PENFOLD PLANNING
Clear, fixed‑fee planning support that avoids unnecessary stages and keeps costs down.
I provide planning support for householders and small developments across Devon and the South West.Putting planning first is the simplest way to avoid unnecessary drawings, redesigns and fees, and to understand what your proposal actually needs before you spend money.I prepare the planning documents your proposal requires. No packages, no upselling, no unnecessary fees.Most planning costs arise because drawings are commissioned before the planning position is understood. Starting with planning clarity keeps the process proportionate, predictable and cost‑effective.All documents are prepared to officer‑level submission standard — clear, proportionate and focused on what the council actually needs.
Why Start With Planning First?
Starting with planning clarity avoids unnecessary stages. I confirm what’s realistic before any drawings are commissioned.Architects specialise in design; my role is to clarify the planning position first. Beginning with a focused planning assessment keeps the process predictable, reduces risk and helps you avoid paying for work you may not need.
About Me
I’ve spent 17 years working in planning across Local Planning Authorities, the Planning Inspectorate and central government, issuing thousands of decisions across 11 councils including North Devon, Teignbridge, South Hams, West Devon and East Devon.Most of my work has focused on householders, small projects and rural development. I now work independently, offering the same quality of assessment I provided as an officer — without the delays, jargon or council timetable.My role is to give you clear, officer‑level planning judgement before you commit to drawings or unnecessary costs.Qualifications:
MSc Urban Planning • PGDip TP • PGCert TP.
Transparent, Fixed Pricing
All fees are published upfront so you know exactly what you’re paying for before any work begins. There are no packages, no upselling and no unnecessary stages — you only pay for the documents your proposal genuinely requires.My fixed fees reflect what most applications genuinely require. Additional items quoted elsewhere are often unnecessary for straightforward proposals.This approach keeps costs predictable and gives you full control over how much support you want.
Working With Architects
I regularly work alongside architects and designers. They focus on producing the drawings; I focus on the planning assessment and justification. Keeping these roles separate reduces the risk of redesigns, avoids unnecessary stages, delays and helps ensure the application is aligned with what the council actually needs.If you need drawings, I can recommend architects who understand this approach and provide plans tailored to your proposal. You are also free to use your own architect — the process works the same either way.
What You Get
- Officer‑level planning assessment- Clear explanation of risks and likely outcomes- Only the documents your proposal genuinely requires- Fixed fees published upfront- Ongoing support through to decision.
Services & Fixed Fees
Send a short description of what you want to do and I’ll confirm the appropriate fixed‑fee service. Any review of drawings forms part of the paid assessment. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting and what it costs before any work begins.All services focus on the planning assessment and documents only — you remain in control of whether you or your architect submit the application.Planning Feasibility Assessment – £165
A focused check of key risks, constraints, relevant policies and likely council focus areas.Specific Planning Advice Note – £225
Structured like a council pre‑application response, outlining risks, policy issues and likely outcomes.Design & Access Statement (DAS) – £175
A clear explanation of the design approach, access, and how the proposal relates to its surroundings — required for most planning applications.Planning Statement (PS) – £425
Full planning justification including policy analysis, topic‑by‑topic assessment and planning balance.DAS + PS Package – £475
Both documents prepared together with coordinated content and one round of factual corrections.Certificate of Lawfulness – £175
For Proposed or Existing use/works.GPDO Assessment – £125 (householder)
Extensions, dormers, outbuildings, porches etc.GPDO Assessment – £295 (complex)
For agricultural, Class Q, Class R and more complex PD routes.All services include relevant support if the council asks questions during the application process.Additional Fixed‑Fee Options
These optional add‑ons are for people who need quick clarity before committing to a full application or who want to understand their position after a refusal.Pre‑Submission Check (£115) — A focused review of your draft plans and documents before you submit, confirming key risks and any issues the council is likely to raise.Appeal Risk Snapshot (£125) — A clear, officer‑level view of whether a recent refusal has realistic appeal prospects, based on the reasons for refusal and relevant policy.Ask a Planning Question (£45) — A simple, fixed‑fee way to get a clear answer to a specific planning question without commissioning a full assessment.Consultation Response (£45) — A clear, fixed‑fee planning response to a live application consultation, providing a structured, proportionate comment ready for submission.Response to Officer’s Questions (£35) — A clear, fixed‑fee written response to an officer’s validation or clarification questions during a live application, providing proportionate, policy‑aligned wording ready for submission by the applicant.Objection Letter (£45) — A clear, fixed‑fee planning objection to a live application, providing a structured, policy‑based argument focused on the key issues the council will consider.
What I Don’t Do
I don’t produce drawings, surveys or specialist reports such as ecology, drainage, highways, heritage or arboriculture.My role is to confirm whether these items are needed, explain why, and prepare the planning justification documents that support your application. If additional specialists are required, I’ll tell you early so you can avoid unnecessary costs or delays.
How It Works
1. Send a short description
A brief description is all I need to confirm the appropriate fixed‑fee service. Any review of drawings or planning considerations forms part of the paid assessment.2. Choose a fixed‑fee service
You’ll know exactly what you’re getting and what it costs before any work begins. There are no packages or unnecessary stages — just the documents your proposal genuinely needs.3. Receive your document or advice
Your planning document or advice note is delivered by email, ready for you or your architect to use in your application. I remain available for ongoing support through to decision.
Payment
Payment is by bank transfer. Invoice and payment details are provided when the work is agreed.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
I aim to reply within 1–2 working days with a clear next step or confirmation of the right fixed‑fee service.
Privacy Note
Penfold Planning collects and uses client information solely to provide planning consultancy services. Information is shared only where necessary for the planning process and is stored securely for up to six years. Clients may request access, correction or deletion of their data at any time.Professional Indemnity
Penfold Planning maintains £1,000,000 Professional Indemnity insurance (Hiscox Insurance Company Ltd). Evidence is available on request.Use of Digital Tools
Penfold Planning may use secure AI‑assisted drafting tools to prepare planning documents. Client information is not used for model training and is handled in accordance with the Privacy Note above.