Planning is a professional evidence-led process, not simply the production of a drawing. The team and supporting information should be proportionate to the site and the issues it raises.
Initial constraints review
Planning policy, history, access, flood risk, heritage, trees, ecology, utilities and neighbouring relationships are considered at a desktop level.
Site visit and measured information
Promising sites may require a visit, topographical information or other surveys before reliable design work begins.
Design development
The proposed layout is tested against access, amenity, parking, refuse, landscaping, drainage and local character.
Pre-application engagement
Where useful, professional advice or a local-authority pre-application process may help test the direction before a full submission.
Planning application
The application package is prepared with the drawings and supporting documents needed for validation and assessment.
Consultation and determination
The local planning authority consults relevant parties, considers the proposal and issues a decision. Further information or revisions may be requested.
After the decision
An approval may include conditions requiring further work. A refusal must be reviewed carefully before deciding whether to amend, appeal or stop.
Who may be involved?
Depending on the site, the professional team could include an architect or designer, planning consultant, highways adviser, drainage engineer, ecologist, arboriculturist, surveyor and solicitor. Not every site needs every specialist.
Can planning permission be guaranteed?
No. A credible team can identify risks and prepare a well-reasoned proposal, but the final decision rests with the local planning authority or, in an appeal, the appointed decision-maker.