Planning By Design Reviews 290

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.4

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Evaluating 100 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the excellent service, highlighting the helpfulness and knowledge of the staff. Many people appreciate the exceptional customer service and the quick response times, which contribute to a smooth and efficient process. However, some customers also noted issues with pricing, finding it ambiguous or experiencing unexpected cost increases. A few other people also felt that the initial reports lacked depth or that communication could be slow and unaccommodating, leading to prolonged and stressful experiences.

What people talk about most

Service

Users describe positive interactions with service, highlighting its professionalism, efficiency, and... See more

Staff

Customers generally report positive experiences with staff, highlighting their professionalism, knowledge,... See more

Customer service

Customers consistently note positive experiences with customer service, highlighting the team's... See more

Response time

Clients share positive opinions on response time, often highlighting quick turnaround times and prompt... See more

Price

Reviewers highlight ambiguous aspects of price. While some customers found the fees very reasonable and... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Ive had such an amazing service from Planning by Design, customers service has been really helpful and understanding and the community has just been wonderful!! Cara has just gone above and beyond is... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Very knowledgeable and thorough. Polite and always looking to help. Only reason I didn't give 5 star is the replies could be a bit slow, sometimes taking a few days but I guess thats because they are... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

KIM is very helpful in supporting my planning application. The town planners give a very detail feasibility report, even thou a decision on my application is not confirmed I am happy with the se... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Feasibility Study I asked Planning by Design for a feasibility study concerning turning my garage into a bedroom. I had 2 phone calls about this and they produced a very detailed, professional report... See more

Company replied



Contact info

4.4

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

290 reviews

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I am at my second project with Planing…

I am at my second project with Planing by design. I haven’t had any issues. At my first project was helped by Abigail and my second one, that just started, I am helped by Kim. They have replied to my emails very quickly and answered promptly every time I contacted them. So definitely my next projects will be with them.

12 May 2026
Unprompted review
Planning By Design logo

Reply from Planning By Design

Hi Alice, thank you for choosing Planning By Design and for sharing a review of your experience.

We are delighted to have helped you secure planning approval.

It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.

Of course, we're also delighted to assist you with your second and future projects, too.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent service provided

Excellent service provided. Very quick and thorough and extremely professional. Even though it is not cheap, you get what you pay for and my application for a dropped kerb went through without a hitch. Highly recommend

12 February 2026
Unprompted review
Planning By Design logo

Reply from Planning By Design

Thank you for choosing Planning By Design again, and for your kind words; it really means a lot to us.

It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.

We're delighted to have helped you secure planning approval following a smooth application process.

If you have any questions or need help with anything in the future, just let us know, and we'll be happy to help.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A highly efficient team

A highly efficient team. We recommend PBD to all our clients needing assistance with planning. They have the best rates and turnaround times we’ve ever seen.

6 May 2026
Unprompted review
Planning By Design logo

Reply from Planning By Design

Thank you for choosing Planning By Design again, and for your kind words; it really means a lot to us.

It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.

We look forward to continuing to support you and your clients.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great service resulting in a successful…

Great service resulting in a successful planning application. I’m now getting them to do my building regs drawings too.

4 May 2026
Unprompted review
Planning By Design logo

Reply from Planning By Design

Hi Andrew, thank you for choosing Planning By Design again and for your kind words, it really means a lot to us.

It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.

We're delighted to have helped you secure planning approval following a smooth application process.

We look forward to assisting you with your building regulations drawings and aything else you may require assistance with in the future.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I contacted Planning by design and was…

I contacted Planning by design and was pleased to receive a very helpful member of staff,
When asked for an assessment I was told I need to pay £120, which I did and I gave them a description of what I needed and a written plan of what was required. They responded with a quote When I noticed that everything on my list wasn’t included in the quote I asked why and they said I had not mentioned them even though they had a written statement of my requirements.
They said I needed to pay another £120 for another assessment which I did. This time I went through the list verbally to confirm they understood.
All this going on with lots of emails and telephone calls not being answered,
Eventually after 9 days of this drama I received another quote that still did not include 1 element. I then received another quote which was okay but asked for elevation,block plans and site location plans.
I had already sent the architects plans for this development in my first email although this request was not included in the 2 previous quotes it appeared now.The price including the newly required plans tripled the original price.
I am not happy at all either their service and would recommend that you study very carefully every part of their quotation. As for communication “forget it”
When contacting another planning company, I was given a fixed price within 48 hours which was approximately this company’s original price before all the add on bits

22 April 2026
Unprompted review
Planning By Design logo

Reply from Planning By Design

Hi Bill, we’re sorry to read this.

