Strategic Planning Advice
What Is a planning appraisal?
A planning appraisal is an independent assessment of a site or property, carried out in the context of local and national planning policy. It identifies opportunities, constraints, and the likelihood of securing planning permission for proposed development or change of use.
Our advice is tailored, evidence-based, and focused on real-world outcomes—not theoretical possibilities.
Planning Appraisals & Advice
A planning appraisal is often the first and most important step in understanding what can realistically be achieved on a site. Our appraisals provide clear, practical advice on development potential, planning risk, and the best strategy for moving forward.
Whether you are a homeowner, developer, landowner, or investor, we offer honest, commercially aware guidance to help you make informed decisions before committing considerable time and money.
What our appraisals cover
Each appraisal is bespoke, but typically includes:
- Review of relevant local and national planning policies.
- Assessment of planning history and surrounding development context.
- Identification of constraints (e.g. heritage, landscape, access, flood risk).
- Analysis of development potential and site capacity.
- Initial design and layout considerations (where appropriate).
- Assessment of planning risk and key issues.
- Clear recommendations on next steps and planning strategy.
Why commission a planning appraisal?
A planning appraisal can help you to:
- Understand whether a site is suitable for development.
- Reduce risk before purchasing land or property.
- Shape a proposal that aligns with planning policy.
- Avoid costly design work on unviable schemes.
- Strengthen negotiations with landowners, agents, or stakeholders.
In many cases, early professional advice can save significant time and expense later in the process.
Ongoing planning advice
In addition to formal appraisals, we provide ongoing planning advice at every stage of a project. This may include informal guidance, pre-application strategy, policy interpretation, and advice on responding to planning constraints or objections.
Our approach is proactive, pragmatic, and focused on achieving the best possible outcome within the planning system.
Who we work with
We advise:
- Homeowners and self-builders
- Housebuilders and developers
- Landowners and promoters
- Architects and surveyors
- Commercial clients and investors
