planning-by-design.co.uk

4.6
4.6 Based on 81 reviews

...

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Average Rating

4.6

/
5

81 Reviews

5 Star
83%
4 Star
7%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
7%

All Reviews

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Review Time

Tommie Clark
Disappointing experience with my application

I discovered this service online and decided to use them for my planning application regarding the height of my rear garden fence. My fence was raised from just over 1 meter to 2.4 meters, exceeding the permitted development rules, which led to a complaint to the council. After consulting various services, this was the only one that provided hope. However, after paying the full invoice to begin work, I sent nearly 100 photos and videos to support the application. The council officer mistakenly thought we had built a new patio, but this patio was already part of the property. Instead of clarifying this, the planner shifted the blame onto me, showing a lack of attention to the evidence I provided. I had to handle my own response to the council officer, eventually getting them to drop the patio issue. However, the officer still insisted on reducing the fence height to 2.0 meters. The planner failed to advocate for my case, leaving me to negotiate. I felt unsupported throughout the process and regretted hiring them. Despite my efforts, I had to accept the council's decision, leading to unnecessary costs and stress. Their model seems to focus on generating hope rather than providing effective support, and communication was limited to emails, contrary to what I was promised. Overall, I felt my investment was wasted, resulting in frustration and anxiety.

1
Date of experience: Jan 10, 2026
Wade Morris
Excellent professional service

I received an excellent all-around service where I was kept fully informed throughout the process. Our application for a loft conversion and rear extension was initially deemed invalid by the council. Once the service took over the process on our behalf, they produced outstanding professional drawings and a comprehensive statement that helped us acquire planning permission within the necessary timescales. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services.

5
Date of experience: Dec 17, 2025
Nathaniel
Successful outcome

The service handled my planning application in a friendly and professional manner. They responded quickly and helpfully to any queries. Although the initial outcome wasn’t very promising, the application was ultimately approved unconditionally. A great result. My thanks to the team for their support.

5
Date of experience: Dec 11, 2025
supermoine69
Conservation Area planning permission

We needed to apply for planning permission for alterations in a conservation area. The service guided us through the whole process, making it easy and stress-free, and we received approval today. Their work was thorough and outstanding, with excellent communication throughout. I highly recommend them!

5
Date of experience: Dec 09, 2025
Jon Foster
Save Your Money !!!

The service helped me decide whether to proceed with a planning application to convert my office space into a residential flat. Instead of paying a surveyor a hefty fee for pre-application advice, I only paid a small amount to find out that my application was highly unlikely to be successful! I thoroughly recommend them.

5
Date of experience: Dec 09, 2025
Malcolm Turner
Great service from start to finish

I received great service from start to finish, with excellent attention to detail and communication.

5
Date of experience: Dec 04, 2025
Rathbone Price
Felt trapped and unsupported during my application process

I found this service online and decided to use them for my planning application regarding the height of my rear garden fence. My fence was raised from just over 1 meter to 2.4 meters, exceeding the permitted development rules, which led to a complaint to the council. I chose to apply for permission to keep the fence, and after consulting various services, this was the only one that gave me hope. The planner I initially spoke with assured me that my project was likely to succeed due to my property's circumstances and the natural slope of my garden. However, after I paid the full invoice to start work, I sent nearly 100 photos and videos to support the application. When the council officer visited, he mistakenly thought we had built a new patio without permission, but this patio was already part of the property. Instead of clarifying this misunderstanding, the planner shifted the blame onto me, showing a lack of attention to the evidence I provided. I had to take matters into my own hands and respond to the council officer myself, eventually getting them to drop the patio issue. However, the officer still insisted on reducing the fence height to 2.0 meters, which is within the rules. The planner failed to advocate for my case and left me to negotiate. I felt completely unsupported throughout the process and regretted hiring them. Despite my efforts, I had to accept the council's decision, leading to unnecessary costs and stress. Their model seems to focus on generating hope rather than providing effective support, and communication was limited to emails, contrary to what I was promised. Overall, I felt my investment was wasted, resulting in frustration and anxiety.

1
Date of experience: Dec 02, 2025
Becca Harris
Great service from beginning to end

I experienced great service from beginning to end. It's not difficult to respond to queries in a timely manner, but many companies fail at this; however, this service did not.

5
Date of experience: Dec 01, 2025
Rosemary Sanders
Supportive after a refusal on my application

After receiving a refusal on my planning application, I felt completely overwhelmed. The service stepped in and made the appeal process much less stressful. They were patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive from start to finish. I’m very grateful for their help and would highly recommend them.

5
Date of experience: Dec 01, 2025
BS21
A very good company to work with

This service is very good to work with. The team is helpful, supportive, informative, and quick to respond to questions. They are open and honest, with no hidden agenda.

5
Date of experience: Nov 27, 2025

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