An honest assessment of planning risk before you commit, from someone who has assessed exactly this from the council's side.
Why get advice before doing the work?
Pre-enforcement advice means getting an honest assessment of planning risk before you build, convert or change the use of a property, while your options are still open.
It is almost always easier, and cheaper, to address a planning risk before work starts than to defend a completed breach afterwards.
What this means
This isn't a full planning application service. It's a risk assessment, from someone who has made the enforcement decision on the other side of exactly this kind of situation, repeatedly.
The goal is a plain-English view: is this permitted development, does it need an application, and if so, what's realistic.
How to get started
01
Describe exactly what you're proposing
The details matter more than the general idea.
02
Share any existing permissions, conditions and site history
These shape what you can and can't do without further permission.
03
Get a clear risk assessment before committing
Understand the realistic planning risk, not just a general impression.
04
Decide whether to apply for permission first
Sometimes the right answer is to apply; sometimes it isn't necessary at all.
Common mistakes to avoid
Relying on "other people have done it"
What's been allowed elsewhere doesn't tell you what applies to your site.
Assuming permitted development rights apply without checking
These rights have real limits and exceptions that are easy to misjudge.
Starting work while an application is still pending
This can create a breach in its own right, regardless of the eventual decision.
How we can help
Review
What you're proposing, the site's planning history and any relevant conditions.
Advise
A plain-English view of the planning risk and the realistic options.
Guide
The right next step: whether that's an application, a lawful development certificate, or proceeding as is.
Enquiries are free, whether you get in touch through the contact form or by phone. In-depth consultations start from £120.
1,000+
enforcement cases investigated. Experience built inside local government now informs the advice we give our clients.
Experience from the other side of enforcement
John Langdown
Founder & Planning Enforcement Specialist
John has personally investigated over 1,000 planning enforcement cases while working for numerous Local Planning Authorities across England, covering residential extensions, changes of use, complex commercial sites and large-scale developments. That means we do not have to guess how a council will interpret evidence or decide whether to act. John has made that exact decision, from that exact seat, over a thousand times.
Common questions about pre-enforcement advice
Get a straight answer before you commit.
Free, no-obligation and confidential: tell us what you're planning and we'll give you an honest view of the risk.
Free initial conversation
To understand your situation and whether we can help.
We aim to respond within one working day
Every enquiry is treated in strictest confidence.