Ive had such an amazing service from Planning by Design, customers service has been really helpful and understanding and the community has just been wonderful!! Cara has just gone above and beyond is... See more
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Very knowledgeable and thorough. Polite and always looking to help. Only reason I didn't give 5 star is the replies could be a bit slow, sometimes taking a few days but I guess thats because they are... See more
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Feasibility Study I asked Planning by Design for a feasibility study concerning turning my garage into a bedroom. I had 2 phone calls about this and they produced a very detailed, professional report... See more
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Planning by Design Ltd has been my choice to deal with my dropped kerb application and they have been great, with a good price and speed.
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4.4
Excellent
297 reviews
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Replied to 100% of negative reviews
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Use if you have deep pockets and happy to be overcharged at every opportunity
They overcharge and add on extras at ridiculous prices when they think you have no choice but to pay. Frustrating to work with, caused delay because they couldn’t understand some basic things. I did read the negative reviews before going ahead with them, but didn’t think it would happen to me, so more fool me I guess.
March 2, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry to hear that you feel this way.
At Planning By Design, we provide fixed-price quotations, a price match guarantee, and a clear breakdown of the services included before any payment is made, so clients can decide whether or not they wish to proceed. We only carry out the work that has been agreed and paid for, and we always aim to be transparent about this from the outset.
We cannot identify your matter from this review, and we have not received any prior complaint from you directly. We would genuinely welcome the opportunity to understand your concerns and review the position properly.
Please contact us directly with your name, property address, or invoice reference so we can investigate and try to help.
Amazing first time planning experience!
Amazing first time experience with going through the whole planning process. The dedicated planner provided a feasibility report and then discussed the whole planning process with me. I asked several questions, as it was my first time, and they were all satisfactorily answered. Thoroughly impressed by their professional and transparent approach. Will recommend to anyone who is new to the whole planning process, as it can be a minefield to navigate it alone.
March 18, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Shehriyar, thank you so much for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.
It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.
Of course, if you have any further questions or need help with anything else, just let us know, and we'll be glad to help.
Planning Permission
It was my first ever experience of getting a planning permission from the council and working with Planning By Design was a great learning curve. I found the team to be very professional, responsive and knowledgeable, they are thorough in their research and proposing the right solution. The response time is quick so you are not sitting and waiting for a response to your query. My experience with them was great - start to finish, glad I used their services and I would highly recommend them to anyone.
March 16, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Tauseef, thank you for choosing Planning By Design again and for your kind words, it really means a lot to us.
It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.
We're delighted to have helped you secure planning approval following a smooth application process.
If you have any questions or need help with anything in the future, just let us know, and we'll be happy to help.
Do not go near them
Promised everything that i wanted but it all changed once they have the money.
They made a mistake which added to planning being understandably refused and then expected further payment to review and continue. They will probably come on the back of this saying that they are as upset as i am about the planning being rejected, well i am not as upset about that as i am about the quality of the work, the poor communication and exceptionally bad customer service, especially from the managing director who attempts to patronise and intimidate once you complain.
I take it as a learning experience and accept the vast amount of money lost to this company but all i can pass on to anyone thinking of using them is, be prepared to complete the plans yourself, if you are completely confident that you know what you doing then they’ve will complete the paperwork for you, if you need any help with the base plans or are not sure if the planning will pass straight away then this company is not for you no matter what they promise you.
In response to their reply i just want to assure anyone reading this that the one major block to the planning other than the standard was that the authority wanted the drive to be half a meter longer, which there was space for. this is the kind of help that i specifically asked for during the sales process and not something that i would be able to spot when i agreed to the plans, trusting them on completing the plans correctly was an expensive mistake on my part. they did then offer a review after the fact but expected me to pay for the review even though they were as culpable as i. i have also had an email after this review threatening legal action should i use the plans that they drew up on the back of my drawings, i’ve seen this tactic used by them on other reviews so i confirm that this is something that they do.
