Whether you want to extend your home, develop a plot of land, build a new property, convert an existing building, change its use, or deal with a planning issue, understanding the planning position early can help you make better decisions.
Planning requirements can vary significantly between properties and development sites. The relevant Local Planning Authority will consider the proposal against applicable planning policies, the circumstances of the site and other material planning considerations. This means that advice based on a general example may not accurately reflect what is possible for your property.
A town planner can assess your proposal, research the relevant planning policies and planning history, identify potential constraints, and advise on the most appropriate way to proceed.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we provide professional planning advice and support for homeowners, developers, landowners, and businesses across the UK. From early planning advice and feasibility assessments to planning applications and other planning matters, our team can help you understand the requirements affecting your project.
What Does a Town Planner Do?
A town planner provides professional advice on the planning aspects of property and land development.
The work involved depends on the type and complexity of the project, but a town planner may help with:
A town planner does not simply complete an application form. For many projects, the important work takes place before an application is submitted, when the proposal, planning policy, and potential issues are assessed.
This early stage can help determine whether the proposed development is realistic and whether changes should be considered before further time and money are invested.
When Do You Need a Town Planner?
Not every property project requires professional planning advice. Some straightforward works may fall within permitted development rights or may not require planning permission.
However, speaking to a town planner can be particularly useful when there is uncertainty about the planning requirements or when the project involves a significant investment.
You may benefit from professional planning advice if you are:
The earlier the planning considerations are understood, the more flexibility you generally have to adapt the proposal if potential issues are identified.
Get Planning Advice Before You Start Your Project
One of the most common mistakes property owners make is moving straight into detailed design without first understanding the planning position.
For example, you may have a clear idea of how you want to extend your home, but the proposed size, height, position, or relationship with neighbouring properties could create planning concerns.
Similarly, a developer may identify a plot that appears suitable for several houses but discover later that access, local policy, flood risk, ecology, design requirements, or other constraints affect the development potential.
Obtaining professional planning advice at an early stage can help you establish what may be achievable before committing significant resources to detailed drawings or construction.
Our Planning Permission service provides professional advice for projects ranging from smaller residential works to larger and more complex developments. It includes an initial planning appraisal to establish whether permission is required and provide an indication of the potential prospects of the proposal. Planning Permission service
Town Planners for Residential Projects
Homeowners commonly search for a town planner near me when they are considering changes to their property.
Residential planning projects can include:
House Extensions
Rear, side and two-storey extensions can involve planning considerations relating to scale, design, neighbouring properties, overlooking, light, character and the overall appearance of the building.
Some extensions may qualify as permitted development, but this depends on meeting the relevant requirements. Where those requirements are not met, planning permission may be required.
Loft Conversions
A loft conversion can sometimes be carried out under permitted development rights, but restrictions and conditions apply.
If you are unsure whether your proposed loft conversion qualifies, professional planning advice can help establish the appropriate route before work begins.
Garage Conversions
Converting a garage can involve both planning and building considerations. If external changes are proposed or the development does not fall within permitted development rights, planning permission may be necessary.
Conversion to Flats
Converting a house or other property into multiple residential units can involve a number of planning considerations, including the number and size of units, access, parking, waste storage, design, and the impact on neighbouring properties.
New-Build Homes
New-build developments generally require planning permission and can involve significantly more detailed planning considerations than smaller residential alterations.
A town planner can assess the site and proposed development against relevant policies and identify potential planning requirements before the project progresses.
Town Planners for Development Land
If you own land or are considering purchasing a site, planning advice can be particularly valuable.
The physical size of a site does not necessarily determine how much development can be achieved. Planning policy and site-specific constraints can have a major influence on what may be acceptable.
A town planner may investigate:
This type of assessment can help establish the potential of the site before you commit to a particular development strategy.
For landowners and developers, early planning advice can therefore be an important part of assessing whether a project is commercially and practically worth pursuing.
Town Planning Advice for Commercial Property
Town planners can also assist with commercial property and development projects.
This may include:
A change of use, for example, can involve planning considerations that are not immediately obvious from the physical appearance of a property.
The existing use, proposed use, and any associated building works need to be considered alongside the relevant planning policies and permitted development rights.
Obtaining advice before purchasing or leasing a property can be particularly useful where the proposed use is an important part of the investment decision.
How a Town Planner Assesses Your Project
Every project is different, but professional planning advice will generally begin by understanding what you are trying to achieve.
You may be asked to provide:
The information can then be considered alongside the planning position for the site.
Planning History
Previous planning applications can provide useful information about how the site and surrounding properties have been considered previously.
A refusal may highlight an issue that needs to be addressed, while previous approvals may provide useful context for understanding the area’s development pattern.
However, a previous approval does not automatically mean that a new proposal will be approved. Each application is assessed according to its own circumstances.
Planning Policy
The relevant national and local planning policies need to be considered in relation to the proposal.
This helps establish whether the development is broadly consistent with the planning framework and what issues may need to be addressed.
Site Constraints
Potential constraints can significantly influence a proposal.
Depending on the site, these may include conservation area status, listed buildings, protected trees, flood risk, highways, ecology, heritage or other environmental considerations.
