theplanningman.co.uk Reviews 7

Do not use this organisation. Despite an initial pleasant and jovial intro call where Phil reviewed our simple project and confirmed he could act for us, he proved to be a scam artist. He asked for a deposit of £90 so he could make a start on the plans - this was back in May 2025. We never heard from him since, despite multiple attempts by ourselves and his long-suffering assistant Sue (who was very nice and helpful and I suspect embarrassed by the situation.

Given other matters going on in my life at home and at work, I initially decided to simply walk away and write this down to bad judgment but now seeing some of the other reviews about Phil’s so-called service, I thought it would be worth sharing our experience so future potential customers avoid falling into the same trap.

⭐️ Very Poor Experience – Avoid ThePlanningMan and DME Project

I regret using ThePlanningMan (Phil Welstead) and his recommended engineer Darko from DME Project. Initially, everything seemed fine — the basic architectural plans were produced, and an engineer was brought in to complete the structural drawings. However, once payment was made, communication from both completely stopped.

Despite repeated calls and emails, neither Phil nor Darko responded. The drawings needed only minor modifications for Building Control, but both simply vanished from contact. It also became apparent there were personal and payment disputes between them, leaving customers caught in the middle.

Phil’s secretary did at least answer the phone and tried to help, but it was clear she was left covering for both of them. Unfortunately, I’ve since had to spend additional time and money to fix what they failed to complete.

Terrible customer service after payment — avoid both ThePlanningMan and DME Project.

Do not use THEPLANNINGMAN.CO.UK / Phil Wellstead

Complete waste of time and money.

He come around sat with us for 45 minutes measured up and talked a good game.
He came up with some designs and everything seemed ok.
He then demanded payment pre applications etc which also seemed fine.
He then submitted completely wrong applications, wrong designs and incorrectly filed the paperwork so the applications made were invalid and rejected.
He’s since gone AWOL has completely ignored the council development team and ignored us.
His assistant Sue RAWLINGS is also in on this scam she emails every other week with an excuse to buy more time but your better off submitting drawings from a 5 year old who uses crayons they have more chance or approval then this guy.

I hope he gets found out fast !! What a scam

Beware! Phil submitted an invalid application, lied about the progress and after we sent him the money has completely ghosted us.

We will know be doing everything in our power to ensure others don’t get stung by him and will be seeking full refund.

Do not use The Planning Man, under any circumstances!!! Phil Welstead, the owner of Planning Man, Dorking (01737 632015) and Planning Man, Epsom (01372 897891) mobile 07397 903068, is a liar and a fraud, and the reviews shown so far, reflect this. He doesn't contact clients, does very little, in the planning area, no contact with the council, and is generally useless. He constantly uses his mothers illness, or his fragile health, as an excuse, but after a year, has failed to submit compliant applications to the local council, and has not replied or leased with anyone at Horsham Council

Warning - Keep away from Phil Wellstead! He was nice and super reactive before we paid the invoice. After the payment was made, he has completely disappeared, he completely ignored our emails and calls. The process has been dragged for nearly an year, we still not get any plan permit. We are taking him through the legal process now. Please be aware, Phil Wellstead is completely a scam, keep away if you can!

Terrible planning services dont be fooled - initially makes contact - comes round straight away - talks the talk - first red flag is they (phill wellstead and racheal) will literally base thier plans on your opinion rather than thier experience as they dont seem to be fully clued up. after youve paid them they will submit everything but in my case they didnt keep me informed / missed deadlines for responding to furthur council info / left importan detail out such as front and rear drive /garden dimensions - arguing it was not required - later informed by the council they required it . they dont respond to emails or calls or messages when plans are refused - and from other reviews i am not the only one they have given the cold shoulder to . very unhelpfull in resolving issues or offering alternatives - almost as if the owner Phil doesnt want the hassle of seeing the work though to successfull completion . be aware to all use somewone with exceptional feedback (such as SAM PLANNING) - wont be using this guy again due to his poor attitude and lack of comunication (he also makes alot of excuses if he does occasionally answer calls)