May 6, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Thank you for updating your review. We again need to correct the record.
This proposal was never presented as guaranteed. Our planning appraisal expressly stated it had a fair chance of success and made clear that planning permission is not guaranteed and can only be decided by the local authority.
Your quote also made clear that we would only submit once you approved the drawings and supporting evidence, and your signed invoice confirms the agreed scope of work we delivered.
It is also wrong to suggest the council identified some fatal flaw. The Highway Officer stated there were no objections in principle to off-road parking/access at the site, but that the design and dimensions required amendment, and expressly confirmed that subject to some amendment Highways could support the proposal.
As for your comments about a later email regarding our drawings and reports, that was not a threat. It was a standard reminder of our contractual intellectual property rights, particularly where planning applications are public documents and the council’s response indicated that an amended scheme may be capable of support.
For transparency, the public application record can be viewed here:
https://publicaccess.newport.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=T3ICK9LCHXO00&activeTab=summary
Great experience working with Planning…
Great experience working with Planning By Design. Silas and his team helped me through the whole planning process to build flats above my commercial property. They were always supportive and never gave up on the project. Very reasonable fees as well. Really appreciate all their help.
March 9, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Manjot, thank you for choosing Planning By Design again and for your kind words, it really means a lot to us.
It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.
We're delighted to have helped you secure planning approval following a smooth application process.
If you have any questions or need help with anything in the future, just let us know, and we'll be happy to help.
Professional, Patient, and Thorough
As someone completely new to the world of planning, I was initially overwhelmed and confused by the various requirements. However, Mark Reed at Planning By Design made the entire process incredibly easy to follow. He took the time to thoughtfully explain every procedure in full detail, ensuring I never felt lost.
The team is exceptionally customer-friendly and responsive. I now have full confidence that I made the right choice. If you want a team that combines technical expertise with great communication, look no further.
February 16, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Krishna, thank you so much for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.
It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.
Of course, if you have any further questions or need help with anything else, just let us know, and we'll be glad to help.
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Carol, thank you so much for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.
It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.
Of course, if you have any further questions or need help with anything else, just let us know, and we'll be glad to help.
This is the second time we’ve used…
This is the second time we’ve used Planning By Design, and once again they delivered excellent service.
They were professional, responsive, and clear throughout the process, keeping everything on track and handling all the details carefully. Thanks to their expertise, we obtained planning permission smoothly and without any issues.
We highly recommend them for reliable and efficient planning services.
February 27, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Kathy, thank you for choosing Planning By Design again and for your kind words, its really means a lot to us.
It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.
We're delighted to have helped you secure planning approval following a smooth application process.
If you have any questions or need help with anything in the future, just let us know, and we'll be happy to help.
Great company
Great company. Fast, efficient, professional service. I would most definitely recommend.
February 26, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Sally, thank you so much for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.
It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.
Of course, if you have any further questions or need help with anything else just let us know and we'll be glad to help.
Brilliant service again by the team
Brilliant service again by the team, always helpful and kept informed at every stage of the process.
February 18, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Sonia, thank you so much for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.
It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.
Of course, if you have any further questions or need help with anything else just let us know, and we'll be glad to help.
Reliable and trustworthy
Mark Read of Planning By Design has been amazing from the word go. We are at the first stages of having an extension built at the side of our house, and Mark has explained the procedure in full detail. At first, I was confused by several aspects of the process, but every question, no matter how minor, has been attended to so far. I have full confidence that Planning By Design has been the right choice to make to satisfy all the requirements related to planning appraisal, building regulations, and structural engineering calculations. The company has already provided positive advice on the feasibility of the project, for which I am grateful.
February 17, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Ruqaya, thank you for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.
It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.
We're delighted you found our planning appraisal service helpful.
If you have any questions or need help with anything in the future, just let us know, and we'll be happy to help.
Professional
Planning by Design Ltd has been my choice to deal with my dropped kerb application and they have been great, with a good price and speed.
