Planning permission can be an important part of any property development project. Whether you are extending your home, converting a property, changing its use, or developing a new site, the planning process can involve more than simply completing an application form.
This is where planning permission consultants can provide valuable support. They can assess your proposal, advise on planning requirements, identify potential issues, and help you determine the most suitable way to progress your project.
Choosing the right planning consultant is important because every project is different. The type of development, location, planning history, site constraints, and relevant policies can all influence how a proposal should be approached.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we provide professional planning consultancy services for homeowners, property owners, and developers, supporting a wide range of residential and commercial projects.
What Can Planning Permission Consultants Help With?
Planning permission consultants can provide support at different stages of a development project, from an initial idea through to an application and, where necessary, an appeal.
Their role may include:
The level of involvement can depend on the complexity of the project and what assistance you require.
For a straightforward proposal, you may only need an initial planning assessment. For a more complex development, you may benefit from ongoing planning support throughout the application process.
Why Is Professional Planning Support Important?
Planning decisions are based on the circumstances of each proposal and the planning policies relevant to the site.
This means that understanding planning permission is not simply about finding out whether another property has received approval for similar work. A proposal needs to be considered in its own context.
Planning consultants can help you understand the planning considerations that may apply to your project and identify potential issues before an application is submitted.
This can be particularly useful when:
When Should You Speak to Planning Permission Consultants?
At the Beginning of Your Project
You do not necessarily have to wait until your drawings are finished before speaking to a planning consultant.
In fact, obtaining planning advice at an early stage can help you understand whether your initial idea is realistic and whether there are issues that should be considered before the design progresses.
For example, if you want to build a large rear extension, the initial design may need to take into account the character of the property, neighbouring impact, site constraints, and relevant planning policies.
Early advice allows these matters to be considered before you become too committed to a particular proposal.
Before Purchasing Development Land
Planning advice can be particularly valuable if you are considering buying land for development.
Before making a significant investment, you may want to understand the planning background of the site and investigate whether the type of development you have in mind could be feasible.
This can involve looking at:
A planning consultant cannot guarantee that planning permission will be granted, but professional advice can help you make a more informed decision before progressing.
Before Submitting an Application
If your drawings have already been prepared, a planning consultant can review the proposal from a planning perspective before submission.
This can help identify whether there are obvious planning issues, whether the application is supported by the necessary information, and whether the proposal is presented appropriately.
What Should You Look for in Planning Permission Consultants?
Not all planning projects require the same type of expertise. When comparing planning consultants, consider whether their experience matches your project.
Understanding of Your Planning Requirements
A good consultant should be able to explain the main planning issues affecting your proposal in clear language.
You should understand what needs to happen next and why particular information or changes may be necessary.
A Clear Scope of Service
Before instructing planning permission consultants, establish exactly what they will handle.
For example, does the service include:
Understanding the scope from the beginning can help avoid confusion later.
Realistic Advice
Be cautious of consultants who make unrealistic promises about planning outcomes.
No planning consultant can guarantee that a local planning authority will approve an application. What a professional consultant can do is assess the proposal, identify planning considerations, and provide informed advice based on the circumstances of the project.
Planning Permission Consultants and Architectural Drawings
Planning and architectural design are closely connected, but they are not the same service.
Architectural professionals focus primarily on the design and technical aspects of the proposed building work, while planning consultants focus on planning policy, planning applications, and the wider planning process.
For many projects, the two professionals need to work together.
The design may need to respond to planning considerations such as:
At Expert Planning Consultants, our planning services can work alongside architectural design services where required, helping ensure that the planning and design aspects of a project are considered together.
What Types of Projects Can Planning Permission Consultants Support?
Residential Extensions
Extensions can involve planning considerations relating to size, position, height, design, and neighbouring impact.
A consultant can help establish whether the proposed works require planning permission or whether another planning route may be available.
Loft Conversions
Some loft conversions may fall within permitted development rights, while others require planning permission. The rules are not identical for every property, so the circumstances of the specific project need to be considered.
New Build Homes
New residential development can involve more extensive planning considerations, including the principle of development, design, access, parking, amenity, and the relationship with existing development. Professional planning input can therefore be useful from the early feasibility stage.
Conversion to Flats
Converting a house into multiple flats can raise planning issues relating to the number of units, layout, access, parking, residential amenity, and the character of the area.
Planning permission consultants can help assess the proposal and advise on the application requirements.
Change of Use
A change in how a building or property is used may require planning permission.
Examples can include changes between different residential, commercial, or other uses. The appropriate planning route depends on the existing and proposed use and the circumstances of the property.
