Prior to Applications

Prior to Applications

Whatever the location, scale or complexity of your project, it is wise to consider the constraints that may affect you in terms of time and cost and, in some cases, the fundamental viability of any project.

Unless you are already very certain about the likely outcome of the planning process with which you are intending to engage, we recommend one of the following options. The objective of all these steps is to ensure that you can make an application with the maximum confidence that you will get planning approval.

Preliminary Appraisal

In the first instance, if you can provide Get Planning and Architecture with a suitable amount of information about your site and the project, preferably by our ‘contact us’ page or an email, we will endeavour to provide an appraisal and recommendations at no cost to yourself. We therefore offer to respond to your enquiry with an appraisal via email and we aim to do this in 2 working days.

Consultation with one of our planning consultants or architects

At our offices
For a larger or complex project, or if you feel that a face-to-face conversation with a planner or architect is necessary, then you have the option of a consultation at Get Planning and Architecture offices or a site consultation. Although we fully appreciate that many clients feel it is essential that we visit site for a consultation at an early stage, such a site visit almost always carries a fee to cover the time spent by our chartered planners or architects, (based on the complexity of the project and the time required). In fact, most of the critical information we need to assess your project can be obtained without us visiting the property.

We therefore recommend, for most projects, that you visit our offices and we will generally be able to provide you with a face-to-face meeting with one of our consultants, in which you can explain your objectives and requirements and we can answer questions about the planning process, including likely outcomes. There is usually no cost for this service.

On Site
For a site consultation, which generally culminates in letter advice, please call us to discuss your requirements and we can agree a timescale and fixed cost. Please note that we generally require a payment prior to the consultation.

We will always agree in advance with you the cost of any work we agree to carry out and we will document the agreed scope and cost fully in writing before you commit to any expenditure.

Development Appraisals and Pre-applications

For most projects, Get Planning and Architecture can advise you of the viability, recommended processes, timescale, cost and likely outcomes via our preliminary appraisal or a consultation. For larger developments or complex planning cases however, (for example, involving new build, green belt or a listed building), it may be beneficial to appoint us to conduct a development appraisal or a formal pre-application process.

Development Appraisal

Our development appraisal service is tailored to your individual requirement; however, you can generally expect it to include:

• a briefing discussion
• planning research
• analysis of planning policies
• a concept design plan if appropriate
• strategic recommendations for planning processes

The benefit of a development appraisal is principally that it guides the next step for your project, which may be a full planning application or a formal pre-application to the Local Planning Authority. We will apply our expertise and experience to help you with a strategy to optimize the outcome from the planning process, which can be especially helpful in contentious planning situations. For some projects, especially new-build, this a cost-effective first stage, for example when it is not clear how many residential units can be achieved.

The benefit of a development appraisal is principally that it guides the next step for your project, which may be a full planning application or a formal pre-application to the Local Planning Authority. We will apply our expertise and experience to help you with a strategy to optimize the outcome from the planning process, which can be especially helpful in contentious planning situations. For some projects, especially new-build, this a cost-effective first stage, for example when it is not clear how many residential units can be achieved.

Formal Pre-application

A formal pre-application to your Council gives you the opportunity for dialogue with planners about your ideas. Council pre-application services vary significantly in scope and detail however in all cases planning officers provide comment on your plans and set out the planning policies which limit your proposal. They do not usually indicate how to maximise the chance to get planning approval. Almost all councils charge for this service. Some offer written advice only, while some offer both written advice and a meeting. Fees vary greatly but are significant and can be found on the Council websites.

Get Planning and Architecture has considerable experience in liaising with local councils throughout the London area, including the preparation of preliminary designs and Pre-application Support Statements for pre-application. Our experts will advise on whether we think a pre-application meeting will be beneficial for your particular project.