What we do
Policy
Shape the design of your project with advice from our collaborative planning experts.
Planning Policy Consultants
Shape the design of your project intuitively with our planning experts who will work with you to guide you through any complexities of development, based on the local environment and its potential impact.
Our experienced planning consultants work closely with landowners, developers, housebuilders, operators, investors and promoters across the public and private sectors to guide projects through the complexities of the UK planning system, responding intelligently to the local policy context, political environment and potential impacts on surrounding communities.
We regularly advise on managing policy conflicts, addressing competing planning considerations and preparing robust planning cases that justify development where departures from adopted policy may be necessary or appropriate. Through early engagement with clients, stakeholders and decision-makers, we help establish clear planning strategies that support sustainable and deliverable outcomes.
Whether your project involves residential, commercial, mixed-use or strategic land development, our expert planning advice provides a strong and resilient foundation for success. We also have extensive experience advising across the education, healthcare, data centre and retail sectors, allowing us to understand the operational requirements, investment drivers and planning challenges unique to each type of development.
Planning Policy Services:
FAQs
If you’re unsure whether your proposal requires permission or want to reduce risk and uncertainty before submitting an application, professional planning advice can save time, cost and avoid unnecessary delay. A planning consultant can assess the planning status of your site interpret local policy, identify constraints and recommend the most appropriate and cost effective route forward.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is the UK government’s principal planning policy document for England. It sets out national planning policies to guide development and decision making. It shapes how local authorities prepare local plans and determine planning applications.
No planning consultant can legally guarantee planning permission, as decisions are made solely by the local planning authority. However, experienced consultants can significantly improve the likelihood of achieving consent through expert strategy, evidence and negotiation.
The cost of a planning consultant in the UK varies depending on project complexity, site location and the level of service required. Fees typically range from a few hundred pounds for initial advice to several thousand pounds for full planning application management or complex schemes.
In planning, the NPPF is a key material consideration used to assess planning applications and appeals. It helps determine whether development proposals are acceptable in principle, balancing economic, social and environmental objectives.
Mark Waite
Director of Planning, Kellen Homes
I have had the pleasure of working with Bernard Greep for over 20 years and have consistently returned to him. His knowledge of the planning system is exceptional, and he provides advice that is clear, pragmatic, and firmly grounded in commercial realities. His experience spans a wide range of demanding projects, including securing the release of sites from the Green Belt, managing complex strategic land promotions, and overseeing the successful delivery of reserved matters applications. Throughout our working relationship, Bernard has shown the highest levels of professionalism, responsiveness, and attention to detail.
Richard Frank
Property Director, PHL
Rapleys Planning team has been advising Preferred Homes Ltd (PHL) since inception. PHL is a Registered Provider in partnership with Nuveen/TIAA. We wanted to work alongside Rapleys because they are very considered in the advice they provide. It is always clear, commercial and effective and delivered in a personable way. They have already secured many successful outcomes and have every confidence that they will continue to do so and be part of our journey to grow PHL in becoming a £1 billion plus company. We are delighted to take their advice and would recommend them to anybody seeking a planning partner.
Stuart Rose
Development Manager, Moto
We have worked closely with Rapleys across a range of planning and development projects, and the experience has consistently been positive. The team provide clear, practical advice, a strong understanding of the planning landscape, and a proactive approach to resolving challenges as they arise. Their ability to balance strategic insight with attention to detail has been invaluable, particularly when navigating complex or time-sensitive matters. We have found Rapleys to be professional, responsive, and collaborative, and would not hesitate to recommend them as a trusted planning consultancy partner.
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Gain national and local expertise through our multidisciplinary teams of experts.
Our track record
University of West London
University of West London Ealing Campus, St Mary’s Road
Rapleys has advised The University of West London on the purchase of two new buildings, subsequently obtaining planning permission for their change of use.
Associated British Foods
Redevelopment of former British Sugar site, York
Secured planning permission for a new sustainable community of 1,100 new homes
Bellcross
Mixed use development, Highover Farm, Hitchin
Planning application for around 700 dwellings and associated works in the Green Belt
Lidl Great Britain Limited
New Lidl store and existing sites expansion programme
Providing planning consultancy services for Lidl throughout the UK
LaSalle Investment Management
Industrial/Warehouse development, Watford
Utilised planning application and policy processes to create value
Interland Group
Panda House redevelopment, London
Provided planning strategy advice, planning application and appeal
London and Regional
Archers Spring, land North of Welwyn Road, Hertford
Instructed to to provide strategic land and planning application advice
Related News
The new NPPF creates significant opportunities for residential development
Further to our update issued on 1st August, setting out the key changes in the new draft of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which is now out for consultation until 24th September 2024, this newsletter focuses on the significant opportunities the proposals create for landowners, developers and investors working
New NPPF – Labour’s Planning Reforms (finally) start to take shape
