions are based on the individual circumstances of each proposal.
It can also be a mistake to assume that every project automatically requires a full planning application. Depending on the circumstances, permitted development rights or another planning route may apply.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can help you establish the appropriate planning route before you commit to the next stage of your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are planning consultants?
Planning consultants are professionals who provide advice on planning and development matters. They can assist with planning applications, development feasibility, planning policy, changes of use, planning refusals, appeals, and other planning issues.
Do I need a planning consultant?
Not every project requires professional planning advice. However, a consultant can be particularly useful where planning permission is required, the development is complex, there are site constraints, or the project represents a significant investment.
Can planning consultants help with planning permission?
Yes. Depending on the service required, planning consultants can advise on the planning requirements, assist with application preparation, and provide support during the council’s assessment.
Can planning consultants assess development land?
Yes. A planning consultant can research planning history, policies, site constraints, and surrounding development to help assess the potential of a site.
Should I speak to a planning consultant before buying a property?
If development potential is an important reason for purchasing a property, obtaining professional planning advice beforehand can help identify potential opportunities and constraints before you commit to the purchase.
Can planning consultants help with planning refusals?
Yes. A consultant can review the reasons for refusal and advise on possible options, which may include amendments, a revised application, a new application, or an appeal.
Can planning consultants work with architects?
Yes. Planning consultants and architects often work together. An architect can focus on the design and drawings, while the planning consultant considers planning policy, requirements, and strategy.
Can a planning consultant guarantee planning approval?
No. Planning decisions are made by the relevant Local Planning Authority. A consultant can assess the proposal and provide professional advice, but the final decision rests with the planning authority.
Professional Planning Advice for Your Project
Planning requirements can have a significant impact on whether and how a development can proceed. Understanding the planning position at an early stage can help you identify potential constraints, assess development opportunities, and make informed decisions about your project.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we can help homeowners, developers, landowners, and businesses understand the planning requirements affecting their projects. Whether you are considering an extension, conversion, new-build development, change of use, or development of land, our team can provide professional planning support tailored to your requirements.
Contact us today to discuss your project and find out how our expert planning consultants can help you navigate the planning process and take the next step with confidence.