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

The numbers

0

Local authority areas worked in

0

Successful planning applications

0

Years of collective planning experience

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

Read the full story

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).

Read the full story

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.

Read the full story

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.

Read the full story

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.

Read the full story

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

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

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

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

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

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

Thank you all for all that you did to achieve the planning permission. It is great that your experience and hard work - and indeed our nerves! - should be so rewarded. Onward and upward!

Mr & Mrs Colquhoun, Gloucestershire

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

Thank you for what was an outstanding level of professionalism and service that we received in our recent planning application. Without your knowledge and efforts against what was an extremely difficult planning authority, we would not have been successful in our application from annexe to annexe/holiday let. The planning consent granted was a hard-fought battle that you and the team helped us survive. There is absolutely no hesitation in recommending Plainview Planning to anyone.

Mr Griffiths, Essex

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

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

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

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

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

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

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

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

Farooq Azami, London

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

Really well-presented Plainview. Great work.

Aventier Ltd., Greenwich

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

It was an absolute pleasure having Plainview Planning on board, for our difficult Planning Application. The team was amazing for overlooking and progressing the application focusing on each and every detail, to keep the wheels in motion. I cannot thank you enough. Well done.

Mr M Mohamed, London

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

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

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

Thank you for your hard work and dealing with my questions. The service provided has been great, onwards and upwards now for the next premises.

South Downs Fitness, West Sussex

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

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

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

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

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

I would like to say THANK YOU! The service was top class! The knowledge, advice, recommendation I received from the beginning to the end of my application was honest and professional! Thank you once again! I am beyond happy that this has settled in our favor!

Ms Jackowska, Essex

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

Thanks for the great service and support, you made the whole process very straightforward.

Mr Barrett, Essex

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

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

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

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

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

Thank you for all your hard work on our situation. We achieved the best possible outcome thanks to your dedication and work ethic. Your pursuit of a positive outcome, despite what initially appeared to be a very poor prospect, was unwavering. The work and understanding from the beginning was strong and the goal was ultimately achieved We can only say that we would highly recommend Plainview Planning to future clients with the highest regard.

Mr Carlon, London

Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star Review Star

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.