Planning Services

The planning process is ever changing and can appear daunting – a confusing world of forms, procedures, terminology, policies, committee meetings, delays, cost, frustration and false starts. 

However, Border Oak has extensive planning experience across the UK and we pride ourselves on our successful planning track record, as well as having established partnerships with great planning experts.

We would be delighted to assist your project through the design and planning journey, or work alongside your chosen architect, agent or planning consultant to secure a positive outcome on your site.


Ideally, your plot will have either Detailed or Outline Approval before you complete the purchase as this offers the most certainty. However, it is becoming more common for land to be sold with an ‘in principle’ approval or possibly a positive pre-application response.

It may even be ‘allocated for development’ through an adopted or emerging plan (such as a Neighbourhood Development Plan) or Core Strategy (the strategic Local Plan). Whatever the planning background, we will be able to offer impartial expert advice prior to purchase and to undertake a full design and planning service once you own the site.

Sometimes it is possible to enter into a ‘Conditional Contract’ whereby you agree to purchase a plot for an agreed sum, following a successful Planning Application, possibly paid for by you rather than the landowner. We are happy to help understand the merits and risks after almost 50 years of buying land and securing approval.

Most Local Authorities have published planning policy which will be a mine of vital information. They may welcome and encourage consultation before the submission of a formal planning application – such as a ‘pre application’ request (typically paid for).

The Planners’ Pre Application advice should be constructive, informative, policy based, and focused upon a presumption in favour of sustainable development – but will also seek to highlight issues, and provide solutions wherever possible. This feedback will enable us to design an appropriate scheme that is policy compliant and can be extremely helpful.

Border Oak are able to support a Pre-Application Submission or to produce a Full Planning Application using our designs and supporting material. We can conduct negotiations and consultations with the planners on your behalf; monitoring and reviewing the process of the application, providing additional information to help achieve a successful conclusion. Alternatively, we would be pleased to work with your appointed Architect or Agent and provide supporting and details as required. 

To support the planning process we can also supply:

  • Design & Access Statements
  • Landscaping Schemes
  • Sustainability Statements and Assessments 
  • Technical information and evidence based surveys (e.g. topographical, ecological, heritage, drainage etc)
  • Artist impressions, aerial views, CGI renditions
  • Material samples and detailed specification
  • Photographs and design documents to showcase the proposal.