February 3, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Marian, thank you so much for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.
It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.
We're delighted to have helped you secure planning approval following a smooth application process.
Of course, we'll be delighted to assist you with building regulations or anything else you require moving forward.
Planning permission on a vets
This was my fist time putting a planning permission application in for a commercial property and ‘Planning by Design’ helped me through the whole process, this helped me a lot and made the whole process a lot less stressful! Would highly recommend them!
February 3, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Chantel, thank you so much for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.
It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.
We're delighted to have helped you secure planning approval following a smooth application process.
Of course, we'll be delighted to assist you with building regulations or anything else you require moving forward.
Incredible service!
Planning by Design were amazing through the whole
Process of applying for a change of use. As first time business owners the amount of information and support we received helped immensely with reducing any stress related to the application. They were fast, efficient and very friendly. I would definitely recommend Planning by Design to any and everybody that is in need of help with a planning application!
January 28, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Danni, thank you so much for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.
It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.
We're delighted to have helped you secure planning approval following a smooth application process.
Of course, we'll be delighted to assist you with building regulations or anything else you require moving forward.
The Pre planning service is a waste of…
The Pre planning service is a waste of time. The service says they will provide a definite report after engaging and research done by the planner, however the research provided was very basic and was told to walk the street to gauge other hmos. We made clear to planner to stop the consultation call as that was general information. Wasted our money and zero value for money.
December 18, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Pankaj, thank you for taking the time to leave a review, we're sorry you feel disappointed.
Our Planning Appraisal is specifically a paid, pre-application feasibility service designed to give an honest, evidence-led view of the prospects and risks before a client commits to a purchase or an application. It includes 1–3 hours of town-planner research (policies, planning history and constraints), a telephone consultation, a written feasibility report, and a quote for any next steps.
In your case, the call focused on the relevant Local Plan policy considerations for HMOs and the factors that often receive heightened scrutiny. Where councils do not publish a complete or fully reliable dataset for concentrations/identification of HMOs, a simple “on-the-ground” sense check can be a practical part of due diligence (alongside the desk-based research) — that’s why this was suggested. It wasn’t a substitute for research; it was additional, real-world context to help you make an informed decision.
You also chose to end the consultation early, despite the research having already been completed ahead of the call and the written outputs still being prepared/sent. As set out when booking, once payment is received, the work begins in advance of the appointment and the appraisal fee is non-refundable.
We absolutely understand it’s frustrating when a feasibility outcome is more cautious than hoped — but we won’t give false reassurance. Our responsibility is to provide a frank, professional view based on the available evidence, so clients can avoid costly mistakes.
If you’d like to raise specific questions from the written feasibility report, please reply to the email thread and we’ll gladly clarify anything that’s unclear.
Planning By Design
I received a professional service and…
I received a professional service and got the planning permission I was seeking.
December 17, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Thank you so much for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.
It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.
We're delighted to have helped you secure planning approval following a smooth application process.
Of course, we'll be delighted to assist you with building regualtions or anything else you require moving forwards.
PLEASE SAVE YOUR HARD-EARNED MONEY
PLEASE SAVE YOUR HARD-EARNED MONEY - STAY AWAY!
I wanted to look at what potential my field would have of gaining planning and found this company online.
From the first look of the website, it looked perfect, so I made contact and paid for a feasibility study.
This all looked positive and was advised to maybe look at a mixed development.
To put this work together cost my just short of 5k (this also included a 1 hr virtual appointment with the local planning which I was informed was the best way to see how the meeting was going and to redirect if they felt, so at least we can get something on the land) Which is fine as I thought this was a good company with lots of experience.
I got calls and emails going through the plans and was very happy. Then the plans went in and I had to pay over 1k to the council for the pre application.
This is where things started to go wrong!
