Need a planning consultant in Somerset?

Planning Consultant Somerset

While parts of Somerset are targeted for development, the county has many protected landscapes and flood risk issues restricting the areas that can be built on. As such, planning applications that face challenges in satisfying planning authorities’ requirements may benefit from the expert advice that planning consultants can provide.

This article explains what planning consultants can do to help a problematic development proposal secure planning permission. And if you need a planning consultant in Somerset, we showcase some amazing schemes undertaken by five great planning consultancies in the county to inspire you.

What is a Planning Consultant?

They can provide the following services:

• Extensive knowledge of the local authority’s planning process.
• In-depth understanding of national planning policies.
• Project assessment.
• Feasibility studies.
• Planning advice and planning applications.
• Project management.
• Negotiations with planning officers.
• Assessment of development potential.
• Handle a planning appeal.
• Listed building advice.

Do I Need a Planning Consultancy or an Architect?

An architect’s services might be ideal for a straightforward development project such as a house extension, however, a more complicated scheme may require a planning consultant’s strategic advice. Architects can design buildings and create drawings while planning consultants specialise in satisfying planning regulations.

Somerset County Council’s Development Outlook

Somerset County Council’s 2024 development plan focuses on fostering sustainable growth while preserving the county’s beautiful landscapes and rural charm. The county faces challenges with flood risk, particularly in low-lying areas, and pressure from tourism, making careful planning and flood prevention strategies essential.

Planning policies include providing more affordable housing, supporting local businesses, and improving infrastructure. The council is also committed to promoting environmentally friendly development and reducing carbon emissions. There are plans to build around 25,000 new homes from 2024 to 2035: to balance housing demand with environmental protection, the council is focusing on green infrastructure, sustainable transport, and protecting natural areas from overdevelopment.

Key areas earmarked for development include Taunton and Yeovil, where new housing and commercial projects are planned to support population growth and boost the local economy. Taunton is Somerset’s county town, and its growth will focus on creating vibrant new communities, while Yeovil will see further investment in housing and business spaces.

Two major development schemes include the Taunton Garden Town project, which will deliver thousands of new homes, green spaces, and community facilities, and the Gravity smart campus near Bridgwater, designed to attract green tech companies.

Creative Schemes by Planning Consultants in Somerset

If you are considering a planning application in Somerset, these five firms demonstrate a wide range of planning consultancy expertise and one may suit your project.

Whiteacre Planning

These south west Somerset planning consultants are experienced in urban and rural planning issues and are accredited members of the Royal Town Planning Institute. Whiteacre Planning provides a complete planning consultancy service: planning advice includes feasibility studies, pre-purchase appraisals, planning applications, requirements for new development and planning appeals.   

An agricultural building was converted here to create three dwellings that can be let on a farm in Somerset. The planning consultants ensured that the scheme met the requirements of Class Q legislation, and the result was an attractive holiday rental development.

Tadman Planning Consultants

Working closely with architects and local planning authorities, this experienced team covers Bath, Bristol, and Somerset west. Planning services include listed building advice, heritage statements, local plan representations, and community consultation.

Their expertise led to planning permission being granted for an extension to a house in the Green Belt. As the house had already been extended, Tadman Planning Consultants believed that further extensions would not be acceptable; they worked with Hill Reading Architects to remove a porch and carport to release volume which was then used in successful planning applications for two extensions.

Collier Planning

Based in Taunton, Collier Planning works on planning issues throughout the south west of England. As well as full planning services, Collier Planning can provide project management and act as a lead consultant.

Consultants achieved full planning permission on appeal for 10 houses on a brownfield site in Exmouth, Devon. The original application was refused by the local planning authority because the scheme would mean the loss of an employment site.

Context Planning

Working with homeowners, landowners and developers, this Bath-based independent chartered town planning consultancy has clients across the south west and further afield. Its services range from initial site appraisals to developing schemes to achieve clients’ aims: consultants can prepare and submit planning applications, project manage and carry out master planning, working collaboratively with architects, engineers and other professionals on schemes of all sizes.

Context Planning achieved planning approval for this beautiful modern infill house on the garden land of a detached house in the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The design was by Withey Design.

Salmon Planning Company

Providing strategic advice for residential, commercial, and agricultural clients, this consultancy comprises a multidisciplinary team of in-house chartered town planners, architects and designers who offer architecture services to clients across Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Devon, Cornwall, and beyond. The team holds chartered membership with the Royal Town Planning Institute and has a track record of success with many complicated schemes and various local planning authorities.

Salmon Planning achieved planning permission to replace an existing bungalow with a traditional style new build 4-bedroom house, with a linked annex for an elderly relative.

Achieve Planning Approval

The wide-ranging projects featured above have hopefully demonstrated how the extensive knowledge of planning consultants can provide strategic advice to help a complicated project through the planning process. If you need planning advice in Somerset, research planning consultants that have successfully managed schemes like yours. Engaging a planning consultancy does not guarantee success with a planning application, but it will mean that you receive expert guidance to secure the best outcome.