Navigating the planning permission process can be a labyrinth for housing developers. With multiple stages, complex regulations, and numerous professionals involved, knowing who to rely on and when is critical to ensuring a smooth path from concept to construction. In this guide, we break down the key roles in the planning process and explain how they can contribute to your project’s success.

Cadastre City Building Survey Map

Planners discuss a proposed scheme

1. The Chartered Town Planner: The Navigator of Policy and Process

  • Role and Expertise: Chartered Town Planners accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) are experts in planning law and policy. They ensure your project aligns with national and local frameworks, anticipate objections, and prepare robust applications. As qualified professionals, they operate under strict ethical codes, which means you can trust their advice to be impartial and in your best interest.
  • When to Involve Them: At the earliest stage of your project. Their input can shape your plans to meet planning requirements, avoid delays, and address challenges proactively.
  • Value to Developers: As both strategists and advocates, Chartered Town Planners are the ideal first point of contact for navigating the complexities of planning permission. While some planning consultants may offer similar services, not all are qualified town planners, making it essential to verify their credentials.

2. The Architect: The Creative Visionary

  • Role and Expertise: Architects translate your vision into detailed designs that balance aesthetic appeal, functionality, and planning compliance.
  • When to Involve Them: Once your planner has evaluated site constraints and opportunities, architects can create designs that align with planning guidance and your commercial goals.
  • Value to Developers: A strong architectural concept enhances the chances of planning approval and maximises market appeal.

3. The Chartered Surveyor: The Versatile Specialist

  • Role and Expertise: Chartered Surveyors accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) bring a diverse range of skills, including:
    • Topographic and Boundary Surveys: Mapping the physical layout of your site.
    • Building Surveys: Assessing the condition and potential of existing structures.
    • Quantity Surveying: Managing project budgets and costs.
    • Valuation Surveys: Determining property and land values.
  • When to Involve Them: At multiple stages—during site acquisition, early planning, and construction.
  • Value to Developers: Their detailed assessments ensure your project is financially viable and technically feasible.

4. Other Specialists: The Supporting Cast

In addition to planners, architects, and surveyors, a successful development often requires input from a range of specialised professionals to address specific challenges and enhance the overall scheme. These include:

  • Ecologists:
    • Role: Assess the environmental impact of your development, particularly on protected species or habitats, and propose mitigation measures to satisfy biodiversity requirements.
    • When to Involve Them: Early in the process if your site contains trees, hedgerows, water features, or other natural elements that could be impacted by development.
  • Flooding and Drainage Specialists:
    • Role: Evaluate flood risk and drainage requirements, ensuring compliance with national and local policies, including Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).
    • When to Involve Them: Essential for sites in flood-prone areas or those requiring detailed drainage strategies as part of a planning application.
  • Heritage Specialists:
    • Role: Provide expert advice and assessments on developments involving listed buildings, conservation areas, or archaeology. This includes preparing Heritage Impact Assessments and engaging with heritage bodies.
    • When to Involve Them: If your site is in or near a conservation area, contains listed structures, or has archaeological significance.
  • Landscape Specialists:
    • Landscape Designers:
      • Role: Create aesthetically pleasing and functional outdoor spaces, enhancing the overall scheme and contributing to its market appeal.
      • When to Involve Them: At the design stage to integrate landscaping into the wider development.
    • Landscape and Visual Impact Consultants:
      • Role: Assess and mitigate the visual impact of your development on the surrounding area, particularly for large or visually sensitive schemes.
      • When to Involve Them: For developments in areas where landscape and visual impacts could be a concern for planning authorities.
  • Highways and Transport Engineers:
    • Role: Address site access, traffic impact, and transport connections. This often includes preparing Transport Statements or Transport Assessments and designing access solutions.
    • When to Involve Them: Early in the process, particularly for larger developments or sites with challenging access.
  • Public Engagement Specialists:
    • Role: Manage community consultations, helping to engage with local stakeholders and address concerns before they escalate into objections.
    • When to Involve Them: During pre-application stages for projects that are likely to generate significant public interest.
  • Legal Advisors:
    • Role: Handle Section 106 agreements, Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) negotiations, and other legal aspects of planning obligations.
    • When to Involve Them: As part of the post-approval process or when complex legal agreements are required.
  • Other Potential Specialists:
    • Noise and Air Quality Consultants: Assess and mitigate environmental impacts on or from the site.
    • Contamination and Geotechnical Specialists: Address issues related to land contamination or ground conditions.
    • Renewable Energy Consultants: Advise on energy-efficient solutions and meeting sustainability targets.

5. Collaboration is Key

The success of any project lies in how well these professionals work together. As the developer, you set the vision, but assembling the right team ensures your plans come to fruition efficiently and effectively.

6. Why Norton Taylor Nunn Can Help

At Norton Taylor Nunn, we’re proud to be Chartered Town Planners with extensive experience in coordinating multidisciplinary teams. Our professional standards and strategic approach help you secure planning permission while maximising your site’s potential. Learn more about our services.

Conclusion: Building Success, Brick by Brick

Understanding the roles of different professionals and how they contribute to your project is key to successful development. With the right team, you can navigate planning challenges confidently and achieve your goals.