Planning support, argued like a case.

Strategy first, evidence second, and a route through even when the site looks difficult — from first appraisal to a decision that holds up.

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Coverage

London & UK-wide

Stages

Pre-app → Enforcement

Format

Written & represented

Status

Open for instruction

01 / 06

Pre-application

Planning strategy

Often planning problems aren't planning problems. They're strategy problems. Knowing which application to submit, in what sequence, on what policy footing, is what separates a scheme that gets approved from one that gets refused twice and then abandoned. We work with developers, investors and landowners to map the route through, identifying the angles others miss, the policies that actually help, and the order of moves that turns a difficult site into a delivered one. Strategy first. Applications second.

02 / 06

Pre-application

Site appraisals

Before you spend money on architects, surveys or solicitors, you need to know what the site can actually deliver. Our appraisals cut through the guesswork. We assess planning history, local policy, designations, constraints and precedent, then tell you, plainly, what's achievable, what's a stretch, and what isn't worth pursuing. If there's hidden potential, we'll find it. If there isn't, you'll know before you commit. Either way, you'll have a clear picture before the next pound is spent.

03 / 06

Application

Planning applications

A planning application isn't a form. It's an argument, built from policy, precedent and design, that the council either agrees with or doesn't. We prepare applications that are designed from the outset to be approved: tightly evidenced, properly justified, and structured so that even a sceptical officer struggles to find defensible grounds for refusal. Householder, full, outline, change of use, certificates of lawfulness: we handle the lot, across London and all of the UK.

04 / 06

Post-decision

Planning appeals

A refusal isn't the end. It's the start of a different conversation, this time with the Planning Inspectorate, where local politics carry less weight and the strength of your case carries more. Written representations, hearings, inquiries: we build the appeal statement, marshal the evidence, and argue the case. If the refusal was wrong, we work to overturn it. If the route forward is a revised resubmission, we'll tell you that too.

05 / 06

Enforcement

Enforcement resolution

An enforcement notice is serious. But it's rarely as final as it looks. Whether you've been served, are anticipating action, or have inherited an issue with a property you've bought, we step in to assess the position and find a route through. That might mean a retrospective application, a Lawful Development Certificate, an appeal against the notice itself, or a negotiated settlement with the council. We've resolved cases others said were lost. The earlier you bring us in, the more options stay on the table.

02Testimonials

Here's what clients say about our work — every quote comes from a real project you can read in full.

“Two other firms turned this down. Breakthrough Planning not only took it on — they secured two major extensions and approval for a 5-bed HMO in an Article 4 area. The additional value created dwarfs their fee. They're now our go-to consultants whenever a project looks complicated.”