This depends on a combination of the local and national planning policy position, site constraints and ultimately how the scheme is promoted.
Key factors include:
Alignment with the Council’s development plan
For residential schemes, the Council’s five-year housing land supply position
Sustainability of the site location
Green Belt or countryside policy constraints
Access, highways and technical considerations
Planning history
We provide upfront, commercial planning advice - identifying risk early and advising whether a site is worth pursuing before significant capital is committed.
A planning appraisal is typically the first step in assessing a development opportunity or site’s potential.
It provides:
A clear view on the likelihood of securing planning permission
Identification of key risks and constraints
Advice on the most appropriate planning strategy
Input into land value and acquisition decisions
A planning appraisal is critical in avoiding undertaking the wrong planning strategy or progressing unviable sites.
For most of our clients, it’s not just about securing planning permission - it’s about optimising value.
We advise on:
Site capacity and efficient land use
Policy positioning to support appropriate densities
Strategy for promoting non-allocated or Green Belt sites
Managing planning risk to maximise land value
A well-structured and sound planning strategy can significantly enhance scheme viability.
Typical timeframes are:
8 - 13 weeks – Determination period (minor to major applications)
6 - 12+ months – For more complicated sites, including pre-app, design and negotiation with the local planning authority
12+ months – Strategic sites or Local Plan site promotion
Timescales vary significantly depending on the local authority, political sensitivity of the site and technical complexity.
In some cases, yes.
Pre-application engagement can:
Identify issues early on in the process
Reduce planning application determination risk
Help shape the scheme in line with planning officer and consultee expectations
Save cost in having to withdraw and resubmit a new planning application if amendments are required
However, the approach to obtaining pre-app advice needs to be carefully managed and may not always be required or appropriate. We advise on the right strategy for each site.
Promoting land through the Local Plan is a long-term process but can unlock significant value.
Key steps include:
Preparing robust site submissions to the Call for Sites process
Engaging with evidence base consultations
Responding to draft and submission Local Plan consultations
Participating in the examination process and attending hearing sessions
We work with landowners, developers and promoters to position sites effectively to give them the best chance of being allocated in the Local Plan.
Yes. Green Belt sites require a clear and carefully structured case.
This may include:
Demonstrating “very special circumstances”
Promoting sites through the Local Plan
Exploring Grey Belt opportunities (where applicable)
Providing robust planning justification
We focus on building policy-led arguments that assist in justifying the proposal.
A refusal does not necessarily mean the end of the process.
Options include:
Revising and resubmitting the planning application to address the reasons for refusal
Submitting an appeal
Appeals are determined by the Planning Inspectorate. Once an appeal is made a Planning Inspector will independently assess the merits of the proposal against national and local planning policy.
We provide clear advice on appeal prospects and strategy.
Planning constraints - such as Green Belt, flood risk, heritage or access can significantly impact:
Developable area
Density and yield
Abnormal costs
Programme risk
We identify constraints early on in the process and advise how they can be mitigated or addressed to protect scheme viability and achieve a positive planning outcome.
Yes we work with a broad range of clients. We regularly advise:
SME housebuilders
Volume housebuilders
Strategic land promoters
Private investors
Landowners
Our approach is tailored to each client’s commercial objectives, whether that is short-term delivery or long-term strategic promotion.
A planning consultant acts as a strategic advisor throughout a project.
This includes:
Site identification and appraisal
Planning strategy and risk management
Project managing applications, appeals and site promotion
Engagement with local authorities and stakeholders
Our role is to reduce risk, improve outcomes and support informed decision-making, with the aim of achieving planning success.
Fees vary depending on the scale and complexity of the project.
We offer:
Fixed fees for defined scopes and stages of a project
For more complex projects, agreeing a fee budget and working on an hourly rate basis
We are transparent on fees and will set out a scope and fee proposal at the start of a project.
Derwent Planning operates throughout England and Wales, with strong experience in the East Midlands, West Midlands and Yorkshire.
If you are assessing a site or progressing a development project, we can provide clear initial advice.
Early input often prevents costly issues and delays later in the process.
Whether you're at the very start of a development idea or need expert support on a live project, we would be delighted to have a conversation. There's no obligation - just straightforward, expert advice.
Independent chartered town planning consultancy, providing expert planning advice on residential, commercial and mixed-use development across England.
