Question 1

Who do you help?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely anybody.  Our client base is mainly homeowners, land owners,  small to medium developers and business owners and community groups. As a small company, we are unlikely to be attractive to large companies and developers however, we are always open to being contacted as  aware that there are often those 'smaller jobs' which may be more suited to a smaller /local consultant.

Please see our 'How to Guide' below which contains useful tips on things to think about when instructing a planning consultant.

Question 2

Do I need a planning consultant or can I get planning permission myself?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the nature of your project, it may be that a planning consultant is not necessary. If there are planning policy constraints which are likely to impact on the site (for example: the site is in Green Belt, a Conservation Area or other heritage asset) then, we would certainly recommend that a Chartered Town Planner is engaged in order to give your planning application the best chance of success.

Question 3

How long does it take to get planning permission?

Accepted Answer

The Government sets out the statutory timescales for planning applications. In England, the statutory timescales for householder and minor applications is set at 8 weeks, with major applications at 13 weeks. Applications for EIA development is set at 16 weeks.  There are other types of applications, for example, Permission in Principle and Prior Approvals which have different timescales to the above.  It is important to note however, that whilst these are the timescales set by the Government, most Local Planning Authorities are taking substantially longer to issue decisions and this does vary significantly between authorities.

Question 4

How can a Chartered planning consultant help you?

Accepted Answer

Chartered Town Planners are regulated by the RTPI and with that, we keep up to date with the plethora of changes to national and local planning policy.  We have in-depth knowledge of the planning system and indeed, have spent many years building relationships with other technical professionals.

Question 5

What is the difference between and Chartered Town Planner and an Architect?

Accepted Answer

An Architect is a professional who designs and plans buildings to ensure that they are of a high quality design as well as being functional. A Chartered Town Planner will navigate the Council’s planning policies and will advise of the relevant policies to the development being proposed, devising a planning strategy if required in order to achieve Planning Permission!

Question 6

How do I appeal against the Council’s decision to refuse my planning application?

Accepted Answer

In England, appeals are made to the Planning Inspectorate (an independent body). Planning appeals are time critical and for householder applications, must be submitted within 12 weeks of the date of decision as set out on the decision notice. All other refusals have a 6 month appeal window with the exception of minor commercial which is 12 weeks. Timescales are reduced should you be served an Enforcement Notice. To give your appeal the best chance of success, we would always advise seeking the advice of a Chartered Town Planner and engaging them to act on your behalf.

Question 7

How much does a planning application cost?

Accepted Answer

In England, planning application fees are set nationally by the Government. It is important to note that planning applications are not just a form. As a minimum, your planning application will need to be accompanied by a suite of drawings. However, depending on the nature of your application (and whether or not the Local Planning Authority has an adopted Local Validation Checklist), your application may need to be accompanied by technical drawings / reports and in some case, legal agreements.  Professional fees will vary and these will need to be factored into the overall cost of your planning application.

Question 8

What is pre-application advice?

Accepted Answer

Pre-application planning advice is a non-binding service offered by some Local Planning Authorities. It is an ‘informal’ service which allows you to submit a scope of works to the Local Planning Authority with a view to achieving a steer from the Council’s planning officers of whether or not the proposed development / use is likely to be considered acceptable or not by the Authority.  It is at this stage that any policy and/or technical issues should be flagged. Depending on the advice received, you may wish to seek an Independent opinion from a Chartered Town Planner.

Question 9

Can you help me identify the development potential of my site?

Accepted Answer

Yes – we carry out site appraisals and will advise you whether or not in our professional opinion, your site (or speculative purchase) is likely to be considered suitable for development. We do not guarantee that any application will be successful.

Question 10

Do I need planning permission for permitted development?

Accepted Answer

No – permitted development is development that can be carried out without planning permission.   Within the General Permitted Development Order (2015)as amended, there are some circumstances, whereby prior notification or prior approval may be required in advance of carrying out work and we would advise that you engage with a Chartered Town Planner in this instance.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions