Why Do You Need an Independent Planning Consultant Working on Your Side?

Navigating the planning system can be confusing, time-consuming, and frustrating, especially when you're facing tight deadlines or complex regulations. To navigate out of the labyrinth of permission and application, an Independent Planning Consultant in Kent comes to the rescue. With expert knowledge of planning policies and local authority procedures, they help turn your vision into reality by guiding you through applications, appeals, and everything in between.

Whether you’re planning a home extension, new build, or commercial project, an independent consultant offers unbiased advice tailored to your goals. In this blog, we’ll explore their role and why they’re worth hiring with respect to making your planning journey smoother and more successful.

Exploring the Role of an Independent Planning Consultant:-

The role of a planning consultant ranges from offering initial advice to being involved in all of the stages of the planning process. Let’s take a look at some of the activities performed by an independent planning consultant –

1. Initial advice

A planning consultant undertakes the responsibility to conduct initial research about the proposed project. This aids in maintaining compliance with the relevant planning policies without being involved in any technical constraints.

Also, a planning consultant can offer advice related to the chances of success for obtaining planning permission and offer a tailored-made strategy for your project. This aids in minimising the risks and increases the chance of a positive outcome.

2. Pre-application

An independent planning consultant can engage with the local planning authorities during the pre-application stage. This aids in identifying critical matters as well as any issues before submitting the planning application.

3. Planning application

To ensure that the proposed project plan clears the approval stage, an independent planning consultant would prepare a supporting planning statement for your application and collate all reports. All of this hassle is taken to ensure that the local planning authority accepts your application.

Once the application gets approved, the consultant would work on offering their input in the design stage, complete all of the relevant forms, submit the application, and manage other necessary work related to the application process.

4. Planning Appeal

Always include a planning consultant’s support in preparing planning appeal documents as well as managing the appeal process. In case an appeal is to be determined by a hearing or public inquiry, then the consultant can manage the entire process.

This expert can offer their support and advice to both the client and the project team. In serious circumstances, this expert can also act as an important witness on navigating the planning matters.

Why Should One Hire an Independent Planning Consultant?

When it comes to securing planning permission, the entire process can be quite complex, technical, and most importantly time time-consuming. To get rid of all these hassles, a wise solution would be to hire a planning consultant.

These experts offer unbiased and professional advice tailored to one’s specific project. So, whether you are planning for a house extension or a new build, these experts would help you navigate this entire project.

1. In-depth knowledge

An independent planning consultant is quite well-versed in both national and local planning polices and ensures that the planning application aligns with the current regulations. This aids in avoiding any unnecessary delays or rejections.

2. Improves the chances of approval

The experience and insights displayed by a planning consultant can help in strengthening your project application. These experts can identify issues in their early stages and would present the perfect proposal to the local authority members.

3. Unbiased and tailored advice

An independent planning consultant works solely with the objective of offering unbiased and tailored advice, specifically based on the requirements of the project.

4. Efficiency in handling applications and documentation

An independent planning consultant can manage the entire planning process, starting from preparing planning permission drawings to submitting the application. This saves both of your time and effort.

5. Effective communication with the planning authorities

Since these experts have a professional understanding of how these local planning departments operate, they can effectively negotiate and respond to the planning officer queries on behalf of the client.

6. Cost-effective

Although the fee charged by the consultant might seem quite expensive. But if you are thinking about the long run, then the expertise offered by these individuals can prevent costly mistakes, reduce the risk of rejection, and avoid the hassle of resubmissions. All of this can save you a sufficient amount of money in the long run.

Conclusion:-

To conclude, an independent planning consultant brings expert insight, personalised advice, and a clear strategy to help your project move forward smoothly. And if you’re seeking professional support with your application, CB Planning Agent is here to help.

Specialising in Planning Permission Drawings Kent, they offer comprehensive services from concept to approval. Whether you're planning a home extension or a new development, our experts ensure your plans meet local requirements and stand the best chance of approval.