The Duty Planner logoThe Duty Planner
The Duty Planner logo
Planning Consultancy

From idea to approval. All under one roof.

Architectural drawings, planning applications, appeals, and building control — handled by one team, with transparent fixed fees and no surprises.

Call us today
0800 043 1171
100%
Fixed fees
1
Point of contact
End-to-end
Idea — approval
The Duty Planner logoWhat We Do

Every planning need, covered.

From first application to final approval — we handle the complexity so you can focus on your project.

Planning Applications

We handle every type of planning submission — from pre-application enquiries and householder applications to full planning, listed building consent, and discharge of conditions.

Planning Enforcement

Received a letter from the council about an alleged planning breach? Don't panic — and don't ignore it. We assess the situation, advise on your options, and handle all communication with the local authority on your behalf.

Planning Appeals

Had a planning application refused, or received an enforcement notice you want to challenge? We build strong, evidence-based appeals and represent you through every stage of the process at the Planning Inspectorate.

Objection Letters

Whether you're a neighbour, parish council, community group, residents' association, local business, environmental group, heritage society, or ward councillor — we draft clear, compelling objection letters grounded in material planning considerations that are taken seriously by planning officers.

Planning & Building Control Plans

From concept to completion, we produce accurate drawings, building control plans, and structural calculations that meet regulations and get your project moving.

The Duty Planner logoPricing

Transparent, fixed-fee pricing.

No hidden costs, no hourly surprises. You'll know exactly what you're paying before we start. Every quote is fixed — the price you see is the price you pay.

Planning Advice

fixed fee
£95

A dedicated one-to-one session with a planning expert. Get clear, jargon-free answers about your project — whether you need permission, what your options are, and the best route forward.

  • Up to 1 hour of expert advice
  • Written summary of recommendations
  • Assessment of permitted development rights
  • Guidance on next steps
  • No obligation to proceed
Book a Session
Most Popular

Planning Application

from
£950+VAT
Single storey extension£950 +VAT
Each additional element (e.g. loft, side extension)£345 +VAT

Full preparation and submission of your householder planning application. We handle everything from start to decision.

  • Pre-application assessment
  • Full application preparation
  • Design & Access Statement
  • Council submission & liaison
  • Officer correspondence handled
  • Decision monitoring & updates
Get Started

Planning & Building Control Plans

from
£595+VAT

Accurate, regulation-compliant drawings for your project — from initial concepts through to building control approval, including structural calculations.

  • Measured survey of existing property
  • Proposed floor plans & elevations
  • Building regulations drawings
  • Structural calculations included
  • Revisions included
  • Building control submission
Get a Quote

Please note: Our fees do not include National planning application fees payable to the local authority (e.g. £258 for householder applications). These are paid separately direct to the council and we'll advise you of the exact amount before submission.

The Duty Planner logoAbout Us

Planning expertise you can actually understand.

The UK planning system is complex, slow, and full of jargon. Most people don't know where to start — and that's exactly why The Duty Planner exists.

We work with homeowners wanting to extend or develop their property, tradespeople needing the right permissions, fellow professionals requiring specialist input, and local authorities and parish councils navigating objections and appeals.

Why "The Duty Planner"?

For decades, every local authority planning department had a duty planner — a qualified planning officer available for members of the public to speak to directly. Whether you were a homeowner with a question about an extension, a tradesperson unsure about permitted development, or a neighbour concerned about a nearby application, you could pick up the phone or walk into the council offices and get impartial planning advice on the spot.

The duty planner was a vital public service. They helped ordinary people navigate a system that was never designed to be simple, giving clear guidance without the need for expensive consultants or confusing jargon.

Sadly, due to years of budget cuts and staffing pressures, most councils have now removed the duty planner service entirely. Today, it's almost impossible to speak to a planning officer directly. Phone lines go unanswered, emails take weeks, and face-to-face appointments are a thing of the past. That's the gap we fill — The Duty Planner puts expert, accessible planning advice back within everyone's reach.

Simplified Process
No jargon, no confusion
Transparent Costs
You know what you'll pay upfront
Expert Guidance
Years of planning knowledge
App Coming Soon
Digital planning tools in development
Who we help
🏠
Homeowners
Extensions, conversions, new builds
🔨
Tradespeople
Commercial and residential projects
👔
Professionals
Architects, developers, agents
🏛️
Local Authorities
Planning committees and officers
Parish Councils
Community representation and objections
The Duty Planner logoPlanning Permission Checker

Do I need planning permission?

Use our tool based on the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) 2015 to get an instant indication of whether your project might need planning permission.

This tool provides general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Every property is different.

The Duty Planner logoHow It Works

Four steps to planning success.

We've stripped out the complexity. Here's exactly what happens when you work with us.

01

Initial Consultation

Tell us about your project. We'll give you honest, straightforward advice on what's achievable and what it will cost — no hidden fees, no surprises.

02

We Handle the Paperwork

From drawings to documents, we prepare everything required for your application or appeal. You review and approve before anything is submitted.

03

Submission & Monitoring

We submit to the relevant authority and keep a close eye on progress, responding to any queries from planning officers on your behalf.

04

Decision & Next Steps

We guide you through the outcome — whether that's celebrating an approval, navigating conditions, or planning your next move if refused.

The Duty Planner logoFAQ

Common questions, straight answers.

The Duty Planner logoGet In Touch

Let's talk about your project.

Whether you're at the very start of your planning journey or stuck mid-application, we're here to help. Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation.

No-obligation initial consultation
Transparent, fixed-fee quotes
No jargon, just clear advice
Fast response times
Call us today
0800 043 1171
Or email us directly
[email protected]

Send us a message