If you’re looking to add an extension, knock down a wall or do an attic conversion, then you’ll first need to apply for planning permission.
This can be a difficult process to navigate, especially if it’s something you’ve never done before.
That’s where planning consultants come into the picture, guiding you through the process and helping you realise your property ambitions.
What Is a Planning Consultant?
Planning permission gives you the official go-ahead to build new properties or alter existing ones. If you do work without it, then you could face a planning breach and be issued with an enforcement notice. When this happens, you must legally dismantle the entire structure or return the building to its original state, which would be a painful and costly procedure.
To avoid this happening, a planning consultant will support you throughout your planning application and find ways to increase your chances of being approved. Specialising in planning, development and environmental issues, they will draw on their intricate knowledge of the local area and regulations to find the most suitable path forward.
Do You Need a Planning Consultant?
Once a project has been denied planning permission, a planning consultant can help you appeal this decision. However, the chances of success are slimmer the second time around, so it’s always a good idea to have an expert on board from the start.
This is especially true for more complex projects, as these will need an expert to interpret the relevant planning policies. Although there are no guarantees, their insight can be pivotal to the success of your application so you can get your project started without delay.
As for developers, you’ll likely need a planning consultant to carry out a Feasibility Study that will support your planning application. They will assess the site and your plans in line with local and national planning regulations, giving you a clear picture of any constraints and what options are available. That way, we can take the steps needed to maximise your chances of being approved.
Along with applications and appeals, other services a planning consultant can provide include environmental impact assessments, development masterplans, urban and rural design, and infrastructure advice. For larger projects, your consultant will also need to arrange public exhibitions of your plans. Once the project is approved, they will then manage the final detailed design drawings.
We may pursue a pre-application or a Permitted Development (PD) if necessary and if it applies. The report for this stage is ‘light’ but may include reports from other consultants if it’s critical to the planning process (e.g. highways and trees).
In some cases, a pre-application may not be necessary (e.g. for very similar schemes with clear changes). This stage helps establish a relationship with the Council officers and familiarize them with the site. It also helps influence the design and play the game with the Council.
In some cases, further pre-application work may involve engaging with neighbors, local amenity groups, and Ward Councillors.
The fee for this stage depends on the agreed scope of services.
This stage involves more plans and costs. We consider the need for further community engagement and political risk. The fee for this stage depends on the agreed scope of services.
If you would like a valuation of your house, land, farm or business premises please follow this link to request a property valuation
For all other property enquiries call your nearest Halls estate agency office in Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Welshpool, Whitchurch, Ellesmere, Bishops Castle or Kidderminster
