Assessing a site before purchase
When you need an informed view on planning potential before committing to a site, property or land opportunity.
Planning Consultancy
Planning Appraisals & Feasibility
Early-stage planning advice that helps clarify risk, opportunity and likely next steps before a project moves further into design, surveys or submission costs.
Key contact
Richard Pigott
Director
Early clarity before bigger decisions
Planning appraisals and feasibility studies help clients understand the likely planning position before a project progresses too far. They are especially valuable where a site has obvious constraints, where planning risk needs to be tested early, or where a clearer view of development potential is needed before committing further time and cost.
This kind of work can range from an initial professional view on a straightforward site through to a more formal planning feasibility study. Depending on the project, it may include review of planning history, local policy, site constraints, design context, heritage considerations, access issues and the wider planning prospects of the proposal.
For some clients, this stage provides reassurance before moving into design. For others, it helps avoid pursuing the wrong route, identifies where supporting information is needed, or clarifies whether a site has realistic potential at all.
When this service is useful
Testing development potential
When a site may support new development, change of use or a more ambitious proposal, but the likely planning position needs to be understood first.
Reviewing planning risk early
When policy, landscape, heritage, access or local context may create uncertainty around the proposal.
Clarifying the right next step
When it is not yet clear whether the project needs design development, pre-application advice, supporting surveys or a different strategy altogether.
Supporting landowners and estates
When rural sites, agricultural buildings or estate assets need careful appraisal before proposals are advanced.
Strengthening project decisions
When clients want greater confidence before investing in drawings, reports or a full planning submission.
What an appraisal may cover
The scope will vary depending on the site and the brief, but a planning appraisal or feasibility study may include the following.
Planning history and policy context
Reviewing relevant planning history, local and national policy, site allocations and any planning designations that may influence the proposal.
Likely planning prospects
Providing an early professional view on whether the proposal appears realistic, where risks sit, and what issues may need to be addressed.
Site constraints and opportunities
Identifying factors such as access, neighbouring uses, topography, landscape setting, settlement edge conditions and the wider character of the area.
Need for supporting information
Advising whether third-party reports, surveys, technical input or pre-application engagement are likely to be needed before a project progresses.
Heritage and design considerations
Highlighting whether listed buildings, conservation areas, local character or wider design issues are likely to influence the planning approach.
Recommended next steps
Setting out the most appropriate route forward, whether that is further appraisal, design development, pre-application advice or a planning submission.
Our process
A clear route to better decisions
Every site is different, but early planning advice is most useful when it is clear, proportionate and grounded in the realities of the site.
Our process is designed to identify issues early, test planning prospects and recommend the most effective next step.
Understanding the brief
Starting with the site
We begin by understanding the site, the client’s aims and the wider context around the project.
Testing the planning position
Testing the prospects
We assess planning history, policy, constraints and the key issues most likely to influence the outcome.
Identifying risks and opportunity
Clarifying the real picture
We draw together the main planning considerations and provide a balanced view of what appears realistic
Recommending the right route
Shaping next steps
We advise on whether the next stage should be design development, pre-application advice, further technical input or a planning submission.
Supporting what comes next
Moving forward with clarity
If the project progresses, we can continue to support the next stage as part of a wider planning, heritage and design service.
Need to know
Key considerations at appraisal stage
At feasibility stage, the goal is not to answer every technical detail, but to identify the issues most likely to influence whether and how a project should move forward.
Policy context
Whether the proposal aligns with local and national planning policy, site allocations and wider strategic objectives.Location and setting
How the site sits within its surroundings, including settlement edge conditions, countryside location, neighbouring uses and access to services.Design and character
Whether the likely form and scale of development can respond positively to local character and the wider built environment.Landscape and visual impact
Whether the site may be affected by landscape sensitivity, important views or a more exposed setting.Heritage sensitivity
Whether listed buildings, conservation areas or the historic environment may affect planning prospects or require specialist input.Access and site constraints
Whether highways, access arrangements, topography, ecology, flood risk or other practical constraints are likely to influence the planning route.
Relevant across multiple sectors
Planning appraisals and feasibility advice can add value across a wide range of project types, sectors and stages.
Homeowners
Useful where a site is more complex, constrained or planning risk needs to be understood before design work progresses.
Developers
Important for testing site potential, planning strategy and viability before committing to acquisition or submission.
Rural & Estates
Helpful where countryside policy, diversification, agricultural assets or sensitive settings need careful appraisal.
Commercial
Relevant where a business needs to understand change-of-use potential, redevelopment options or operational planning constraints.
Public Sector
Valuable where place, policy, community impact and deliverability all need to be considered early.
Related projects
Frequently asked questions
A planning appraisal is an early-stage professional review of a site or proposal. It helps identify the relevant policy context, likely planning issues, site constraints and realistic prospects before the project moves further into design or submission.
They are closely related. In practice, the level of detail depends on the site and the brief. Some projects need a concise professional view, while others benefit from a more formal feasibility study that tests planning prospects in greater detail.
Ideally, as early as possible. This kind of advice is most valuable before major design, survey or application costs are incurred, especially where the planning position is uncertain or the site is more sensitive.
Yes. Planning appraisals are often useful before purchase, helping clients understand whether a site appears to have realistic potential and what issues may affect value, strategy or the next step.
No planning consultant can guarantee an outcome, but an appraisal can provide a clearer and more informed view of likely prospects, risks and the issues most likely to affect a future application.
That depends on the findings. The next step may be design development, pre-application advice, further technical input or progression to a planning submission. If the project moves forward, we can continue to support those next stages.
Your next step
Need an early view on a site or proposal?
We can help assess the planning position, identify the key issues and recommend the most effective route forward.
Why choose Planning & Design
Joined-up thinking
Planning advice shaped alongside architecture, heritage and wider site considerations.
Clear, practical guidance
Advice grounded in what is realistic, not just what looks good on paper.
Breadth of experience
Support across residential, commercial, rural and public-sector contexts.
A structured approach
Clear next steps, clear communication, and a process that keeps momentum.