If you are considering a property development, land purchase, extension, conversion or change of use, understanding the planning position early can help you make informed decisions about your project.
Town planning consultancy provides professional advice on the planning system and how it applies to individual properties, development sites, and proposed schemes. A town planning consultancy can assess your proposal, review relevant planning policies, identify potential constraints, and help determine the most appropriate route for obtaining the necessary planning consent.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we provide town planning consultancy services for homeowners, developers, landowners, and businesses. From initial planning advice and development assessments to planning applications and planning appeals, our team can provide support tailored to the requirements of your project.
What Is Town Planning Consultancy?
Town planning consultancy is a professional service focused on planning, development, and land-use matters. A town planning consultant helps clients understand how planning policies and regulations may affect a proposed development and what steps may be required to progress it.
Depending on the project, town planning consultancy can cover:
The level of support required will depend on the circumstances of the project.
A homeowner considering a house extension may only require advice on the planning route and application process, while a developer assessing a larger site may need ongoing planning consultancy throughout the development process.
The purpose of the service is to provide professional planning guidance so that decisions can be made with a clearer understanding of the planning position.
Why Use a Town Planning Consultancy?
Planning applications can sometimes appear straightforward, particularly when the proposed development is relatively small. However, a proposal may be affected by planning policies, previous decisions, site-specific restrictions, and other considerations that are not always obvious at the beginning.
A professional town planning consultancy can help identify these issues before they create unnecessary complications.
Understand the Planning Position
Before progressing with a development, it is useful to understand whether the proposal is likely to require planning permission and what planning considerations may apply.
A consultant can assess the proposal and consider matters such as:
This can provide a clearer basis for deciding how to proceed.
Identify Potential Problems Early
Planning issues are generally easier to address when they are identified early.
For example, you may have architectural drawings prepared for an extension before discovering that the proposed scale, position, or appearance raises planning concerns. If these issues are identified during the early stages, the design can potentially be adjusted before the application is submitted.
Develop a Planning Strategy
Some developments require more than simply completing a planning application form.
A planning strategy considers the wider circumstances of the project and determines how the proposal should be approached. This can include deciding whether to seek pre-application advice, whether changes to the proposal may be appropriate, what supporting information may be needed, and which planning route is most suitable.
When Should You Use Town Planning Consultancy?
There is no requirement to wait until your architectural drawings are complete before seeking planning advice.
In many circumstances, early involvement can be beneficial.
Before Buying a Property
If you are purchasing a property because you intend to extend, convert or redevelop it, consider the planning position before committing to the purchase.
For example, you may be considering a property because you believe you can:
However, the fact that a development appears physically possible does not mean that it will necessarily be acceptable in planning terms. A town planning consultancy can help you investigate the relevant planning considerations before you proceed.
Before Buying Development Land
Planning advice can be particularly important when considering land for development.
The development potential of a site may depend on planning policies, planning history, access, surrounding land uses and other site-specific matters.
A planning consultant can assess the available information and help you understand the opportunities and constraints associated with the site. This can be particularly useful when the proposed development is an important factor in deciding whether to proceed with a land purchase.
Before Preparing Detailed Drawings
Planning and architectural design should ideally be considered together.
An architect can develop the design, while a planning consultant can consider whether the proposal is likely to be acceptable under the relevant planning policies. Obtaining planning advice before detailed drawings are finalised can help avoid developing a scheme that later needs substantial changes.
Before Submitting a Planning Application
If your drawings are already prepared, a town planning consultant can review the proposal before submission.
This can help identify:
The aim is to ensure that the planning aspects of the proposal have been properly considered before the application is submitted.
After a Planning Refusal
A refused planning application should be carefully reviewed before deciding what to do next.
The decision notice will explain the reasons for refusal, and these reasons can help determine whether the proposal could be amended or whether another route should be considered.
Depending on the circumstances, options may include:
Our planning appeals service can provide professional support when an appeal is being considered.
What Does a Town Planning Consultancy Provide?
The services provided will depend on the nature of the project.
Planning Appraisals
A planning appraisal can provide an initial assessment of a proposed development.
It may consider:
This can be useful if you are still deciding whether to proceed with a project.
Planning Applications
Town planning consultancy can include preparing and progressing planning applications.
Depending on the service required, this may involve:
Our planning applications service provides professional support for clients who need assistance with their planning applications.
Change of Use
A change of use occurs when a property or building is proposed to be used for a different purpose from its existing authorised use.
Examples can include:
Whether planning permission is required depends on the circumstances of the property and the proposed change.
Our change of use planning permission service provides planning advice and support for clients considering a change of use.
Planning Conditions
Planning permission may be granted subject to conditions.
These conditions can require additional information, approvals, or actions before certain aspects of a development can proceed. If you have received permission but are uncertain about the requirements attached to it, professional planning advice can help you understand the next steps.
Planning Permission Variations
An approved scheme may sometimes need to be changed.
Depending on the nature of the proposed amendments, a further planning application or variation may be necessary. A planning consultant can review the original approval and proposed changes and advise on the appropriate planning route.
Town Planning Consultancy for Homeowners
Town planning consultancy is not limited to large-scale developments.
Homeowners may seek planning advice for projects such as:
Professional advice can help homeowners understand whether their proposal requires permission and what planning considerations need to be addressed.
