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
298 reviews
No recent history of asking for reviews
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Replied to 100% of negative reviews
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This company so bad once you paid them…
This company so bad once you paid them that's it,it's really hard to contact them my planing application toke nearly a 1 years I will not recommend this company, Siilas is very slow planner's
March 25, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
While we appreciate all feedback, this review is effectively anonymous and categorically untrue.
Our offices are open Monday-Friday 9am to 6pm, we are available by phone, email or contact form on our website. We also have Aisa, our AI planning assistant, who is available 24/7 365 to help clients with new enquiries or provide updates for ongoing projects. If you wanted to contact us you certainly could
You haven't shared your name or contacted us, so if you do have a project with us, we can't look it up or assist you unless you contact us with more details.
In the meantime, what we can tell you is that if your application has been submitted and has taken a year, the delay is not with Planning By Design but rather your local planning authority.
If what you say is true, it may be possible to appeal on the basis of non-determination but again, we can't help you unless you contact us.
Used Planning By Design recently for a…
Used Planning By Design recently for a planning appraisal. The town planner Aaron that I spoke with was very informative and extremely helpful. Unfortunately we did not proceed with the application but only due to the low chance of approval however my experience with the company was great and would definitely recommend, thank you!
April 16, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Nathalie, thanks very much for choosing Planning By Design and for sharing a review of your experience. It is always disappointing for all concerned when a project isn't feasible. This is why we always recommend a planning appraisal to check before paying for drawings or a planning. Should you have further questions or need help with any in the future, please don't hesitate to let us know, and we'll be happy to help with anything you need.
I would recommend Planning by Design as…
I would recommend Planning by Design as they have been super helpful in keeping me informed about whether we are likely to get planning permission. Their response is very timely - usually within 24 hours, compared to my experience with the local councils taking 20 days.
April 7, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Thank you for choosing Planning By Design and for sharing a review of your experience, it means a lot to us. We are delighted to have helped you secure planning approval. Of course, if you do have any further questions or need assistance with anything in the future, just let us know and we will be glad to help.
Had a great experience with Planning by…
Had a great experience with Planning by Design. I wasn’t sure about my application, but they talked me through the likely questions and process. Their feasibility study was very good and gave me good examples of similar projects and likelihood of my application being successful. They also price matched for me. Would recommend.
April 4, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Tim, thank you very much for choosing Planning By Design and for sharing a review of your experience, it really means a lot to us. Its always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices and its always nice to hear we have succeeded. Of course, if you have any further questions or need assitance with anything else please do let us know and we'll be glad to help.
We had an excellent experience working…
We had an excellent experience working with Planning by Design for our recent planning permission application. From start to finish, their team was professional, knowledgeable, and very efficient. They guided us through the entire process, ensuring that our submission met all Council requirements while maximizing the potential of our project.
Their attention to detail and expertise meant that, what could have been a very stressful process, feel seamless. Communication was clear and timely, and they were always available to answer any questions we had. Thanks to their meticulous approach, our application was approved, despite the council's best efforts to thwart our plans!
If you're looking for a reliable and experienced company to handle your planning submissions, we would highly recommend Planning by Design.
April 1, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Joe, thanks veery much for choosing Planing By Design and for sharing a glowing review of your experience, it really means a lot to us.
It's always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices and it's always great to hear we have succeeded.
We are delighted have helped you secure planning approval and of course, if you have any further questions or need help with anything in the future please don't hesitate to let us know and we'll be glad to help.
Very helpful and reliable team.Good…
Very helpful and reliable team.Good communication.I strongly recommend.
March 31, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi A, thank you for choosing Planning By Design and sharing a review of your experience. it really means a lot to us. We are delighted to hear that you have been happy with our service. If you have any further questions or require help with anything else in the future, please let us know and we will be glad to help.
I am not happy about this company…
I am not happy about this company demanding money up front rather than invoicing after the service has been delivered. I paid them a great deal of money but they didn’t actually need to do the work. They wanted to apply for planning permission from scratch for a loft conversion that was completed more than twenty years ago. In the event, the LA was able to issue retrospective permission for a relatively small fee. I would not recommend this company.
March 29, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
John, as a repeat customer, you understand very well how it works.
In August 2024 you contacted us regarding an illegal retrospective loft conversion to a listed building.
You asked and paid one of our chartered town planners to conduct a planning appraisal to assess the feasibility, requirements and cost.
We did as you requested and confirmed that Listed Building Consent is a legal requirement but providing a suitable design and strong supporting evidence, it would have a good chance of success.
