The constant introduction of new legislation and government policies means that our planning system is always changing, which can make it hard to understand and keep abreast of the latest developments.
Planning consultants have an expert knowledge of planning policy and the relevant case law, and can play a vital role in securing approval for a planning application – saving you time, money and heartache, and removing any confusion you might have. As a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, they undertake continuous professional development to ensure that they are up to date.
A planning consultant can undertake appraisals and feasibility studies at the beginning of a project, identifying the key issues and constraints you might face, and they can help you refine your proposals to ensure you are pursuing the most suitable options for your development.
They can help ensure everything runs smoothly and may be able to identify alternative strategies to realise an objective or identify additional opportunities or sources of revenue that might not be immediately apparent to you.
Planning consultants can reduce the issues associated with liaising with the local planning authority and third-party consultants, having experienced the different ways that various planning authorities work.
They can build up good relationships with planning officers, consultees and other relevant stakeholders involved in the planning process to ensure the efficient consideration of a planning application, having a wide range of contacts who can assist with the varied technical areas of making an application. They have access to a wide range of reliable professionals to assist with such issues as heritage, ecology and arboriculture.
A planning consultant manages an application through to determination, monitoring the progress of applications to ensure decisions are made in a timely manner. They are aware of the information needed to validate an application, and what is not relevant – they can refute requests for unnecessary additional information.
Your planning consultant can then present your application to the planning committee, identifying the merits of the proposals, using their professional knowledge and experience to allay any concerns raised by third parties and councillors.
Employing a planning consultant will not guarantee you automatic approval for your application, but it will significantly enhance your chances of success.
- Planning applications
- Lawful development certificates (existing (CLEUDs) or proposed (CLOPUDs))
- Listed building consents
- Advertisement consents
- S73 variation of conditions