This can be particularly helpful where the proposed works go beyond a straightforward alteration or where the property has an unusual planning history.
Town Planning Consultancy for Developers
Developers may require a more strategic level of planning support.
A development project can involve several stages, and planning decisions made early in the process can influence later design and delivery.
Town planning consultancy can assist developers with:
For larger projects, planning consultants may also coordinate with architects, engineers, and specialist consultants so that the various aspects of the proposal are considered together.
Town Planning Consultancy for Landowners
Landowners considering development may benefit from professional planning advice before deciding how to progress a site.
A consultant can review the planning background and help identify potential development opportunities.
This can include examining:
Understanding these factors can help establish a more informed approach to the site’s future.
Town Planning Consultancy vs Architect
A town planning consultancy and an architectural practice can work closely together, but they have different primary roles.
A town planning consultant focuses on the planning aspects of development. They assess planning policy, identify planning constraints, advise on the appropriate planning route, and assist with planning applications and related matters.
An architect focuses primarily on the design of the building or proposed alteration. This can include developing layouts, preparing architectural drawings, taking measurements, and producing plans.
For example, if you are planning a house extension, the architect may develop the proposed design while the town planning consultant considers whether the proposal is appropriate from a planning perspective.
For more complex projects, having both professionals involved can help ensure that the design and planning strategy are coordinated from an early stage.
Common Mistakes When Dealing With Planning
Assuming a Neighbour’s Approval Guarantees Yours
A nearby property may have received permission for similar development, but this does not mean your proposal will automatically be approved. Each application is considered on its own circumstances, and differences in design, site conditions, planning history, and policy can affect the outcome.
Assuming You Automatically Have Permitted Development Rights
Permitted development rights are subject to conditions and limitations.
Certain properties and locations may also have additional restrictions. If you are uncertain about whether your proposal qualifies, professional advice should be obtained before construction begins.
Ignoring Planning History
Previous applications and decisions can provide useful information about a site.
A refusal may highlight recurring planning concerns, while an existing permission may provide important context for a new proposal.
Preparing a Design Without Planning Advice
A design may be technically possible but still raise planning concerns.
Considering planning policy during the design stage can help ensure that the proposal is developed with the relevant planning requirements in mind.
Submitting Without Checking the Application
Missing information or inconsistencies between drawings and supporting documents can create unnecessary issues during the application process. A professional review before submission can help identify potential problems.
How to Choose a Town Planning Consultancy
Selecting a planning consultancy should involve looking beyond the basic service description
Understand the Scope
Make sure you know exactly what the consultancy will provide.
Ask How the Process Will Work
You should understand what information will be needed from you and what the consultant will handle. Clear communication from the beginning can make the planning process easier to manage.
What Happens When You Instruct Expert Planning Consultants?
The process begins by understanding your project and the planning issue you need assistance with.
You may be asked to provide information such as:
The information can then be assessed to determine the appropriate planning service.
For some projects, this may lead to an initial planning appraisal. For others, the next stage may be preparation of a planning application or advice on an existing planning matter. The exact process will depend on the circumstances of your project.
Why Choose Expert Planning Consultants?
At Expert Planning Consultants, we provide professional town planning consultancy for homeowners, developers, landowners, and businesses.
Our services cover a range of planning matters, including:
We understand that every site and proposal has its own planning considerations. Our approach is therefore focused on understanding your objectives, assessing the relevant planning issues, and advising you on the most appropriate way forward.
Whether you are at the initial idea stage or already have a developed proposal, our team can provide professional planning support tailored to your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is town planning consultancy?
Town planning consultancy is a professional service providing advice on planning, development, and land-use matters. It can include planning appraisals, planning applications, development strategy, changes of use, and planning appeals.
What does a town planning consultancy do?
A town planning consultancy assesses development proposals, reviews relevant planning policies, identifies potential constraints and advises clients on the appropriate planning route.
When should I use a town planning consultancy?
You can seek planning advice at any stage, but it can be particularly useful before purchasing development land, preparing detailed drawings, or submitting a planning application.
Can a town planning consultancy help with planning permission?
Yes. A planning consultancy can advise on whether planning permission is required, which application route may be appropriate, and what information may be needed to support the proposal.
Can a town planning consultancy help after a planning refusal?
Yes. A consultant can review the reasons for refusal and advise on potential options, which may include revising the proposal, submitting another application, or considering an appeal.
Can town planning consultants work with architects?
Yes. Town planning consultants and architects can work together so that planning considerations and architectural design are coordinated throughout the project.
Can a town planning consultancy help with development land?
Yes. Planning consultants can assess planning history, policy considerations, potential uses, and other relevant factors when considering the development potential of land.
Professional Town Planning Consultancy
The planning process can influence how a development is designed, whether it requires permission, and what steps are needed before it can proceed. Obtaining professional advice at the right stage can help you identify planning considerations early and make better-informed decisions about your property or development site.
At Expert Planning Consultants, we provide town planning consultancy services for homeowners, developers, landowners, and businesses. Whether you need an initial planning appraisal, assistance with a planning application, or advice following a planning decision, our team can help you understand your options and progress your project.
Contact us today to discuss your proposed development and find out how our town planning consultancy services can support you. Whether you are considering your options, preparing a planning application, or dealing with an existing planning matter, our team can provide professional advice tailored to your project.