Why Retain the Services of a Planning Consultant?

 

Anyone can submit a planning application. But the planning process is ever changing and increasingly complex. Unanticipated problems and consequent delays can often arise for those without professional knowledge and familiarity with the system. Costs can spiral, even as an approval becomes increasingly elusive.

 

Chartered Town Planners like myself have a detailed understanding of national planning policy, local polices and politics, and the bureaucratic processes involved in dealing with local planning authorities.

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What Types of Planning Applications do you Undertake?

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I provide a wide range of planning services associated with small scale development projects, including householder applications, residential schemes, conversions, garden developments, small commercial schemes and changes of use.

 

For more information please see the services page.

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Do you Undertake Major Developments?

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I don’t believe that major development schemes are practicable or efficient for a client when undertaken by smaller consultancies like mine. Major developments require extensive logistical and resource commitments which are generally speaking beyond the scope of services provided by small practices.

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Major developments are those which propose:

10+ dwellings / over half a hectare / building(s) exceeds 1000m²

Office / light industrial - 1000+ m² / 1+ hectare

General industrial - 1000+ m² / 1+ hectare

Retail - 1000+ m²/ 1+ hectare

Traveller site - 10+ pitches

Site area exceeds 1 hectare

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Where are you Based and what Areas do you Operate Within?

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I am based in Saddleworth; however, I regularly undertake projects across many localities within Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, including: Oldham, Rochdale Tameside, Kirklees, Calderdale, and some westerly parts of the Peak District National Park.

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How Much does it Cost?

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After assessing what is likely to be involved in the project I will usually provide a fee range specifying a minimum and maximum cost, or an estimate of the time that I will need to spend on your project at an hourly rate, together with details of the work that I will undertake. On the rare occasion that work beyond the initial scope is required, such as protracted negotiations/meetings, I will discuss this with you and agree any additional fees in advance.

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At what Point in the Planning Process can a Potential Client Retain your Services?

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It is generally more cost effective and applications are often simpler if I am retained from the start of the planning process.

 

However, I accept clients at any stage in the process. For example, you may have had an application refused and need advice on your next steps, or an approved application may have a number of conditions attached which you’re not sure how to address. You may also encounter unexpected problems during the process and simply need some troubleshooting.