Securing planning permission requires more than just submitting drawings; it demands a forensic understanding of local policy, national frameworks, and the negotiation skills to navigate the administrative process. MM Building Surveyors provides specialist advice to help our clients deliver planning permissions through the careful preparation, negotiation, and management of applications. We work across the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors to ensure that your property ambitions are both viable and compliant.
Every site has its own unique constraints, from conservation area restrictions to environmental considerations. Our role is to provide bespoke advice at the earliest stages of a project, identifying potential planning “hurdles” before significant capital is committed. We act as your primary point of contact, liaising with local authorities in London, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire to achieve a successful outcome in a timely manner.
Our Town Planning expertise offers:
Feasibility Assessments: Evaluating the likelihood of success for a proposed development or change of use.
Application Management: Coordinating all technical documents, drawings, and supporting statements.
Policy Navigation: Ensuring proposals align with the latest Building Safety Act requirements and local development plans.
Asset Enhancement: Identifying opportunities to add value through strategic alterations or extensions.
Our surveyors provide a disciplined framework for managing the planning lifecycle, ensuring every application is robust and technically sound.
Planning considerations are a vital part of professional due diligence. We frequently advise clients during Pre-Acquisition Building Surveys on whether a building has the potential for future development or change of use. Our planning advice also informs Capital Expenditure Plans by identifying the regulatory costs associated with major upgrades.
For leasehold properties, we ensure that planning applications are aligned with any required Licences for Alterations. If structural issues like those found in RAAC Surveys or through Defect Diagnosis require significant external changes, we manage the planning process to ensure these essential safety works can proceed without delay.
Generally, internal alterations do not require planning permission unless the building is Listed or if the works involve a change of use. However, most leasehold internal works will still require a Licence for Alterations from the Freeholder and must always comply with building regulations.
This is a specific type of planning application required when you want to use a building for a purpose different from its current legal classification, such as converting an office into residential units. We provide specialist advice on the viability of these applications and manage the process through to the decision.
Most minor applications are decided within eight weeks, while larger or more complex projects can take 13 weeks or longer. We manage the programme and maintain constant contact with the local authority to ensure your project stays within its Project Management timelines.
We would love to speak with you. Feel free to reach out using the below email or form.
office@mmbuildingsurveyors.co.uk
