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

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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Successful pub diversification: 9 new homes and 22 letting rooms near Bath

Planning success: diversification secures future of Grade II listed pub with new homes and visitor accommodation

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Architect-designed replacement dwelling, Tetbury 

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

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Change of use from pub to 31-Bed Hotel, London 

Transforming a derelict pub into a thriving hotel near London City Airport

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Residential regeneration in a landmark location – Ealing 

Planning success: 9 new homes and business space approved beside iconic Hoover Building. By addressing sensitive heritage issues, optimising a brownfield site, and working collaboratively with the council and design team, we delivered a sustainable scheme that meets housing need while enhancing the local character.

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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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Throughout the entire application process everybody involved from the Plainview Planning team provided me with the very highest levels of courtesy, patience and above all professionalism. The positive outcome of this application clearly shows your business formula works. Once again thank you for taking on this application and getting the desired result.

Disdale Gordon, D and G LTD London

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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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On behalf of PKL Group and our client, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the team at Plainview Planning for undertaking such a sterling job in obtaining planning permission on what has been an incredibly complex and sensitive project. We would have absolutely no hesitation in returning to Plainview Planning for future outsourced planning support and I would equally have no hesitation in recommending their service to others.

PKL Group Ltd, Cheshire

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When I finished reading your statement, I had a smile on my face. You made a complicated argument both simple and compelling - thank you.

Mr A Marler – Hertfordshire

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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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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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Just wanted to thank you all for your hard work. You really were first class and without your expertise I’m sure we would have never won the appeal. I will certainly be recommending you.

Mark and Jon Hall, Essex

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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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I cannot recommend the Planview Planning team enough. They have supported us through the highs and lows of the process with compassion and professionalism. They are incredibly knowledgeable and have insights into the local area and process, are consummate professionals and above all are genuinely good, nice people. If you are reading this and need support / advice do not look any further. Thank you all for everything.

Mrs. Seymour, Essex

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I didn’t believe the outcome having to read your email and the EFDC platform several times. It didn’t sink in until Monday morning even after cracking open a bottle of champagne with Sunday dinner. So very grateful for all your amazing services professionalism and support. Thank you.

Mr. Seymour, 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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You successfully helped us to secure planning early last year. Your input was the turning point for the whole project, for which I am incredibly grateful.

Poppy Construction, Gloucestershire

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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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Really well-presented Plainview. Great work.

Aventier Ltd., Greenwich

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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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We can't thank the team at Plainview Planning enough for our recent planning approval. Getting the certificate of lawfulness has been a lengthy process and they have supported us every step of the way. The difference having this planning permission in place has made to our lives is huge. Great work from a great team!

Mr Cree, Greater Manchester

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

Farooq Azami, London

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Many thanks for all your help with our application! We are very grateful and pleased with all the work you have put in. We will of course approach you again and would happily recommend you to friends and colleagues.

Mr Daulatzai, London

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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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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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 our recent projects or read our latest news and updates.