To apply for listed building consent, you required;
Existing & Proposed Elevations
Existing & Proposed Floor Plans
Existing & Proposed Block Plans
Detailed Drawings of the Windows
Site Location Plan
Planning Statement
Heritage Statement
Relevant Planning Application Form
Submission and Management of the application over 3+ months
You were not able to produce any of these things.
Following your planning appraisal, we sent you a written feasibility report and a quote for everything you required.
You chose to instruct us and requested an invoice. You paid the invoice and also waive your 14-day cooling off period in writing.
Then you had a change of heart and wanted to cancel once work had begun at your instruction when you waived your 14-day cooling-off period.
With all of this in mind it would seem your complaint is not anything to do with our service but in fact to do with you changing your mind, trying to break a legally binding agreement.
We would have gladly provided the services you paid and we offer a price match guarantee because we are 30-50% cheaper than our competitors.
Despite our numerous attempts to resolve this, you decided to do something different, which is your choice.
You then contacted us in March this year, you chatted with Aisa our AI planning assistant and requested another planning appraisal, which you then paid for.
After paying for the planning appraisal whihc as per your signed invoice is non-refundanble you wanted to put it on hold for a few days.
Now, to try and blame us for your poor decision-making is a bit rich.
Your claim that a retrospective planning application is simple for a small fee is simply not true; most who DIY fail.
Retrospective approval can never be guaranteed and making changes to a listed building without listed building consent risks an unlimited fine and/or a custodial sentence.
We also note having checked the planning portal there is not an approved retrospective application at your site address.
So, we're not sure exactly what you have done but you haven't got retrospective planning approval.
Hassle free.
Answered all my queries and without question. Would highly recommend. Hassle free for me. To leave them to all the stress from local councils was a blessing. Cannot thank them enough.
March 28, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Graham, thank you very much for choosing Planning By Design and for sharing a review of your experience, it really means a lot to us. It's always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices and it's always rewarding to hear we have succeeded. Of course, if you have any further questions or need help with anything in the future, please do let us know and we'll be glad to help.
Fantastic company to work with
Fantastic company to work with - They have helped us find a way to make the process of building our Annex simple and cost effective.
March 25, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Michael, thank you very much for choosing Planning By Design and for sharing a review of your experience, it really means a lot to us. It's always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices and it's always rewarding to hear we have succeeded. Of course, if you have any further questions or need help with anything in the future please do let us know and we'll be glad to help.
I highly recommend Planning by Design
I highly recommend Planning by Design! They have been exceptional in sorting out our feasibility reports for multiple properties until we found the right one. Their team is fast, efficient, and incredibly skilled. Communication is a breeze, with super responsive support every step of the way. Now, as we work on getting planning approval for our chosen property, I’m confident in their expertise. Truly a fantastic partner in the planning process!
March 25, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Tyrone, thank you very much for choosing Planning By Design and for sharing a review of your experience it really means a lot to us. We are delighted to hear you have been impressed with our service so far and we look forward to assisting you with your planning application in due course.
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Alex, thank you very much for choosing Planning By Design and for sharing a review of your experience, it really means a lot to us. Of course, if you have any further questions or need help with anything else please do let us know and we'll be happy to help.
I did not like the in-house pressure sales techniques
When I started my project, I came in with my own architectural drawings, thinking I had a clear plan. However, from the start, I was hard pressured into using the company’s own architects to redraw my plans. This led to weeks of back and forth before the final submission. The desire to upsell their products and services was a bit much.
At one point, I even had to raise my concerns with my town planner, mentioning that I felt like I was being scammed/misled. Some of the reviews also raised red flags for me. Ultimately, my application was rejected over something minor in the drawings, an issue that should have been flagged and corrected before submission.
Looking back, I’d strongly advise anyone considering a similar route to do thorough research before choosing this is the right company for you. Be cautious and ensure you fully understand what you’re agreeing to, especially if you’re being pushed toward using in-house services.
Ask for agreed timeframes and what communication you are likely to expect throughout the project.
February 10, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Sheryll,
While we appreciate all feedback, what you've written is inaccurate and defamatory.
You initially approached us with existing drawings and a clear plan. We clearly explained that due to copyright, it's illegal to use another architect's drawings without their explicit written consent—which you did not have. Furthermore, we cannot legally alter third-party drawings; any changes must be made by the original architect.
Despite our advice, you opted to proceed using your existing plans and engaged us solely for the planning submission. Many people are unaware that architects specialize in design, not planning policy compliance. This is why, at Planning By Design, we employ both architects and town planners. Had you instructed us for the design as well, our combined team could have created a policy-compliant proposal, significantly enhancing your application's likelihood of success. We would also have been able to promptly address any concerns raised by the planning authority.
