Business Details
Expert Planning and Legal Services in Plymouth
Established as a specialist planning and legal consultancy, we combine over two decades of expertise in planning law with practical experience from both public and private sectors. Our team, led by a qualified solicitor with 20+ years in planning and environmental law, delivers tailored solutions for residential, commercial, and agricultural clients nationwide. We offer end-to-end support for planning applications, enforcement matters, appeals, and permitted development rights, supported by in-house architectural design services. Our approach prioritises client needs, blending legal acumen with strategic advocacy to navigate complex planning processes. With former local authority officers and chartered planners on staff, we provide balanced insights into regulatory challenges.We maintain transparency through fixed-fee appraisals and manage all stages of planning submissions, from initial surveys to committee representation. Our legal services extend to drafting section 106 agreements, highways provisions, and developer contracts, ensuring compliance with evolving legislation. Clients benefit from our dual expertise in legal representation and technical planning knowledge, supported by a track record in public inquiries and enforcement negotiations. We serve as trusted advisors for landowners, developers, and businesses seeking pragmatic solutions to planning disputes.
Services
Planning Applications
Pre-planning Appraisals
Enforcement Matters
Planning Appeals
Permitted Development
Architectural Design
Legal Services
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in planning and environmental law
- Our team includes former local authority planning officers and chartered planners
- We provide in-house architectural design services for planning applications
- Our solicitors specialise in planning law advocacy and enforcement negotiations
- We offer fixed-fee pre-planning appraisals with 5-10 day turnaround
What people say
Expert legal knowledge
Successful appeal representation
Responsive communication
Detailed planning advice
Professional team
Services
Planning Applications
We manage all types of planning applications for residential, commercial, and agricultural properties. Our services include preparing documentation, coordinating architectural plans, and negotiating planning contributions. We specialise in complex applications requiring specialist evidence and have extensive experience in council briefings and committee representation. Our team ensures compliance with local policies while maximising approval chances.
Planning Appeals
We handle appeals against planning refusals and unacceptable conditions through written representations, hearings, and public inquiries. Our team prepares all necessary documentation, manages evidence submission, and provides in-house advocacy to avoid additional barrister costs. With experience in both householder and large-scale development appeals, we maximise success rates through strategic case presentation.
Enforcement Matters
We advise on responses to enforcement notices, planning contravention notices, and stop notices. Our services include preparing representations, negotiating alternative solutions, and representing clients in court proceedings. We specialise in time-sensitive matters requiring immediate action to prevent fines or criminal prosecution, with expertise in both defensive and proactive enforcement strategies.
Pre-planning Appraisals
Our fixed-fee appraisals assess development potential by analysing planning history, local policies, and site constraints. Delivered within 5-10 days, these reports provide viability assessments for land purchases and highlight likely approval pathways. We offer tailored advice based on site-specific factors rather than generic local authority positions.
Permitted Development
We advise on permitted development rights for householders, agricultural landowners, and commercial operators. Our services include determining applicable rights, preparing prior notifications, and addressing restrictions in designated areas. We help clients navigate complex regulations to maximise development opportunities without full planning applications.
People
Amanda Sutherland
Solicitor, Director
Qualified solicitor with 20+ years' experience in planning and environmental law. Former legal advisor for Environment Agency and Bristol City Council. Specialises in enforcement issues, appeals, and section 106 negotiations. Active in local community initiatives.
Mark Heppenstall
Senior Planning Consultant
Former Senior Planning Enforcement Officer with 14 years' local authority experience. Specialises in enforcement matters, planning appeals, and public inquiry representation. Former member of NAPE and South West Federation of Enforcement Officers.
Louis Dulling
Senior Planning Consultant
Chartered Planner with RTPI accreditation. 11 years' experience in public and private sectors, including work in New Zealand. Specialises in residential and commercial development applications across the South West and nationally.
Ricki Burrows
Urban Designer
20 years' experience in landscape architecture and urban design. Specialises in masterplanning, site analysis, and multidisciplinary design coordination. Works with both private developers and public sector clients on mixed-use developments.
Jessica Lomax
Personal Assistant to Director
Office manager and PA to Amanda Sutherland since 2018. Handles administrative matters, invoicing, and quality assurance. Former Quality Analyst ensuring high standards across business operations.
Questions
What planning services do you offer?
We handle all planning applications, appeals, enforcement matters, permitted development rights, and pre-planning appraisals for residential, commercial, and agricultural properties nationwide.
How can you help with planning appeals?
We manage appeals through written representations, hearings, and public inquiries. Our team prepares documentation, submits evidence, and provides in-house advocacy to maximise success rates.
Do you provide legal services related to planning?
Yes, our founding director is a qualified solicitor offering legal services including section 106 agreements, highways provisions, enforcement order representation, and planning-related judicial reviews.
What are permitted development rights?
These allow certain developments without full planning permission. We advise on applicable rights for householders, agricultural landowners, and commercial operators, including prior notifications and restrictions.
How quickly can you complete pre-planning appraisals?
Our fixed-fee appraisals are delivered within 5-10 working days, including a detailed report assessing development potential, planning history, and local policy compliance.
What areas do you cover?
Based in Plymouth, we operate nationwide with particular expertise in South West England, handling planning matters for clients across the UK.
