A team you can trust

Plainview Planning is an independent consultancy that has supported clients across England since 2008. We believe good planning starts with listening, and we take pride in offering clear, supportive advice. From homeowners and landowners to developers, farmers, and businesses, we think strategically to unlock site potential, achieve development goals, and build trusted relationships that last beyond each project.

Meet our team

Royal Town Planning Institute Accredited
Plainview Plannging Team

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Local authority areas worked in

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Successful planning applications

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Years of collective planning experience

Architect-designed replacement dwelling, Tetbury 

Planning approval secured for architect-designed replacement dwelling in Tetbury.

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Stunning new 600sqm home approved in the Cotswolds National Landscape 

A phased strategy and design-led approach secured approval for a landmark countryside home in the Cotswolds AONB (now Cotswolds National Landscape).

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Planning approved for new visitor facilites at an RSPB wetlands reserve

Balancing Green Belt policy and ecology considerations to deliver sustainable visitor facilities for a vital wetlands reserve.

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Innovative eco-development approved in the Green Belt, North Somerset 

Exemplar eco-development approved in the Green Belt. This project demonstrates how sensitive, sustainable development can succeed despite restrictive planning policy and heritage constraints.

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Sensitive restoration and extension of a Grade II* listed home in Cheltenham

Preserving & enhancing a Grade II* listed lodge in a challenging site context, through careful planning and design.

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I would fully recommend McLoughlin Planning Ltd; they handled my application for change of use of my Therapy Centre into residential use. They demonstrated a wealth of experience in the thorough way they prepared my planning application and kept the process moving, whilst keeping me informed at all times. I was delighted that they succeeded in getting my application passed which was by no means an easy task.

Amanda, West Sussex

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I just wanted to say that I have been delighted with the professional attentive service that I have received from Plainview Planning since my association with them first started at the end of 2018.

Mrs Symons, Essex

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The Plainview Planning team have been fundamental in our retrospective planning permission application. They put together an application pack that was so thorough we received no further questions from the planning department, and the process was swift and painless. This is testament to Plainview Planning's understanding of the complexities of the planning process. I am deeply appreciative of their time and effort in bringing this to a successful conclusion.

Dr Bradbury, Essex

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Thank you for helping us with our appeal. The difference this has made to our lives is amazing. I would highly recommend Plainview Planning to anyone I know, who finds themselves in a similar situation.

Mrs Shergold, Essex

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We wish to express our thanks to all of the Plainview planning team for all their help and expertise in obtaining a successful outcome in our planning appeal. They were able to quickly identify the key obstacles with our application and provided a clear plan of action for us to follow. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Plainview. Thanks again team for all your hard work!

Dr Jennifer Robertson, South Downs National Park, West Sussex

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Really well-presented Plainview. Great work.

Aventier Ltd., Greenwich

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Thank you for making our dream come true! For almost 35 years, my wife and I had been trying to obtain planning permission to build our family home. After numerous refusals, we almost gave up hope but were recommended Plainview Planning. It was an absolute pleasure working with the team, who were professional, knowledgeable and effective throughout the process. I would highly recommend Plainview Planning to anyone who needs expert planning advice and guidance.

Mr Tann, Essex

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I would like to thank you for all your help. The quality of the application was outstanding and I wouldn't hesitate to use or recommend you in the future.

Mr Ganpatsingh, Surrey

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The team at Plainview Planning have provided superb support for our planning application for a new dwelling. They have provided deep expertise, great cross-functional working with our team of architects and consultants, creative solutions to potential barriers and been a pleasure to deal with as well! What more could you ask for?

Mr Lillie, Bristol

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That is just fantastic news about the appeal win. You guys have done really well and we are most thankful. Well done to you and your clever, vigilant team.

Panacea Medical Centre, Sussex

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I would not hesitate to recommend Plainview Planning. The worry was taken away from me, and I felt confident that my change of use application was all being dealt with in a professional manner.

Mrs Powis-Jones, Gloucestershire

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We received great initial advice and communication on a planning issue that could have gone either way. Whilst being honest and realistic of our chances, together we agreed a strategy for appealing the decision which eventually resulted in an appeal to the Secretary of State. I am pleased to say that we have now finally achieved approval and could not have done it without their advice and professionalism. We would recommend Plainview Planning without hesitation.

Mr & Mrs Boyce, Essex

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Just a few brief words to thank you for your much-needed contribution towards our recent planning approval. We had some stiff opposition. Nevertheless, you held us by the hand step by step - and you were proved right. I believe that by having Plainview Planning produce a planning statement, this was fundamental to our success - so well done. Best wishes to all the Plainview team.

