Town Planning Consultancy Services

Forge Planning provides tailored consultancy for projects ranging from householder proposals to major developments, as well as planning support for local authorities and other public-sector organisations.

We work with homeowners, landowners, developers, architects, businesses, community groups and public bodies throughout the UK. Services are delivered remotely and, where required, through site visits, meetings, planning committees and appeal hearings.

Our clear, pragmatic and commercially informed advice helps clients navigate the planning system and progress their projects with confidence.

Planning Appraisals and Feasibility Studies

Services include:

Site appraisals and development potential assessments prior to investment or land acquisition
Planning constraints and risk analysis
Planning due diligenceD
Development and consenting strategies

Planning Applications

Preparing, submitting and managing applications for:

Householder developer
Residential development
Commercial and industrial development
Energy and renewable energy projects
Changes of use
Listed building consent
Advertisement consent
Hazardous substances consent
Agricultural development
Retrospective development
Development Consent Order advice (England)

We can also liaise with local planning authorities in respect of pre-application advice and coordinate stakeholder and community engagement throughout the application process

Planning Statements and Supporting Documents

Services include:

Planning statements
Design and access statements
Planning policy assessments
Planning justification reports
Statements of community involvement (England)
Proposal of Application Notices (Scotland)
Pre-application Consultation Reports (Scotland)
Environmental impact assessment review

Appeals and Enforcement

Services include:

Planning appeals
Enforcement Notices and appeals
Lawful Development Certificates
Breaches of planning control or conditions

Support can include case review, appeal statements, written representations and hearing or inquiry attendance, where required

Strategic Advice for Developers and Landowners

Services include:

Planning and consenting strategies
Pre-application advice and discussions
Site promotion
Development plan representations
Stakeholder and community engagement

Community and Parish Council Support

Independent advice helping communities and local councils understand and respond to planning proposals and policy. Services include:

Neighbourhood planning
Reviews of planning applications
Planning policy interpretation
Consultation responses

Local Community and Parish / Community Council Support

Local Authority and Public Sector Support

Flexible planning support for local authorities and public-sector organisations on a contract, interim or project basis, including:

Development management casework
Planning application assessment
Committee reports and presentations
Environmental Impact Assessment review/Scoping Opinion & Screening response
Enforcement case management
Planning appeals
Planning policy projects
Project management
Mentoring and support for junior planners

Support can be provided remotely or through site visits and meeting/committee attendance, as required

Professional Referrals

Where a project requires additional expertise, we can introduce clients to trusted professionals, including:

Architects and urban designers
Environmental and sustainability consultants
Heritage specialists
Community engagement consultants
Development and property professionals