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Expert Guidance Through the Planning Maze for New Builds & Modernisation Projects

Helping you secure approvals faster and avoid costly setbacks with tailored approach born of many years experience.

Call NowSee the stages

Method #1 is to go the extra mile with the Application documentation

A converted Edwardian boiler house with extension in the Bath countryside
My track record speaks for itself: I consistently secure planning consent that aligns precisely with my submissions.

Here's how:

Our Secret Weapon: Superior Documentation We elevate planning applications through meticulously crafted documentation that stands out from typical submissions. Our approach combines:

Detailed technical drawings that surpass industry standards
Strategic integration of high-quality photography
Clear, purposeful annotations that build a compelling case

Planning and Listed Buildings Officers review countless applications daily. Our documentation breaks through the monotony, making their job easier while strengthening our case.

Embracing Digital Evolution
The shift from paper submissions (requiring six physical copies) to digital formats has transformed the application process. This digital revolution opens exciting new possibilities, including:

Interactive documentation
3D visualizations
Immersive walk-through experiences
Multi-media presentations

I'm currently developing innovative ways to leverage these digital capabilities, ensuring our applications continue to set new standards in the industry.

My Method #2: A Better Kind of Application

Weapon 2

It's not just the fullness of the drawn presentation, that out-classes the typical Planning Application.

It's also the power of the design that's being proposed. We may be ambitious in what we seek - but not greedy or cynically tactical. We're not manoevring to get something that's excessive or crude.
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We've collaborated to create a design that may not tick the rule-of-thumb boxes (which are usually just 'guidelines', not hard rules as many assume) but which is nevertheless shown to comply with (or justifiably deviate from) the relevant and researched formal policies and to be simply 'right' by human and environmental 'soft' criteria.
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Our scheme has the full energy of our desire behind it - our determination to achieve what's justly 'right'. The Planning office gets it that 'these guys are serious'; this may affect the choice of which case Officer is allocated to the Application; we may get more quailty attention from the over-worked system.
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At worst, we've provided ourself with the best possible basis for a **Planning Appeal**, if that's necessary after a Refusal.
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In this way it's possible to get Planning Consent for excellent schemes that others would believe impossible.

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  • As was

    A photo of the property prior to planning consent being granted.

  • Before CGI

    Before CGI was invented, we did watercolour impressions for Planning Applications – this by Geoffrey Gale over my manually constructed perspective

  • Refused Planning Consent

    The scheme was Refused Planning Consent and again at Planning Appeal

  • Revised Application

    But the Planning Inspector gave clear guidance for a revised Application, which received Planning Consent, in the Bath Green Belt.

  • As built

    In the end the planning consent was granted and the building was completed as intended.

  • As was

    The client found their plastic conservatory too hot in summer, too cold in winter so want something more suitable built. 

  • A new room extension

    They gladly settled for a bright airy Dining Room extension – cosy and cool all year round

  • Making low impact ecological choices

    We applied to the planners to use an all-timber, minimal foundation, frame of own fallen Beech

  • Early sketches

    We began with intitial sketches to outline our ideas

  • Revised Application

    But the Planning Inspector gave clear guidance for a revised Application, which received Planning Consent, in the Bath Green Belt.

  • As built

    In the end the planning consent was granted and the building was completed as intended.

My method #3

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Secret Weapon: Professional Respect

The key to success lies in treating Planning Officers and Listed Building Officers as respected professional colleagues, not as obstacles to overcome.
Years of dealing with manipulation and watching good intentions fade into broken promises have made many Planning Officers understandably cautious and protective of procedures. This is precisely why a different approach stands out.
Rather than employing common tactics like deliberately over-requesting to negotiate down, we believe in precise, honest applications. We determine exactly what we need and apply for precisely that – no games, no hidden agenda.

This professional approach consistently yields results. Planning Officers, particularly those handling Listed Buildings, often respond with equal respect. They welcome the opportunity to engage in meaningful technical discussions and creative problem-solving. Many even come to value and trust our design expertise.

Method #4 is to AVOID  pre-Application consultation

Creating a superinsulated, airtighted, triple glazed, modernised  home for long healthy life
in the 21st century in West Devon

Weapon 4: Avoid Pre-Application Consultation

Skip the Pre-App.

It sounds helpful—but it often works against you.

Why?

Because it frames Planning Officers as gatekeepers. You end up asking for permission instead of stating your case. The result? Risk-averse feedback that narrows your options and undermines your goals before you even begin.

That’s not how the system is meant to work.

What to do instead:

  1. Define your proposal clearly
    Make it fair, ambitious, and grounded—not greedy or cynical.

  2. Justify it thoroughly
    Show how it benefits the site, the community, and the local plan.

  3. Submit a full Application
    Focused. Well-argued. Ready to be defended.

  4. Advocate for it actively
    Don’t wait to be told what’s acceptable—show them what’s possible.

Planning Officers respect clarity and confidence. In a system under pressure, they prefer a strong Application over an uncertain consultation.

Why Pre-App Consultations Backfire:

  • You pay a fee.

  • You submit near-final documents, doing most of the work up front.

  • You get a formal response—often limited, vague, or negative.

  • That response is recorded and used as a reference.

  • But it’s not binding when the full Application is submitted.

So you’ve spent time and money to box yourself in. For what?

The smarter path:

File the full Application.

  • You set the terms.

  • You speak to a Case Officer who must engage with your argument.

  • You retain the right to challenge decisions and appeal.

  • Planning Committees or Inspectors can overrule the initial response.

You gain leverage, save time, and avoid avoidable fees.

Don’t ask what’s allowed. Show what’s justified.

That’s how you win the planning game.