The Planning Station

I asked Darren for some preliminary advice about the potential for development of a residential property in Manchester. He replied promptly with very clear advice in a professional and friendly manner.

Excellent, professional service. Very prompt response to my queries and a comprehensive appraisal providing all necessary information to allow correct decisions to be made.

Planning appeal on my application declined by the Council to change a dwelling in Durham from C3 to C4 category. The preparation and execution by Darren of the Planning Station was meticulous and extremely well researched, and his years of relevant experience to draw on also made a big difference. Outcome: successful appeal + award of costs. I couldn't be happier!

Back in 2018 I was confronted with a prickly planning permission issue for which I had insufficient knowledge to tackle. It was a worrying situation actually, as if it remained unsolved, I would have been financially quite disadvantaged. Darren (of The Planning Station) came highly recommended from an Architect friend, and a brief intro phone call got the ball rolling into a project that involved a predicted unsuccessful planning application, followed by a successful appeal. Without Darren’s deep knowledge and understanding of these processes, I would have undoubtedly have failed with my aspirations. It’s unheard of these days, but the actual costs were less than he originally estimated, and the time frame which he predicted was spot on. A tremendous service, and I am grateful.

I needed a planning consultant for an HMO application in an Article 4 area which was by no means straightforward, and Darren was recommended by my architect. What great service! Darren drafted the D&A statement and dealt with a string of awkward questions from the Planning Officers with aplomb. Given their tone we were expecting it to have to go to appeal, but I think when they got the measure of Darren's expertise they crumbled and I got the approval without it even going to committee! This is the first time I've used a planning consultant and will not hesitate to use Darren's services again. Highly recommended.

Darren helped me with some planning advice , which I was not able to get elsewhere. He gave a very friendly and knowledgeable service.

Darren very early on in planning process decided not to meet me ( now l know why ) he was always wanting payment at each stage of writing some guff to convince he was dealing with the planning when l think back he was just going through the process, because he already knew it was going to fail but he wanted his cash at no time did he speak up to the planners on my behalf ,he was introduced by the Architect l wish now l had never used the planning station he and the Architect cost me a fortune . Buyer Beware ? .

I found Darren very easy to work with, he did what he said, was professional and diligent in the work he undertook for me. I would recommend him very highly to anyone engaging in a Planning Appeal.

Really helpful and clear dialogue that advised on our fencing / authorised development difficulties. Just need the council to change their view!

I have rated the planning station exceptional on all aspects because that describes the service we have received throughout, Darren from the Planning Station listened to everything that we required, acted promptly on various requests and he truly went the extra mile for us wherever he could. We required a sequential test report to be completed with regards to a refusal notice on a planning application that had been submitted to our local council for a change of use on a warehouse building, this was not a straight forward task to complete at all but the planning station rose to the challenge and did not disappoint. We would definitely use the Planning Station again!

I approached Darren when faced with a potentially serious planning issue and potential treat of enforcement. An unknown failure to discharge a planning condition for a planting scheme had made the build potentially without consent and a subsequent structure required retrospective approval. Darren acted quickly and reviewed all the site documents and usage and felt the case was strong for retrospective approval of the building with the already established use of the site and that we could clean up the other issues within the applications. Throughout Darren was available and took on board my concerns re the site and quickly began communication with the planning officers keeping me in the loop at all times until completion and approval.

Highly recommended, sorted a difficult application for us. Would give him six stars if possible. Andrew Ward.

After having being told by the council that it was unlikely I would be granted planning permission I contacted Darren at the planning station for advice, he talked me through my options in plain english and dealt with and submitted my application along with his report, I am glad to say it wag granted. I would highly recommend Daren not just because of the outcome but at the way he explained my options and dealt with me.

We have been building a working relationship with Darren for some time now and the advice he has provided in relation to some of the more complex schemes in relation to Planning Permission has been invaluable. His approach, knowledge and level of service to date has been excellent and we would not hesitate to engage his services on any case which required it.

Darren's Design and Access Report has been submitted to the Planning Dept so now we wait in anticipation for a positive outcome. Our initial site meeting with Darren was extremely helpful in that he was able to present practical options that we had not previously considered that could well enhance the potential for a successful planning application - prior to meeting with Darren we had had conversations with, and a written report from another consultant suggesting that an application on the lines we were proposing was futile. Darren on the other hand suggested we opt for a wholly residential option rather than seek permission to carry on our business from the location too. Darren's report to accompany the application for outline planning permission was very thorough and, to us, addressed every possible (hopefully) objection to the proposal with cross references to current national and local policies in a most succinct style. We were aware of the scale of fees for Darren's work and expected an invoice far in excess of the invoice he submitted - definitely excellent v. F. M. - especially if our goal is achieved. However even if the application is unsuccessful we have the satisfaction of knowing that we gave it our "best shot" thanks to Darren and our architect who seem to work together so well.

Darren Recently got my plans pass 1st time of trying. Where other had failed, I found him very helpful/ knowledgeable he had a plan from outset keep me well informed, and don't think you'll find a better servic anywhere ! I can not recommend enough.

Professional, effecient, quality service that was competitively priced. Thanks!

Against strong opposition and a flat refusal from the LPA The Planning Station put together a robust and cost effective appeal which was granted bringing to an end a 6 year on going planning struggle. Excellent work many Thanks Peter A Smith Bill Free Homes Ltd.

Thank you Darren for all of the in depth and relevant and FREE advice you gave me this morning concerning a planning application that I would like to succeed with. You have given me a direction to take and a lot of useful suggestions. I have a mountain to climb but I have every confidence in you after meeting you this morning.

I needed to research planning processes for a novel and was recommended Darren by someone who had worked with him before. His expert knowledge, coupled with an ability to explain things in layman's terms was absolutely invaluable. Added to this, he is exceptionally pleasant to deal with and has gone out of his way to help me.