Development Feasibility
The information gathered can then be used to consider whether the proposal appears feasible from a planning perspective and what changes or further information may be required.
What Is a Planning Appraisal?
A planning appraisal is an initial professional assessment of a proposed development.
It can be particularly useful if you have an idea for a project but want to understand the planning position before proceeding with detailed design or a full application.
A planning appraisal may consider:
The purpose is not to guarantee approval. Instead, it provides professional advice based on research into the particular property or site.
This can give homeowners, developers and landowners greater clarity before they decide whether and how to proceed.
Town Planner or Architect: What Is the Difference?
A town planner and an architect have different areas of professional responsibility, although they often work together.
An architect primarily focuses on the design of a building or alteration and prepares architectural drawings and design information.
A town planner focuses on planning policy, planning requirements, development feasibility, and the planning strategy for the proposal.
For many projects, both disciplines can be valuable.
For example, an architect may develop the drawings for a proposed extension while a town planner considers whether the scale, position, and design are appropriate from a planning perspective.
Having the planning considerations understood alongside the design can help avoid developing a proposal that later requires substantial changes.
How to Choose the Right Town Planner Near Me
Searching for a town planner near me can produce a large number of results, but choosing the right professional requires more than simply selecting the closest company.
Look at Relevant Experience
Consider whether the town planner has worked on projects similar to yours.
The planning requirements for a house extension can be very different from those involved in a multi-unit residential development or commercial change of use.
Understand the Service
Ask what is included in the service you are considering.
You may only need an initial planning appraisal, or you may require assistance with an application and further planning correspondence. Understanding the scope of the service at the beginning can help avoid confusion later.
Consider Planning Knowledge
Your chosen town planner should be able to research the relevant Local Planning Authority and understand the policies and planning history affecting your site.
Avoid Promises of Guaranteed Approval
Planning decisions are made by the relevant planning authority. A professional consultant can assess the proposal, identify potential issues, and develop a planning strategy, but no consultant can guarantee the final decision.
Common Mistakes When Looking for a Town Planner
Choosing Based Only on Location
The closest town planner is not necessarily the most suitable.
Experience, relevant project knowledge, and the scope of the service should also be considered.
Waiting Until Problems Arise
It is often more difficult to resolve planning problems once substantial money has already been spent on a design or construction.
Early planning advice can help identify potential concerns while there is still flexibility to make changes.
Assuming a Similar Property Will Receive the Same Decision
Planning decisions depend on the individual circumstances of each proposal.
A nearby approval can provide useful evidence, but it does not guarantee that your development will receive the same outcome.
Assuming Planning Permission Is Always Necessary
Some proposals may fall within permitted development rights or another planning route.
It is important to establish the correct position for your particular property before assuming that a full planning application is required.
Treating Planning as Only an Application Form
A planning application needs to present the proposal in the context of the relevant planning policies and material considerations.
For more insight into the role of a planning consultant, our article Planning Consultant: What They Do and How They Can Help explains how professional planning support can assist with development proposals, planning requirements, and the planning process.
Why Choose Expert Planning Consultants?
If you are searching for a town planner near me, Expert Planning Consultants provides professional planning advice and support for homeowners, developers, landowners, and businesses across the UK.
Our planning team can assist with a wide range of projects, from residential extensions and conversions to new-build developments, commercial projects, changes of use and development land.
The focus is on understanding each project individually, researching the relevant planning position, and providing practical advice on the appropriate way forward.
Whether you are still considering an idea or already have drawings prepared, obtaining professional planning advice can help you understand the requirements and identify potential issues before progressing further.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a town planner?
A town planner is a professional who provides advice on planning and development matters. They can assist with planning policy, development feasibility, planning applications, changes of use, planning refusals, and other planning-related issues.
Do I need a town planner near me?
Not every project requires a town planner, but professional advice can be particularly useful where planning permission is uncertain, the development is complex, or the project involves significant investment.
Can a town planner tell me if I need planning permission?
Yes. A town planner can assess your proposal and the relevant planning rules to advise whether planning permission may be required or whether another planning route could apply.
Can a town planner help with development land?
Yes. A town planner can research the planning history, policies, constraints, and development context of a site to help assess its planning potential.
Should I speak to a town planner before buying a property?
If development potential is an important reason for purchasing the property, obtaining planning advice beforehand can help you understand potential opportunities and constraints before committing to the purchase.
Can a town planner help with a planning application?
Yes. Depending on the service required, a town planner can assist with planning strategy, application preparation, supporting information, and communication with the Local Planning Authority.
Can a town planner help after a refusal?
Yes. A town planner 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 a town planner work with my architect?
Yes. Town planners and architects often work together. The architect can focus on the design and drawings while the town planner advises on planning policy and the planning strategy.
Get Expert Town Planning Advice for Your Project
Finding a suitable town planner is an important step when you need professional advice about a property or development proposal.
The right planning support can help you understand whether permission is required, assess the feasibility of your proposal, identify potential planning constraints, and determine the appropriate route forward.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we provide planning advice for a wide range of residential, commercial, and development projects. Whether you are considering an extension, new-build development, change of use, conversion, or development of land, our planning consultants can assess your requirements and advise on the next steps.
Contact us today to discuss your project and find out how our expert town planners can assist with your planning requirements.