Planning Guide
The Planning Process: A Guide for Our Clients
At Pennserneth Studio, we see the planning process as a journey we take together with our clients. Below are the key steps that guide us from the first conversation through to a successful planning approval.
Initial Consultation & Brief Development
Objective: Understand your vision, needs, and constraints.
Activities:
Meet with you to discuss aspirations, lifestyle or business goals.
Review site location, size, and potential opportunities.
Establish budget and timeline expectations.
Deliverable: Written project brief confirming requirements.
Site Analysis & Feasibility Study
Objective: Assess what is possible on your site.
Activities:
Visit the site and record existing conditions.
Research local planning policies, zoning, and restrictions.
Identify constraints (heritage, environmental, access).
Explore potential development opportunities.
Deliverable: Feasibility report with outline options.
Concept Design
Objective: Translate ideas into initial design proposals.
Activities:
Develop sketches, diagrams, and massing studies.
Explore different layouts, scales, and aesthetics.
Provide early cost and sustainability considerations.
Deliverable: Conceptual drawings and visualisations.
Client Feedback & Design Development
Objective: Refine the design in collaboration with you.
Activities:
Present concepts and gather your feedback.
Adjust layouts, appearance, and materials based on discussions.
Coordinate with consultants (engineers, landscape architects, etc.) if required.
Deliverable: Refined design package aligned with your vision.
Pre-Application Advice (Optional)
Objective: Test the design with planning authorities before a full submission.
Activities:
Prepare drawings and documents for an informal review.
Submit to the local planning authority for feedback.
Adjust the design based on their response.
Deliverable: Pre-application feedback report.
Planning Application Preparation
Objective: Assemble a robust planning submission package.
Activities:
Produce detailed plans, elevations, and site layouts.
Write planning statements and supporting documents.
Coordinate specialist reports (heritage, ecology, transport, etc.) if needed.
Deliverable: Completed planning application ready for submission.
Submission & Liaison with Planning Authority
Objective: Ensure smooth handling of your application.
Activities:
Submit the planning application to the local authority.
Respond to queries, provide clarifications, and supply additional documents if requested.
Act as your representative in discussions with planning officers.
Deliverable: Planning application formally lodged and tracked.
Decision & Next Steps
Objective: Secure planning approval (or address next actions if refused).
Activities:
Receive decision notice from planning authority.
If approved: outline next stages (technical design, building regulations, tendering, construction).
If refused: review reasons, revise design, and resubmit if desired.
Deliverable: Planning decision notice and agreed project roadmap.
What This Means for You as the client?
Clarity: You’ll know exactly what stage we’re in and what’s coming next.
Collaboration: Every step is shaped by your input.
Confidence: We manage the process, liaising with authorities so you can focus on your vision.
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