Planning Consultancy for Successful Applications
A strong planning application is your best chance of approval — we make sure you get it right.
Most planning refusals happen because applications are unclear, incomplete, or fail to address key policies. Our chartered planning consultant prepares robust, policy-led applications that maximise your chances of approval. Whether your project is an extension, outbuilding, conversion, or new dwelling, we manage the process with precision and care.
Led by a Chartered Town Planner
Why choose LRJ Planning?
Our consultancy is led by a Director who is a Chartered Town Planner, bringing deep expertise in planning policy, design, and local authority requirements.
- Successful approvals across England and Wales
- Director-led consultancy with a Chartered Town Planner at the helm
- Highly detailed, policy-led applications that address all council considerations
- Full-service management: plan reviews, policy-led statements, and council liaison
- Fixed, transparent fees and free initial assessment
How We Maximise Your Approval Chances
A well prepared planning application:
- Avoids costly delays
- Reduces the risk of refusal
- Clearly demonstrates compliance with national and local policies, design principles, and technical requirements
We create professionally presented applications backed by:
- Strong planning arguments
- Accurate, policy-compliant drawings
- Detailed technical evidence
Our Planning Application Process
A simple, step-by-step approach to get your project approved:
Step
01
Feasibility & Planning Advice
- Assess your site, constraints, and planning history
- Identify approval likelihood, risks, and refinements
- Provide clear next steps and a fixed-fee quote
Step
02
Drawings & Design Development
- Collaborate with you and your architect to produce accurate, policy-compliant drawings
- Consider: appearance, scale, amenity impacts, daylight, highways, and other decision factors
Step
03
Planning Statement & Technical Evidence
Prepare a comprehensive Planning Statement that references:
- Local and national policies
- Design and heritage considerations
- Amenity impacts
- Transport impacts
- Technical constraints
- Relevant case law and precedents
Statements are evidence based and written for planning officers and planning committees. Separate Design and Access Statements can be prepared.
Work with other Technical Consultants (Transport, Ecologist, Drainage Engineers, Flooding Consultants etc)
Prepare and complete planning application including ownership certificates
Step
04
Submission & Case Management
- Submit your application and monitor progress
- Respond to council queries promptly
- Manage revisions or clarifications efficiently
- Keep you updated at every stage so that it is stress-free and transparent
Lawful Development Certificates – Clear Guidance for Homeowners and Businesses
Navigating planning rules can be complex, and uncertainty over whether a development is lawful can create risk. A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) provides formal confirmation from your Local Planning Authority that a building, use, or proposed work is lawful and protected from enforcement action.
What Is a Lawful Development Certificate?
An LDC is a legal confirmation, not a planning permission. It can cover:
Proposed development – works or changes you plan to carry out, including extensions or changes of use, where you believe they are permitted development.
Existing development or use – uses or works that have been in place long enough to become lawful, usually assessed under the 4- or 10-year rules.
Once granted, the certificate stays with the property and can be relied upon in the future for peace of mind, sales, or refinancing.
When to apply
Proposed Development
- Homeowners extending or altering properties under permitted development rights
- Businesses changing use within a flexible Use Class
- Any works where uncertainty over planning rules exists
Securing an LDC before starting ensures your development complies with legal requirements and avoids costly enforcement issues.
Existing Use
- Long-standing uses or buildings that may not have had planning permission
- Conversions of outbuildings, garages, or annexes into independent dwellings
- Situations where enforcement action has been threatened
An LDC confirms that your use or development has become lawful over time.
Evidence Required
Proposed development: site plans, scaled drawings, and a supporting statement showing compliance with legislation and permitted development rights.
Existing use: statutory declarations, council tax records, utility bills, tenancy agreements, building control certificates, and dated photos. Evidence must clearly relate to the property or use being certified
How can we help
We can guide you through every stage of an LDC application:
- Assessing lawfulness and identifying the correct application type
- Preparing drawings, statements, and evidence
- Submitting and managing the application with your Local Planning Authority
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you provide pre-application advice?
Yes. We assess your proposal, review the site via satellite imagery, research policies, and advise on approval likelihood.
Do you submit pre-applications to councils?
Yes, we manage pre-application submissions to ensure your project is well-prepared.
How do I take advantage of permitted development rights?
We advise on householder and commercial PD rights.
Can you help with planning applications for extensions or new builds?
Absolutely - we specialise in homeowner, commercial and developer applications.
Can you help discharge planning conditions?
Yes, we manage the process from submission to approval.
What if I’ve been refused planning permission or received an Enforcement Notice?
We review your case and advise on appeals or revised applications to maximise success.