Planning Consultants
Gaining planning permission is a key step in almost any development. Get expert planning permission advice from our team of dedicated RTPI Chartered planning consultants.
A Flexible Approach To Securing Planning Permission Advice
Planning & Design Practice is a multi-disciplinary team of Town Planners, Architects, Architectural Assistants and Design Professionals. We can take a project through from inception to completion but we also offer the flexibility to engage a client’s own architects and provide a planning service. Our design team can also work with clients who have engaged other town planning professionals.
Our planners have worked in the public and private sectors, and have excellent working relations with Local Planning Authorities. This often proves invaluable and is a key to our success.
Our values are rooted in friendly service, integrity, teamwork and meeting client’s expectations. We provide honest and sound advice, mediate when required and maintain high professional standards. We aim to build strong and lasting relationships with our clients and we are always pleased to work with architects and other professional companies.
Contact us for a no-obligation consultation to discuss your project and ideas at 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk
Key Contact
Planning and Design Services We Offer
Planning Permission Advice
Planning & Design Practice is a multi-disciplinary team with extensive knowledge about the policies and procedures of individual councils and the approach taken by planning officers and Councillors. Our aim is to achieve planning permission that meets our client’s brief and that will deliver development.
Urban Design
We have a talented group of planners and urban designers who can work with you to create modern, sustainable and outward-looking designs that support communities, and which will gain the support of local planning authorities.
Appeals
Had planning permission refused? We can assist you with your right to appeal by helping you to navigate the complex appeals process and giving you the best chance of a favourable outcome.
Enforcement
The planning system is complex and mistakes happen. Local authorities have the right to enforce planning control. If you have been accused of breaching planning control, our team can help. We’ll suggest a course of action and can liaise with the council to find a way forward.
Planning services we provide
- Planning Applications
- Zone of Theoretical Visibility Maps (ZTV)
- S106 negotiations
- Appeals
- Public Inquiries and Hearings
- Strategic planning advice
- Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Heritage advice
- Planning and development appraisals
- Urban Regeneration
- Office to residential development
- Expert witness
- Site appraisal
- Barn Conversions
- Evidence Base
Rural:
- Farm Buildings
- Farm Diversification
- Agricultural Workers Dwellings
- Barn conversions
- Small holdings
- Farm shops
- Green Belt
- National Parks
Leisure and Tourism:
- Holiday Accommodation
- Equestrian Development
- Tourist Attractions
- Camping and Caravan Sites
- Sport and Recreation
- Museums and Cultural Centres
- Music Venues
- Country Parks
Community:
- Community Buildings
- Schools/Educational buildings
- Community Facilities
- Health Centres
- Hospices
- Care Homes
Energy and Waste:
- Wind Turbines
- Solar Panels
- Hydro-electricity
- Energy Recovery
- Biomass
- Incinerators
- Waste Transfer Stations
- Composting Facilities
Commercial and Industrial:
- Shops
- Offices
- Industrial Estates
- Business Parks
- Restaurants/Cafes
- Telecommunications
- Car Parking
- Working from home
- Retail Warehousing
Residential:
- Garden Plots
- Infill
- New build homes
- Conversions
- Extensions
- Affordable housing
- Boundaries/Curtilage
The Planning System
The planning system regulates where development can take place and determines what can be built.
The purpose of town and county planning is to enable sustainable development and through local plans to construct buildings and infrastructure in sustainable locations, using land efficiently to create vibrant, healthy communities, foster economic growth while protecting and enhancing the environment.
The planning system in effect rations development and this can increase land values when permission is granted. Not all forms of development create value, but many do and this includes housing and the use of land for industrial and commercial purposes.
Permitted Development
Some forms of development are ‘permitted’ which means that the principle of development is acceptable but in most cases, Councils must be satisfied and development proposals agreed before any building work can start.
For smaller site development, (up to 9 dwellings or 1,000 sq.m) a planning application takes 8 weeks, for larger scale development the process takes 13 weeks.
Whilst most planning applications are decided by planning offices through ‘delegation’, any controversial proposals are usually referred to a Council’s Planning Committee for a decision.
Right to Appeal
If a planning application is refused, the applicant has the right to appeal to the Government through the Secretary of State and the Planning Inspectorate.
The planning system is complex and different councils have different planning policies which means that development in some council areas is allowed when in other areas it may be refused.
How we can help
We have extensive knowledge about the policies and procedures of individual councils and the approach taken by planning officers and Councillors.
We can tailor our services to the site location and the individual needs of our clients.
Our aim is to achieve permissions that meets the client brief with a permission that will deliver development.
At the start of any case we will provide an honest assessment of the likelihood of getting planning permission and we will only pursue applications where there is a reasonable chance of success either through the council or via an appeal.
Types of Appeal
There are three forms of planning appeal, written representation, informal hearings and public inquiries. We have the knowledge, skilled professionals and experience to appeal at any level.
Sometimes the council will take enforcement action against a landowner, business or resident to prevent unauthorised development. We can step in and advise on the best approach to tackle the enforcement issue; this can involve a revised planning application, negotiations with the Council or an appeal.
Many councils provide a paid for pre-application advice service and this can be useful for applicants to address issues in confidence with council officers before a public planning application is submitted.
On larger schemes we sometimes recommend public consultation which can involve a meeting with the Parish council, a meeting with local residents or a public exhibition.
- THE PLANNING PROCESS
- The planning system
- Permitted development
- Right of appeal
- How we can help
- Types of appeal
Planning Projects
A selection of our Planning Projects
Microsoft Cambridge
Ambergate Social Club Redevelopment
The Hive Hotel Group
Modern Barn Conversion
Shepherd’s Huts in the Peak District National Park
Holly House Farm, Blackbrook
Swimming pool extension
Belper Rugby Club
Solar Farm, Radcliffe Road, east of Nottingham
Planning Consent for new home in Derbyshire
Ashbourne Airfield
Eco-Friendly Holiday Lodge Development in Protected Woodland Area
John Smedley Ltd
Bespoke New Home
CUBO Derby – The Old Post Office
Why Choose Planning & Design Practice?
At Planning & Design Practice, our values are rooted in providing a friendly service and fully meeting your expectations whilst maintaining integrity and prioritising teamwork. You can rely on us to provide honest, sound advice and to maintain high, professional standards.
Integrity
Excellence
Approachable
Proven-Track Record
How Can We Help You?
Comprising town planners, designers and architects, our staff bring a wealth of experience from a range of backgrounds. We can work alongside you to provide the services and expertise required to complete your project successfully.
