Retained Planning Consultant

New for 2025!

We are delighted to announce the launch of our Retained Planning Consultant Packages which are open to architects, developers, investors, garden room suppliers and more.

Cedar Planning is an independent, results-driven planning consultancy that provides expert advice on a range of planning matters, from householder extensions to major residential developments.

Partner with an experienced retained planning consultant for continuous, month-to-month support. Our planning consultancy retainers give architects, developers and investors priority access to expert planning advice, all delivered under a clear, flexible monthly package.

Our Retained Planning Consultant Packages

Why choose a planning retainer?

Our Retained Planning Consultant Package is designed to provide your business with a strategic advantage. By partnering with Cedar Planning, you unlock:

• Priority access: fast response to your queries.

• Predictable cost: fixed monthly fee with discounted effective rate.

• Continuity: aligned support across pre-app, application and post-decision.

• Flexibility: use hours for advice at your convenience.

• Scalable: adjust up/down as project volume changes*.

*Minimum fees apply.

How much does a retained planning consultant cost?

Advisory Retainer

Up to 10 hours / month - £1,150

Phone, email and video call advice, feasibility checks and reviews of drawings.

Up to 20 hours / month - £2,160

Up to 30 hours / month £3,000 (15% discount)

Standard Retainer

Premium Retainer

Additional hours and work can be purchased on a month to month basis at our standard fees. All work is charged at a minimum rate of 0.5 hours. Subject to terms and conditions.

Our planning consultancy retainers start from £1,150 per month for up to ten hours of ongoing planning advice. Each package gives you continuous access to an experienced planning consultant for ongoing project advice - all at a lower effective hourly rate than ad-hoc consultancy.

Includes concise planning statements for householder applications.

Includes full planning statements, application management and priority response.

Bespoke Packages

POA

What's Included

Our Retained Planning Consultant Packages vary depending on the package chosen.

Advisory Retainer

Our advisory package is perfect for architects or developers who want "on-call advice" whether this is related to specific proposals, or more broadly based on planning themes (e.g. Green Belt development). This service includes (up to 10-hours a month):

• General planning advice on a scheme specific basis or on themes (e.g. Green Belt development).

• Review plans in line with Permitted Development Rights (for Certificate of Lawfulness / Householder Prior Approval applications only)

• Short written opinions or summary notes

• Ad-hoc guidance for pre-apps / appeals / refusals

Premium Retainer

Comprehensive ongoing support. This service includes (up to 30-hours a month):

• Everything above.

• Full Planning Statements for small and medium projects.

• Application management and submission.

• Coordination with architects, consultants, and LPAs.

• Drafting of responses to objections.

• Appeal documentation (written representations only).

Standard Retainer

This tier bridges advice and hands-on delivery for small projects. This service includes (up to 20-hours a month):

• Everything in the advisory package.

• Site Assessments.

• Preparation of Planning Statements for householder applications.

• Submission of householder applications.

• Liaison with consultants (e.g. ecology, transport, heritage).

Additional Services

Additional time and/or services can be quoted separately at the relevant time.

Who we help

Our Planning Consultants have experience in submitting applications and appeals in over 100 Local Planning Authorities across England and Wales, meaning we are well placed to serve your needs. We help:

• Architects and designers needing fast and reliable input across multiple small projects.

• Developers and investors progressing pipelines of residential schemes.

• Home extension suppliers, modular builders, and garden room suppliers handing repeated household applications.

• Advertising agencies seeking permission for advertising boards.

How the retainer works

1. Kick-off: discovery call, scope confirmation and onboarding

2. Flexible hours: use your monthly hours for advice, documents or applications as priorities evolve

3. Priority response: response rates vary on package

4. Reporting and invoicing: monthly summary and invoicing provided

5. Scale: adjust package up/down with 30-day notice.

All services are provided subject to a contract and terms and conditions.

Why Choose Cedar Planning?

Cedar Planning is an independent, results-driven planning consultancy that provides expert advice to developers, landowners, and homeowners. Our aim is to assist our clients in achieving successful planning outcomes effortlessly.

We offer a comprehensive suite of planning services across various sectors, helping you navigate through the complexities of the planning system. We keep up to date with the latest changes in planning policies and legislation, ensuring we are equipped to handle your queries.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How much does a retained planning consultant cost?

Packages start around £1,150/month for advisory support (10 hours). 20 – 30 hour packages typically range £2,160 – £3,000/month (ex VAT).

Is the retainer advice-only or full service?

We offer different packages to suit your needs, with our three packages providing different levels of support and hours per month.

What if I don't use all my hours?

We'll roll over up to 25% of unused hours to the next month (one-month expiry).

What if I need more hours?

Extra hours are billed at our standard hourly rate. Packages can changed with 30-day's notice.

Which areas do you cover?

We are based in the East of England, but provide our services UK-wide. Our planning consultants have experience in working in over 100 Local Planning Authority areas.

Can I cancel?

Yes, with a 30-day notice period. You can also move between the packages within this period as well.