Test the planning prospects before committing to a scheme.
Test the planning prospects before committing to detailed design. We review the site, its context and relevant policy, then help you decide how to progress with your design team.
How we can help.
- 01Initial planning appraisal and constraints review
- 02Pre-application strategy where useful
- 03Planning statements and application coordination
For landowners exploring options and development teams that need planning input before or during design.
Know what you’re commissioning.
Your written fee proposal identifies which of these services are included and the extent of our involvement.
Initial site appraisal
Review planning history, surrounding development and relevant policy to identify the main opportunities, constraints and information gaps.
Strategy for the next stage
Agree whether further design work, specialist input or a pre-application enquiry is the useful next step.
Planning case and coordination
Prepare the agreed planning statement and coordinate the submission with your architect and appointed consultants.
Scope to agree: Land valuation, legal due diligence, architectural design, technical surveys and development viability work are separately commissioned. An appraisal does not establish a guaranteed housing capacity.
How we work with you.
- 01 · Tell us about the project
Include the address, approximate site boundary, intended number of homes and any previous planning correspondence.
- 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.
- Site address, boundary and ownership information
- Your intended development and any initial sketches
- Known access, heritage, ecology or drainage constraints
Your questions answered.
Can you advise before I commission detailed drawings?
Yes. An initial planning appraisal can identify the principal opportunities, constraints and information gaps. It informs the next stage, but does not guarantee a planning decision.
Can we start without a finished layout?
Yes. Send a site boundary plan, address, initial development aims and any known constraints. We can scope an appraisal and explain what design or survey information is needed next.
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 about the site and your development aims.
Include the address, approximate site boundary, intended number of homes and any previous planning correspondence.
Discuss your project