Planning Applications

Our experienced planning consultants provide expert advice and hands‑on support for all types of planning applications. From initial feasibility and strategy to preparing and submitting robust applications, we work with developers, commercial operators and homeowners to achieve planning permission.

Planning Applications – Expert Guidance from Start to Finish

Our experienced and personable planning consultants have been helping developers, commercial operators, and homeowners across England navigate the complex and ever-changing planning system with confidence.

Preparing considered, effective planning applications is at the heart of what we do, but our support goes far beyond the paperwork.
We guide you through every stage of the process:

Understanding your project aspirations;
Identifying the most effective planning strategy;
Engaging in public consultation and pre-application discussions;
Preparing and submitting robust applications;
Negotiating with case officers and key stakeholders.

Which Type of Planning Application Is Right for Me?

It depends on what you want to achieve – but the right planning strategy is key to success.
That’s why every project starts with an initial development appraisal. Within hours of research, we can advise you on:

Site potential and constraints;
Planning history and context;
Relevant local and national planning policies;
Applicable legislation, case law, and an understanding of comparable examples.

Example:
You want to build a single home on a plot of land. We will assess if the site has development potential and help you to decide on the best route, be it:

Pre-application advice;
Outline or full planning application;
Or if another application route might work such as Permission in Principle (PiP) etc.

Our role is to help you navigate your options and put in place an informed, strategic approach that gives your application the best possible chance of success.

Our Approach to Planning Applications

We have experience in all application types, including:

Change of Use
Certificate of Lawfulness (CLEUD & CLOPUD)
Prior Approval
Retrospective Applications
Outline Planning
Full Planning
PiP

While each application type is different, our proven process remains the same:

1. Fact Finding

We get to know your project goals and timeline, explore site context and designations, review planning policy, and use bespoke mapping/data analysis to identify opportunities and constraints.

2. Strategy Setting

Every site and project is unique. We tailor a planning strategy specific to your aims.

3. Building the Team

We work with your chosen consultants or draw from our trusted network of third-party consultants, including: architects, ecologists, landscape designers, arboriculturists, heritage experts and others – to coordinate all required reports for a timely, robust submission.

4. Communication

From public consultation to planning committee, we handle engagement, write persuasive planning arguments, and present the case in the strongest possible light.

5. Application Preparation

We create meticulous, well-researched submissions that anticipate potential issues and present a compelling case.

6. Submission & Negotiation

We stay in close contact with the planning authority, managing timescales and resolving issues as they arise.

7. Decision & Next Steps

If approved, we guide you through commencement and planning conditions. If refused, we advise on amendments or an appeal.

Sectors We Work In

Residential – from self-builds to new housing developments of up to 10 units;
Commercial – offices, industrial units, retail, leisure;
Specialist – education, student housing, care homes, retirement living;
Householder – annexes, HMOs, small redevelopments.

Why Choose Us?

Nearly 20 years of expertise – helping homeowners, landowners, and businesses unlock the full potential of their sites;
Strategic and evidence-based – we build robust planning cases tailored to your goals, increasing the likelihood of success;
Collaborative approach – working seamlessly with our trusted network of architects, surveyors, and consultants to deliver the right solution;
Proven results – a strong track record in gaining planning approvals for householder projects, small rural schemes, new homes and self-build developments to bespoke commercial projects.

Your success is our success. Let’s work together to bring your project to life.

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

Key Projects

Stunning new 600sqm home approved in the Cotswolds National Landscape

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

Architect-designed replacement dwelling, Tetbury

Residential regeneration in a landmark location – Ealing

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

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

Planning approved for new visitor facilites at an RSPB wetlands reserve

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

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.

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

Seriously, we literally couldn’t have done it without you so on behalf on myself & the Directors of Hunter Vehicles Ltd, THANK YOU.

Hunter Vehicles Ltd, Harlow

From our very first conversation through to the successful outcome Plainview planning have been exceptional. They communicated with us every step of the way, always responding promptly to our questions and explaining everything in a clear and reassuring manner. What initially felt like a daunting and uncertain process became far more manageable thanks to their expertise, professionalism, and genuine care. After years of uncertainty surrounding my mother's property, they achieved the outcome our family had been hoping for by...

Mrs Goodge, Chichester

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

Working alongside Plainview planning has been a pleasure from start to finish. Their advice and expertise has been paramount to the success of getting planning permission for my project. My project was complex involving mobile home planning law, neighbourhood plans and a fractured and detailed site history. The team were excellent at replying to my concerns and finding a lawful route to my challenging planning needs. I couldn't be happier with their level of service and I fully recommended them...

Mr James, Cambridge

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

Really well-presented Plainview. Great work.

Aventier Ltd., Greenwich

Last year there were four applications to Horsham Planning Department. Each one was specific and required attention to detail to secure planning approval. I was very pleased when each application was 'approved' without too much discussion. This was achieved through the dedicated work of your Plainview Planning Experts, and I would like to thank them for their hard work and determination. I would have no hesitation in recommending your company to my friends and family.

Mr Hallworth, Sussex

I have to say, from day one, I knew you would be instrumental to the whole venture succeeding - and I wasn't wrong. You have dealt with it all with gold standard professionalism, and I cannot thank you enough.

Mrs Young, East Yorkshire

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

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

Thank you so much for your faultless work in helping us get planning permission. You have been amazing, and we will always recommend you to others.

Mrs Faithful, East Hampshire

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

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

I have been so impressed at the consistently high standard of work produced during my planning application and appeal process. The Plainview team went above and beyond what was required. A superb outcome, thank you.

Mrs Grimes, Suffolk

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

Faced with a sudden requirement to obtain “Certificates of Lawful Use”, I chanced upon Plainview Planning. A short time later I had a “face to face” meeting to establish an initial rapport and left with a warm feeling of confidence. The project was brought to fruition on time, under budget, and in a most efficacious manner. Communication was first class. Friendly and supportive. Plainview Planning demonstrated professionalism, understanding and commitment to achieve a positive result.

Mr Guignard, London

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

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

Farooq Azami, London

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