Throughout the process, there was significant back and forth, with you attempting to add components outside of the agreed scope without additional payment. Despite repeated professional advice, you chose to proceed based on your own judgment, perceiving our recommendations as sales tactics rather than expert guidance.
Ultimately, your application was refused for six clear reasons, none of which were due to mistakes or oversights on our part:
The proposed change of use from residential flats to a nursery would result in losing three residential units without sufficient evidence of local nursery need, conflicting with Policies H3 and S2 of the Lambeth Local Plan.
The proposed 2.2m-high wraparound screen on the play area roof terrace was excessively bulky and dominant, compromising the building's architectural integrity, contrary to Policy Q11 and the Design Guide Part 4.
The application failed to show that the proposed change of use wouldn't adversely impact neighboring properties through noise and disturbance, conflicting with Policy Q2.
Insufficient information was provided to demonstrate that the screen wouldn't negatively impact daylight for neighboring properties, violating Policy Q2.
Without a parking survey and travel plan, your proposal didn't show how additional journeys by 105 users wouldn't create parking stress or environmental harm, conflicting with Policies T1 and T6.
Without a legal agreement to ensure the development was car-parking permit-free, transport impacts remained unaddressed, contradicting Policies T1, T3, and T6.
After receiving the refusal, we promptly contacted you, expressing our shared frustration and outlining potential next steps, including resubmission or an appeal, to still achieve a positive outcome.
On February 10th, you responded:
"Oh well Aaron, you win some you lose some!
Thanks for all your hard work.
Take care,
Sheryll"
We had not heard from you since that communication until your recent review.
Your review is therefore inaccurate and defamatory, as you have certainly not been scammed. If you genuinely seek resolution or assistance moving forward, please feel free to reach out, and we’ll gladly assist.
Best regards,
Planning By Design
New driveway and garage conversion
Thank you to building by design team for creating a great looking driveway and we are currently looking to convert our garage once we get our structural engineers calculations.
March 18, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi M, thank you for choosing Planning By Design and for sharing a review of your experience it really means a lot to us. We are delighted to have helped you secure planning approval and your structural engineering calculations will be with you shortly. If you have further questions or need help with anything in the future please do let us know and we will be happy to help.
Very professional team
The team made the process straightforward with clear explanation and communication. They were extremely professional and I would recommend this award winning company.
March 18, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Mark, thank you very much for choosing Planning By Design and for sharing a review of your experience, it really means a lot to us. Of course, if you have any further questions or need help with anything else please do let us know and we'll be happy to help.
Sacred Heart
10/10 service as always, this is the second project we have worked on with planning by design and they continue to impress and assist each step of the way.
March 18, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi James, thank you very much for choosing Planning By Design again and for sharing such a glowing review of your experience. We are delighted to have helped you secure another planning approval and remain ready to help with any further questions or requirements.
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Oluunmi, thank you for choosing Planning By Design and sharing a review of your experience, it really means a lot to us. We are delighted to hear that you have been happy with our planning appraisal service. If you have any further questions or require help with anything else in the future please let us know and we will be glad to help.
Great service
Great service. Got my queries answered very quickly and very helpful
March 13, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Dana, thank you very much for choosing Planning By Design and sharing a review of your experience. We are delighted to hear that you have been pleased with our planning appraisal service and of course, if you have any further questions or need help with anything in the future please do let us know and we'll be glad to help.
Thank you to Planning By Design
Thank you to Planning By Design for working their magic and providing a thorough, detailed application to the council that resulted in an easy approval to the change of use for my future clinic premise. The team have been caring and efficient to my needs, of which I am very grateful for!
March 12, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Suann, thank you very much for choosing Planning By Design and for sharing a review of your experience; it really means a lot to us. We are delighted to have helped you secure approval following a smooth process. Of course, if you have any further questions or need assistance with anything else in the future please do let us know and we'l be glad to help.
Excellent
Excellent, prompt service. Great communication throughout the process. So knowledgeable and so impressed with the value for money would highly recommend for anyone thinking of trying to get planning permission or even just looking for advice.
March 10, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Suzanne, thank you for choosing Planning By Design and sharing a review of your experience. We are delighted that you have been pleased with our planning appraisal service. It's always disappointing when a site or project isn't feasible. Of course, if you have any further questions over this site or need help with anything else in the future, please do let us know and we'll be happy to help.
Very helpful team
Very helpful team, really break down the entire process for you. The Planning By Design team stay in consistent communication with you and updated me as soon as they had any updates. I would really recommend this company.
February 11, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Planning By Design
Hi Isabelle, thank you for choosing Planning By Design and sharing a review of your experience. We are delighted to have helped you secure planning approval following a smooth application process. If you have any further questions or need help with anything in the future please don't hesitate to let us know and we'll be glad to help.
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