Site Appraisals
Assessing Development Options, Feasibility Studies & Pre-Application Advice.
Our planning appraisals provide early-stage advice to help you understand development potential before committing to significant costs.
Unlocking the potential of your land
Whether you’re a landowner exploring development options or a promoter seeking strategic opportunities, our planning consultants provide clear, informed advice backed by extensive local and national experience.
From initial site appraisals and feasibility studies to full promotion strategies, we help identify opportunities, manage risk and maximise land value.
Why a Planning Appraisal Matters
Planning applications are increasingly complex, often requiring technical reports, surveys and detailed design work. Even small applications can involve significant cost, so getting the right advice early is essential.
A planning appraisal helps you understand what is realistically achievable before committing time and money. Engaging an experienced planning consultant at this stage can reduce risk, avoid abortive costs and improve the prospects of a successful outcome.
Our Planning Appraisals provide clear, practical advice on a site’s development potential, giving you the confidence to move forward. We offer two levels of appraisal detail to suit your project and requirements.
A Planning Appraisal is the best starting point for:
Planning permission for residential development, including retirement living, care homes and specialist housing
Exploring commercial development opportunities, including rural enterprise, new buildings and change of use
Lodge parks, guest accommodation and rural tourism developments
Leisure and sports developments, including new facilities, extensions and stadium projects
Two types of Planning Appraisals: designed to match your needs
OPTION 1: The 'In-Principle' Appraisal
Provides a clear, high-level view of your site’s potential.
This is our standard site appraisal designed for smaller sites or general enquiries, providing a professional opinion on development potential and practical advice on a specific idea. We assess common constraints - such as flood risk, heritage, or protected trees - and highlight any clear “showstoppers” that could affect planning success.
The appraisal includes a summary report with our opinion on opportunities, risks, and the likely acceptability of your proposal, as well as guidance on what is required for a planning application. It does not include detailed site design, site visits, or follow-up meetings, but these can be added if needed.
Charged at a flat rate, this appraisal typically covers 3–4 hours of consultancy, using technical data and mapping to give you a clear understanding of your site before you commit to further costs.
OPTION 2: Detailed Planning Appraisal
In-depth analysis for larger or complex sites and major projects.
Our Detailed Planning Appraisal is designed for sites affected by multiple constraints — including flood risk, heritage, ecology, or protected areas such as Green Belt land. Ideal for housebuilders, commercial developers, or anyone considering land or property acquisition, this appraisal provides a thorough assessment of planning potential.
We review planning history, assess all relevant constraints, and analyse planning policies to give a clear, professional opinion on opportunities, risks, and next steps. Each appraisal is carefully researched, using technical data and bespoke analysis, and is individually quoted based on the site’s complexity.
Our reports give you the insight needed to make informed decisions, helping you avoid costly mistakes and maximise development potential. If your site shows promise, we can also advise on the next steps for a planning application or pre-application submission.
Trusted Advice When It Matters Most
"We approached Fytche-Taylor for a planning appraisal on a potential site, and the service exceeded expectations. Their clear, thorough advice highlighted opportunities and risks, giving us confidence to proceed and avoid costly mistakes."
Peter Wilson, Property Developer.
Contact US
Looking to assess development potential? Contact us for a planning appraisal and clear advice to help you move forward with confidence.
You can contact us at [email protected] or call 01522 581383 - or simply complete the contact form opposite.
Pre-Application & Decision Reviews - Expert guidance at every stage of the planning process.
If your site shows potential, we can help you move forward with either a planning application or a pre-application submission to the local authority. Pre-application advice is particularly valuable for new housing or commercial schemes, as Councils often require it before engaging in detailed discussions. Our team can prepare the necessary information, including initial design ideas, to give you a clear view of your proposal’s prospects.
If your planning application has been refused, or you wish to challenge conditions on an existing permission, our Decision and Condition Reviews provide a professional assessment of the Council’s reasoning and recommended next steps. This may include revising and resubmitting your application, pursuing a Planning Appeal, or seeking removal of restrictive conditions.
Get in touch today to discuss how we can support your project and outline our fees.