The council came back and stated basically they don't look favourably on anything on this land "Planning by Design (PBD)" stated I had a medium to good chance to get something on the land)
I tried then to call PBD to talk to them about the next stages, KNOWBODY would pick up the phone or give me a call! eventually I got emails stating maybe to accept a £250 refund off the council.
I phoned and emailed at least 5 times if someone could give me a call
All I received back was emails stating they don’t have time to call me!
I asked to be put through to the director "Grant Singlehurst-Ward" From the very first email Grant was rude! Again, I asked Grant for a 5 min call, again an email back after chasing saying no calls!
But he did say give me more money and we can look at what they could do. At this point I knew this company doesn’t care once they have taken your money.
All I got back was read your T's &C's and they have done what I had paid for.
I informed Grant that I paid £300 for the virtual meeting and this was not carried out. I simply asked for this £300 to be paid back and we could go our separate ways. Again, after several emails Grant stated I was not getting anything back!
I went to this company as I had no idea of the process and wanted someone to work with to guide me through the process and help me understand the steps.
If the feasibility came back as Low risk, I would not have paid the extra 5K. In my opinion I was led a bit of a dream.
This latter part of the process as placed me under a lot of stress, and I wanted to put something in writing to try and help people in the same situation as myself not to fall for the dream and to be made aware this company led by Grant don't care about you as a person or willing to actually pick up a phone.
Even when you have said this process is making you feels ill!
PBD are all about taking your money. BE VERY CAREFULL and look somewhere else.
I will now be taking court proceedings to try and get at least some of my money back.
On saying the above I do feel that some of the team are good and decent people but unfortunately not led by people with the same morals!
January 22, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Janet, I’m sorry to hear you feel disappointed. To clarify the facts: we completed the work you instructed us to do, including preparing and submitting the pre-application request and relaying the council’s written response. The follow-up officer meeting was still available and could proceed, but you chose to cancel at that stage (the council also offered you a partial refund if you didn’t wish to continue).
Our fees are non-refundable once the cooling-off period is waived/expired, as set out in the terms you agreed. That said, we still applied a goodwill refund of £200 towards the meeting fee, despite the cancellation being your decision.
If you’d like us to revisit options for the site and next steps, we’re happy to help under a new instruction. Please email our team and we’ll ensure the right planner reviews everything and responds.
Our first application with another…
Our first application with another architect was unfortunately rejected, so we decided to work with this company for our second attempt. They guided us through every step with professionalism and care, making a stressful process much easier. Thanks to them, our outbuilding application was finally approved. We highly recommend their services!
November 12, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Roman, thanks for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words. It really means a lot to us.
Unfortunately, your predicament is very common. Many people assume an archtiect is all they need, however, they are only qualified in design but not planning, so the design might look great but be destined for refusal because it does not meet the required planning policies.
This is why we have both Chartered Architects and Chartered Town Planners in-house working on every application to give it the best chance of success.
We're delighted to have helped you secure approval following a smooth process.
If you have any further questions or need assistance with anything else, just let us know, and we'll be happy to help.
Pleasure to deal with Planning by…
Pleasure to deal with Planning by design. Kim was always there to take your call & answer your questons
I highly recommend
January 21, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Kishore, thank you so much for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.
It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team..
If you have any questions or need help with anything in the future, just let us know, and we'll be happy to help.
Fantastic service and communication. Would recommend.
I saw a few comments that were negative on here before using Planning by Design, so i did wonder. Honestly the experience has been outstanding from start to finish on my designs and application. Kim and Mislav were really helpful. I was able to ask all my questions get complete clarity on everything. I’m new to this so had a lot of questions. Nothing ever felt too much trouble. No question was treated as a silly question. Everything got approved by the council too. Such a smooth and easy process thank you so much! I guess the biggest compliment I can pay them is that we are using them again for further work. Would recommend.
October 1, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Stuart, thank you so much for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.
It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.
We're delighted to have helped you secure planning approval following a smooth application process.
Of course, we'll be delighted to assist you with building regualtions or anything else you require moving forwards.
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