Planning Applications, Listed Building Consent & Appeals
Planning applications and advice
We deal with a wide range of planning matters for private clients, landowners and property professionals across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. Our work covers householder extensions, listed building consent, conservation area applications, planning appeals and planning objections.
Whether you are extending your home, dealing with a listed building, or wish to appeal a refused application, we can advise on the right approach, manage the process and give you the best chance of a successful outcome.
- RICS regulated. Independent planning advice you can trust.
- Over 35 years experience across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.
- Fixed-fee quotations available for appeals and objections.
Planning applications
We deal with many types of planning application, including householder extensions, alterations and improvement works, new dwellings, changes of use, listed building consent, conservation area applications, South Downs National Park applications, Lawful Development Certificates and other minor and medium-scale applications.
We can advise on the most appropriate application route, prepare and submit the application, liaise with the local planning authority and manage the process through to determination.
Listed buildings, conservation areas and sensitive sites
Planning requirements can be more complex where a property is listed, located within a conservation area, or affected by additional planning constraints. We can assist with applications involving listed buildings, conservation areas, heritage constraints, South Downs National Park matters, design-sensitive locations and sites where local planning policy requires careful consideration.
Early advice can help reduce the risk of delays, refusals or avoidable costs.
Planning appeals, including enforcement appeals
If your planning application has been refused, but feel daunted by the idea of going to appeal, we can help. We can guide you through the process and manage the appeal on your behalf.
We can also advise on alternative approaches that may assist you to achieve an optimal outcome. Our fees are fully transparent and fixed in advance.
Planning objections
If you are concerned about a nearby planning application, we can help you understand whether there are valid planning grounds for objection. We can prepare clear, relevant and focused objections covering overlooking and loss of privacy, overbearing impact, loss of light or outlook, highway safety, parking pressure, design and character, heritage impact, trees and ecology, noise and disturbance, and conflict with local planning policy. Not all concerns carry weight in planning terms. Our role is to identify the points most likely to be relevant and present them clearly.
It is understandable to be concerned about a planning application that you believe would adversely affect you. However, many planning objections are ineffective as they may not address relevant planning issues in terms that would influence the outcome. We provide a comprehensive and highly effective service to assist anyone (or groups) wishing to object to development.
Why choose Skylark
Why choose Skylark Surveyors?
We have over 35 years of experience dealing with planning matters across London and the South East. We act solely in the interests of our clients, providing independent, commercially focused advice from the outset. Whether you are dealing with a straightforward householder application or a complex listed building matter, we manage the process and keep you informed at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of planning application can Skylark Surveyors handle?
We deal with a wide range of applications including householder extensions, alterations and improvement works, new dwellings, changes of use, listed building consent, conservation area applications, South Downs National Park applications, lawful development certificates and planning appeals. If you are unsure whether your project requires planning permission, we are happy to advise.
Do I need listed building consent as well as planning permission?
If your property is a listed building, you will usually need listed building consent for any works that affect its character, in addition to planning permission where that is also required. The two applications are separate and it is important to obtain both before carrying out any works. We can advise on what is needed for your specific property and manage both applications on your behalf.
What happens if my planning application is refused?
If your application is refused, you may have the right to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. We can review the refusal reasons, advise on the prospects of a successful appeal and prepare a fixed-fee quotation for handling the process. In some cases it may also be worth considering a revised application before proceeding to appeal.
Can Skylark Surveyors help me object to a neighbour's planning application?
We can review the application, advise on whether there are valid planning grounds for objection, and prepare a clear and focused objection letter on your behalf. Not all concerns carry weight in planning terms, so our role is to identify the points most likely to be relevant and present them as effectively as possible.
What areas do Skylark Surveyors cover for planning services?
We are based in Farnham, Surrey and Liphook, Hampshire, and cover planning matters across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. We also regularly deal with applications within the South Downs National Park. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, please get in touch and we will be happy to advise.