Mr Morgan, London

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No other advisor would have achieved the result you have. Your knowledge, judgement, flexibility and patience left no stone unturned in pursuit of a positive outcome, despite poor prospects. It is extremely rare to work with advisors with the level of professionalism and integrity we have experienced working with you. At every stage we have been able to trust that you would offer the most appropriate advice and make the right judgements.

Mrs Shuttleworth, London

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We received great initial advice and communication on a planning issue that could have gone either way. Whilst being honest and realistic of our chances, together we agreed a strategy for appealing the decision which eventually resulted in an appeal to the Secretary of State. I am pleased to say that we have now finally achieved approval and could not have done it without their advice and professionalism. We would recommend Plainview Planning without hesitation

Mr& Mrs Boyce, Essex

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Thank you very much for your work on our application and it proves it again that it's worth hiring professionals, like you, to do the job.

Mr Sestokas, Essex

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Plainview Planning made a realistic appraisal of a very complicated planning history of our annex. From the outset, our consultant clearly had good knowledge and skills to prepare the planning statement. Realistic but supportive throughout and made a stressful application easier for us. Successful outcome very much due to our consultant.

Mr & Mrs Cooper, East Sussex

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Thank you very much. I appreciate your responsive and professional service.

Farooq Azami, London

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I was recommended to contact Plainview Planning by my architect. I was very pleased with the professional service I received. They were efficient, timely, listened to my feedback and answered my questions. I was delighted with the outcome, and my appeal was successful.

Mrs Thomas, Kent

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After a previously stressful experience we needed someone to 'hold our hands' and, for my part, to feel like someone cared about our forever home project as much as we did. Their professional approach & expert knowledge was combined with a genuine desire for us to succeed. I felt reassured and supported throughout and I wish we had known about Plainview Planning sooner. I would not hesitate in recommending you to anyone considering a self-build.

Mrs Johnson, Hertfordshire

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Popular planning questions

Here you'll find popular questions asked by our clients. Can't find the answer to your planning question? Click below to contact us.

Contact us

01242 501003

  • How long does a planning application take?

    Fundamentally it comes down to what you are seeking to do in planning terms and how best to go about achieving your development aims.  This will dictate what type of application is best for you to submit for your particular project.

    In general terms however, a householder application should take up to 8 weeks for determination, once submitted and validated by a local planning authority.  A full planning application usually takes up to 13 weeks for determination, once submitted and validated by a local planning authority.  Depending on the scope of the project, you will also need to allow time for the preparation of the application.

    This may include a site appraisal, pulling together a project team, pre-application engagement, political engagement, preparation of supporting documentation and review of the submission pack. All of which our team of planning experts can assist you with.  Read more here.

  • How do I appeal a planning decision?

    If you have been refused planning permission, there is a right of appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.  We never appeal without first ensuring that all other options have been exhausted. Sometimes additional negotiation with your local council is all that is required.

    However, sometimes there is an in-principle objection and appeal is the only way forward. There are three different appeal routes and we can help you choose the best planning appeal route.

    Our access to case law and appeal precedents, along with our own previous experience, will help to construct a robust and persuasive appeal. Find out more here.

  • Can I build a new home outside the settlement boundary?

    A settlement boundary separates the built-up area from the surrounding countryside. It is normally established as part of a Local Plan and can be found in the Proposals Map.  A local plan sets the policy for planning and development across a district or borough.  Generally speaking it supports development inside the settlement boundary and seeks to resist development outside this line.  However, securing planning permission for developments outside the settlement boundary isn’t impossible and we have had many successes for our clients over the years.  You may find this article of use as a starting point.

  • What are the top 5 considerations when looking for a plot of land for development?

    There are several key considerations to take into account when looking for a plot of land for potential development. These include – the planning history of the site; any relevant policy designations; the context of the site; proximity to transport links and local amenities; your attitude to risk. 

    Securing planning permission is all about balance – our team of planning experts work hard to tip that planning balance in your favour.  You may find a development appraisal a useful first step – read more here.

  • Why use a planning consultant?

    The name of our practice ‘Plainview’, stems from our appreciation that for most people, the planning system is complex and often difficult to navigate. Our goal has always been to explain to our clients, in plain English, clearly and succinctly, how the planning system works and the process for navigating the system. A plain view for moving forward.  The challenge is that there are so many variables in planning and the decision to be taken is rarely as simple as ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Planning decisions are made on balance; what has gone before has a bearing, what local and national policy says has a bearing, what is going on nearby has a bearing, what is going on locally and nationally has a bearing, each individual site context has a bearing, and client aspirations have a bearing.

    Our goal is to understand your project goals, budget and attitude to risk and from there we can provide you with honest, informed and clear advice, tailored to you and your project. We can guide you on the various options open to you, and the risks and costs associated with each. Read more here.

Some of our clients

Below are some of the commercial clients and organisations we work with. You can view all recent projects here or our latest news and updates here.