Instructing a Planning Consultant is an important step in your development journey. Someone with detailed knowledge of the planning system, instructed early on within the project can really help to make the application process smoother and often quicker than applying for permission yourself.
The below information helps to detail the typical ways in which we can help, however every project is different and of course we would be very happy to discuss your plans in more detail.
Planning Advice
The planning system can often be complex and daunting. We are here to provide general advice on all aspects of the planning system, from feasibility advice on early proposals, development potential, permitted development rights, planning applications, discharge of conditions, appeals, and land promotion.
Site Appraisals
Often the first step of our involvement, we are able to review relevant planning policies and provide an initial site appraisal setting out the development potential of your site or property and highlighting any obstacles to achieving planning permission, minimising risks and potential delays later on.
Planning Statements
We can provide planning statements to support applications for all types of development, presenting your development proposal to the Local Planning Authority in the best possible way. A Planning Statement is a key supporting document that demonstrates how a proposed development, whether a change of use, a new building or a householder extension, complies with the relevant planning policies, and considers any other relevant material considerations.
Permitted Development Advice
We can advise as to whether your proposals can benefit from permitted development rights, meaning that planning permission is not required, and we can assist you with the Prior Notification and Prior Approval process where this is needed before work can begin. We can also help you obtain confirmation from the Local Planning Authority that any deemed Permitted Development works that have taken place or are intended to take place are lawful, via a Lawful Use/Development Certificate.
Applications
The process of obtaining planning permission can often be complex and require ongoing discussion and negotiation with the Local Planning Authority. We are able to prepare, submit and manage all types of applications for all kinds of development proposals, from Full or Outline Planning Applications, Discharge of Conditions Applications, Minor or Non-Material Amendments, Lawful Use/Development Certificates, Applications for Prior Notification or Approval, or applications for Advertisement Consent. We can also engage with the Local Planning Authority at an early stage to seek advice on your proposals through a Pre-Application Request.
Appeals
If you are facing lengthy delays in your planning application or your application has recently been refused, we can help you appeal against the Council’s ‘non-determination’ or against its decision, presenting a clear and comprehensive Statement of Case against the reasons for refusal.
Objections
We are able to review a development proposal and establish whether there are any planning grounds for objection, and prepare a professionally written and fully considered letter on your behalf.
Planning Enforcement
We can assist in a wide range of matters related to planning breaches and enforcement, from preparing and submitting an application to secure retrospective planning permission seeking to regularise a breach of planning control, to appealing an Enforcement Notice.