Make the planning position part of your premises decision.
Before signing a lease or changing how a building is used, understand its planning position. We review the proposal and identify the application and supporting information it may need.
How we can help.
- 01Existing-use and planning-history review
- 02Advice on the proposed use and local policy
- 03Application preparation and council liaison
For businesses assessing premises, landlords accommodating a new tenant and teams planning changes to an existing site.
Know what you’re commissioning.
Your written fee proposal identifies which of these services are included and the extent of our involvement.
Premises and activity review
Review planning history and the intended operation, including opening hours, staffing, visitors, deliveries and proposed works.
A practical planning brief
Identify the planning route, key issues and supporting information your project team needs to address.
Application support
Prepare the agreed planning statement, coordinate application documents and manage council correspondence within the agreed scope.
Scope to agree: Lease advice, business licensing, building regulations and specialist design are outside the standard planning scope. Signage or other separate applications must be expressly agreed.
How we work with you.
- 01 · Tell us about the project
Include the business activity, expected opening hours, staffing, visitors and any external alterations.
- 02 · Agree the work and fee
We discuss the support needed and provide a written proposal setting out deliverables, information required and separate costs before work starts.
- 03 · Prepare the agreed work
Once appointed, we carry out the review or prepare the agreed submission with input from you and your project team. Application work includes council liaison only to the extent set out in the appointment.
Preparation time depends on the information available and the work commissioned. Council decisions follow a separate timetable; approval and decision dates cannot be guaranteed.
Bring your idea.
We’ll help with the next step.
These details help us understand your proposal and agree the scope.
- Address and details of the intended business
- Opening hours, staffing and expected visitors
- Existing plans and proposed external alterations
Your questions answered.
Do I need permission to change the business use?
That depends on the existing lawful use, proposed activity, any restrictions and the works involved. We assess those details before advising on the route.
Can you help while we are considering a lease?
Yes. Send the address, listing details and proposed business activity. An initial planning review can inform your discussions; lease terms and contractual protections need advice from your legal adviser.
What determines the fee?
The application route, complexity, documents needed and extent of council liaison. We set out the agreed scope in a written quote. Further design changes, additional reports or work after the decision are separately agreed where outside that scope.
Planning guidance for England. The route depends on the site and proposal. Read the government’s planning guidance.
Tell us how you intend to use the premises.
Include the business activity, expected opening hours, staffing, visitors and any external alterations.
Discuss your project