
PLANNING CONSULTANCY SERVICES
EXPERT PLANNING ADVICE AND GUIDANCE
Professional Planning Advice
South West Planning Services offers expert planning consultancy informed by extensive experience working alongside Local Planning Authorities, architects, developers, builders, and private clients. Our approach is rooted in delivering high-quality, strategic advice to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients. We take pride in providing clear, ongoing guidance throughout every stage of the process—from initial consultation through to final determination—ensuring transparency, support, and confidence at each step.
Specialised Service Offerings
Navigating the planning system can be complex, with numerous application types and procedural approaches to consider. Identifying the most appropriate route at the outset can prevent costly delays and avoid pursuing unviable options. At South West Planning Services, we provide expert advice to help you make informed decisions from the beginning. If your project has already encountered challenges—such as a difficult planning condition or a refusal—we can help to overcome obstacles and progress your development.
Planning Enforcement Advice
At South West Planning Services, our experience within local authority enforcement teams affords us a comprehensive understanding of the procedural and legal complexities associated with planning enforcement investigations. This enables us to provide informed, strategic guidance to clients facing compliance issues, with the aim of achieving the most favourable and proportionate resolution.
About Us
South West Planning services was started by former planning officer Dan Day-Robinson BSc, MSc, FRGS, LRTPI , to provide consultancy advice, guidance and consultancy services to members of the public on all things related to planning.
Dan has worked for Local Planning Authorities for a number of years, as a Planning Officer and Enforcement Officer within a prominent Local Planning Authority in the UK. Dan has also worked in the private sector as a planning consultant for a nationwide firm, providing technical input to planning projects, together with advice, guidance and strategy to householders, architects, developers, builders and contractors on a variety of projects, large and small.
Dan holds a degree in Geography (University of London) a Master's Degree in Planning and Urban Leadership (University of the West of England). He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS) and a Licentiate of the Royal Town Planning Institute (LRTPI).

Planning
Services
1 / Planning appeals
Planning applications can sometimes be refused, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your project is over. Local authorities occasionally make errors in their decisions, and in such cases, it may be appropriate to file an appeal. We’re here to help by preparing a strong appeal on your behalf, giving you the best possible chance of having the decision overturned. If the local authority has acted unreasonably, there may also be an opportunity to recover any costs you've incurred as a result.
2 / Planning applications
With hands-on experience both in assessing applications within local government and preparing them for clients, we understand exactly what's needed for a successful planning submission. We carefully review local policies to give your application the best possible chance of approval and keep you fully informed throughout the entire process.
3 / Drafting of planning statements
If you’ve already engaged an architect but require specialist input for a planning statement, we can assist. We provide professionally drafted planning statements tailored to support a wide range of application types, ensuring alignment with relevant planning policy and enhancing the robustness of your submission.
4 / Pre-application advice and policy
assessments
Unsure whether your project aligns with local planning policy? In many cases, applicants seek pre-application advice from their Local Planning Authority. While this can be a valuable step, increasing pressure on local authorities often affects both the timeliness and quality of the feedback provided. At South West Planning, we have direct experience handling pre-application enquiries from within local government. We offer a comprehensive pre-application advice service—often with significantly shorter turnaround times—providing clear, policy-led guidance to help you move forward with confidence.
5 / Planning enforcement advice/strategy
Facing an enforcement case can be both stressful and financially burdensome. With first-hand experience working within local government enforcement teams, we understand how these cases are initiated, prioritised, and progressed—as well as the full extent of the powers available to local authorities. This insight enables us to navigate the enforcement process effectively on your behalf, offering informed guidance and working toward the best possible outcome for your specific circumstances.
6 / Planning objections
Neighbour objections that do not reference material planning considerations are often afforded minimal weight by Planning Authorities. We offer specialist support in drafting planning objections that are clearly structured, policy-referenced, and focused on valid planning grounds—maximising the likelihood that your representation will be given due consideration in the determination process.
7 / Permitted development advice
Permitted development rights can often be complex and subject to misinterpretation, with applicants frequently receiving inconsistent advice. Obtaining clarity from Local Planning Authorities can also be challenging due to limited responsiveness. With in-depth knowledge of the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO), we provide clear, accurate, and timely guidance to help you determine whether your proposal qualifies under permitted development regulations.
8 / Making your development lawful
In some instances, development may have been carried out without planning permission several years ago. We can assist in regularising such situations by gathering and presenting the necessary evidence to support an application for a Certificate of Lawful Development. In other cases, where proposed or existing works fall within permitted development rights and do not require full planning permission, we can prepare and submit a lawful development certificate application to confirm their compliance. These certificates provide formal legal recognition and can be essential for future dealings with solicitors, lenders, and surveyors.
9/ Other planning matters...
Land and Property Appraisals
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Are you considering purchasing land or property with development potential? We offer expert advice tailored to your specific circumstances, helping you understand what development opportunities are realistically achievable. This ensures you avoid investing time and resources in projects that may not be viable from the outset.
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Do I Need Planning Permission?
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Determining whether planning consent is required can be complex, and misunderstandings can lead to enforcement actions. We simplify this process by providing clear, prompt advice on whether your proposed works necessitate planning permission, reducing your risk of non-compliance.
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Section 73 Applications to Vary or Remove Conditions
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Planning conditions can sometimes impede progress on a project. When local authorities impose conditions that are unnecessary or overly restrictive, there are statutory provisions to vary or discharge these conditions under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act. We guide you through this process, helping to amend or remove problematic conditions and potentially unlocking stalled developments.
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Representation at Planning Committee Meetings
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If your application is scheduled for determination at a planning committee, it is crucial that your perspective is clearly presented. Public speaking can be daunting, so we offer professional representation to advocate on your behalf. This ensures your proposal receives full and fair consideration by committee members, while alleviating the stress of attending and speaking at the meeting yourself.
Contact us
07500 860949
South West Planning Services Ltd.
Hillside House, Watersmeet Road, Lynmouth, EX35 6EP