Expert Town Planning Solutions with Honest, Upfront Guidance.
About ASC Planning Consultants
Established in May 2024, ASC Planning Consultants is a small, independent private consultancy, based in Yorkshire, that provides expert, UK-wide, town planning advice and services.
We offer a comprehensive and competitive service and from the outset ASC Planning Consultants will give you an upfront and honest assessment of your project.
Much of our work is from reputation, via recommendations, particularly with architects from our days working as planning officers within the Local Planning Authorities that they made applications.
Over 10 years experience delivering excellence
Whatever the scale of your project, ASC Planning Consultants can help. Whether your proposals are for an extension to a dwelling, or a minor or major residential, commercial, or agricultural proposal we offer a comprehensive and competitive service.
We aim to guide you through the planning system to achieve permission, making your plans a reality. Whatever your project, we offer as much or as little support as you need, whether it be full project management of the planning application, or just advice, or a Design and Access Statement to assist. Ultimately, our aim is to ensure to you have the best chance of success to achieve planning permission.
At ASC Planning Consultants we will give you an expert and honest opinion, which will be based on the policies and guidance that the Local Planning Authority make their decisions. If we consider the proposals may not be approved, or are finely balanced, we will tell you, so that they can be amended or design tweaks made (if appropriate) to attain planning permission. At the very least, if you wished to proceed as requested, the strongest case can be made in support of the application to give it the best chance of success.
Meet Alex Cowling, Director
I have over 10 years’ experience working within both public and private sector planning. I started my career at a multi-disciplinary private planning consultancy based in York and London, following which I moved to local authority. I have worked at multiple Planning Authorities across the country, including Wakefield Council, Kirklees Council, Uttlesford District Council and Bolton Council, working either as a Planning Officer or Senior Planning Officer. Having worked in numerous authorities I have a very good understanding of policies and processes, and have maintained good working relationships.
From working within both public and private sector planning, comes with it a good understanding of private requirements weighed against an understanding of what is, and what isn’t, generally, acceptable and what makes a good planning application (or appeal). I have worked on all types of planning applications, from small householder to minor and major applications (whether residential, commercial or agricultural) and have worked on both sides, whether that be submitting the application on behalf of the applicant, or determining the application on behalf of a Local Planning Authority.
In many regards, planning can be somewhat ‘subjective’, but it is, for the most part steered by technical requirements, policies, principles and design guidance. Some applications are finely balanced as to their acceptability, and that is where the planning appeal service comes-in. However, whilst working within Local Planning Authorities as a Planning Officer, I have seen many applications that have not taken into consideration policies and guidance, and that have ultimately (and rightfully) been refused.
This is why I have set-up ASC Planning Consultants. My experience on either side of the planning system, has given me an understanding of what generally is, and isn’t acceptable. Importantly ASC Planning Consultants will give you that upfront and honest assessment and advice, so you can make an informed decision as to how you wish to proceed with your application.
Our approach
Initial Review
From your initial enquiry we will undertake a preliminary review of your requirements for your project, and the likely constraints, potential pitfalls and opportunities, all guided by national and local planning policy, and our experience. We will provide an upfront and honest opinion on your project and will proceed to advising the best way forwards.
Quotation
Following initial review and a full understanding of your requirements, we will provide a quotation outlining the exact works to be undertaken and timescales. Typically this is a fixed rate, to give you certainty on the costs of the project.
Engagement
Upon receipt of written confirmation of engagement, ASC Planning Consultants will commence preparing your planning application/appeal/report(s) as specified. Draft versions of any reports will be released for review by yourself, and any necessary amendments made.
Works Undertaken
Decision & Next Steps
Once you have confirmed you are happy with the application/appeal/report(s) as prepared, and following settlement of any invoice (as agreed), we will submit your application/appeal or provide the finalised version of your report(s). If we make an application or appeal on your behalf, we will provide updates on the progress throughout, and should any issues arise, will talk these through with yourself and try to achieve a resolution.
Following any Planning Decision (whether Approval or Refusal) we will advise on any requirements such as planning conditions or rights of appeal.