Commercial Development
Commercial projects can involve a range of considerations, including access, transport, neighbouring impact, operating conditions, environmental matters and the suitability of the proposed use.
A planning consultant can help identify the key planning issues before the application is submitted.
Development Land
For landowners and developers, planning consultants can provide advice on the potential of a site and help develop a planning strategy appropriate to the proposed development.
How Do Planning Permission Consultants Support an Application?
A planning application involves several stages, and professional support can extend beyond the initial submission.
1. Understanding the Proposal
The consultant first needs to understand what you want to achieve and the circumstances of the property or site.
2. Assessing Planning Considerations
Relevant planning policies, site history, constraints, and other factors can then be considered.
3. Developing a Planning Strategy
The proposal can be assessed against the relevant planning framework to determine how it should be presented and whether amendments may be appropriate.
4. Preparing the Application
The consultant can help prepare the planning aspects of the application and coordinate the necessary information.
5. Submission
Once the application is ready, it can be submitted to the relevant local planning authority.
6. Responding During the Process
If the council raises questions or requests further information, the consultant can help assess what is being requested and prepare an appropriate response.
7. Dealing With the Outcome
Once a decision is issued, further advice may be required. This could involve planning conditions, amendments, a fresh application, or an appeal, depending on the circumstances.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Planning Permission Consultants
Choosing Someone Who Has No Relevant Experience
A consultant may have planning experience but limited experience with your particular type of project.
Always consider whether their previous work is relevant to what you are proposing.
Assuming a Nearby Approval Means Your Project Will Be Approved
Planning decisions are based on the individual proposal and its circumstances.
A nearby approval may provide useful information, but it should not be treated as a guarantee that your project will receive the same outcome.
Leaving Planning Advice Until the End
Waiting until the drawings are complete can sometimes mean that planning issues are discovered after significant design work has already been undertaken.
Getting planning input earlier can help you identify potential problems sooner.
Focusing Only on the Application Form
A planning application is about more than completing paperwork. The proposal, drawings, supporting information, and planning case all need to work together.
Choosing Solely on Price
The cheapest quote is not necessarily the most suitable option.
Consider the consultant’s experience, service scope, communication, and understanding of your project before making a decision.
Why Choose Expert Planning Consultants?
At Expert Planning Consultants, we understand that planning requirements vary from one project to another.
Our team collectively has decades of experience in planning consultancy and supports both residential and commercial projects. We can assist with planning matters ranging from initial assessments and planning applications to more complex development proposals and planning issues.
Our Planning Permission service provides a starting point for clients who want professional advice about their proposed development and whether planning permission may be required.
For clients who are ready to progress with an application, our Planning Applications service provides support with preparing and submitting the application.
We aim to give clients a clearer understanding of their planning position and help them move their project forward with an appropriate planning strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are planning permission consultants?
Planning permission consultants are professionals who advise property owners and developers on planning matters, including planning permission, development proposals, applications, planning policy, and appeals.
Do I need planning permission consultants for a small project?
Not necessarily. Some smaller projects may fall within permitted development rights or may not require planning permission. However, if you are uncertain about the planning position, obtaining professional advice can help clarify the requirements before you proceed.
Can planning permission consultants submit an application for me?
Yes. A planning consultant can act as your agent and assist with preparing and submitting a planning application where this forms part of the agreed service.
Can planning consultants help with a refused application?
Yes. A consultant can review the reasons for refusal and advise on the available options, which may include amendments, a fresh application, or an appeal.
Can planning permission consultants help before buying land?
Yes. Planning advice can be obtained before purchasing development land to help you investigate the planning background, constraints, and potential of a site.
How much do planning permission consultants charge?
The cost varies depending on the type of project, its complexity, and the level of professional support required. It is important to establish what is included in the service before instructing a consultant.
Can planning consultants guarantee approval?
No. Planning permission cannot be guaranteed. A consultant can provide professional advice and help develop and present a proposal, but the final planning decision rests with the relevant planning authority.
Choosing Professional Planning Support
Planning permission consultants can provide useful support at several stages of a property or development project. From assessing an initial proposal to preparing an application and responding to planning issues, professional guidance can help you understand what is required and make informed decisions.
The right consultant should have relevant experience, provide realistic advice, and offer a clear scope of service that matches the needs of your project. Getting the right planning input at the appropriate stage can also help you identify potential issues before they become more difficult to address.
Contact us today to discuss your proposed development with Expert Planning Consultants. Our team can assess your planning requirements and advise you on the most appropriate next steps for your project.