To clarify for anyone reading, the original quote was based on the planning elements only and on the understanding that existing drawings from your previous archtitect could be used, subject to the necessary copyright consent. That quote therefore did not include a new measured survey or the preparation of new architectural drawings.

When you requested a quote to include the architectural design, including survey work, elevations, floor plans, block plans and a site location plan, a revised quote was issued to reflect that wider scope of work.

This was therefore not a like-for-like increase for the same service, but a revised quote for additional design and drawing work alongside the planning application package.

Every quote includes a price match guarantee where we will beat any like for liek quote as you know so regardless whether you decide to go for "Planning Only" Or "Planning & Design" we guarantee to be the cheapest, and on top of that, you get the planning appraisal fee refunded too.

We do appreciate that the process has clearly caused frustration, and we are sorry for that; however, each quote has been exactly what you requested and reflected the exact requirements for each. We will contact you directly to try to resolve matters and answer any outstanding points.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I had a great experience working with Planning By Design(specifically with Mislav) on my outbuilding planning application. From the beginning, they were professional and knowledgeable,

From the beginning, they were professional, knowledgeable, and very responsive. My case wasn’t straightforward, and after facing some challenges initially, they stepped in and handled everything with confidence and clarity.

Thanks to their expertise and persistence, my outbuilding application has now been successfully approved. I’m genuinely grateful for their support and would highly recommend Planning By Design to anyone needing help with planning applications, especially in more complex situations.

20 April 2026
Unprompted review
Planning By Design logo

Reply from Planning By Design

Hi Eneas, thank you for choosing Planning By Design again and for your kind words, it really means a lot to us.

It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.

We're delighted to have helped you secure planning approval following a smooth application process.

If you have any questions or need help with anything in the future, just let us know, and we'll be happy to help.

Trustpilot is assessing this review in accordance with our flagging process.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Feasibility Study

Feasibility Study
I asked Planning by Design for a feasibility study concerning turning my garage into a bedroom. I had 2 phone calls about this and they produced a very detailed, professional report. I have since decided not to proceed with the project so cannot comment any further.

17 March 2026
Unprompted review
Planning By Design logo

Reply from Planning By Design

Thank you so much for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.

Of course, if you have any further questions or need help with anything else, just let us know, and we'll be glad to help.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic advise from start to finish

Fantastic advise from start to finish. The whole process was very professional and fully supportive in every aspect. We are delighted to have been granted full planning permission. Big thank you to all the Planning By Design team that worked on our application. I would highly recommend if your looking for planning permission.

30 March 2026
Unprompted review
Planning By Design logo

Reply from Planning By Design

Hi Robert, thank you so much for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.

It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.

Of course, if you have any further questions or need help with anything else, just let us know, and we'll be glad to help.

Trustpilot is assessing this review in accordance with our flagging process.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing first time planning experience!

Amazing first time experience with going through the whole planning process. The dedicated planner provided a feasibility report and then discussed the whole planning process with me. I asked several questions, as it was my first time, and they were all satisfactorily answered. Thoroughly impressed by their professional and transparent approach. Will recommend to anyone who is new to the whole planning process, as it can be a minefield to navigate it alone.

18 March 2026
Unprompted review
Planning By Design logo

Reply from Planning By Design

Hi Shehriyar, thank you so much for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.

It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.

Of course, if you have any further questions or need help with anything else, just let us know, and we'll be glad to help.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Planning Permission

It was my first ever experience of getting a planning permission from the council and working with Planning By Design was a great learning curve. I found the team to be very professional, responsive and knowledgeable, they are thorough in their research and proposing the right solution. The response time is quick so you are not sitting and waiting for a response to your query. My experience with them was great - start to finish, glad I used their services and I would highly recommend them to anyone.

16 March 2026
Unprompted review
Planning By Design logo

Reply from Planning By Design

Hi Tauseef, thank you for choosing Planning By Design again and for your kind words, it really means a lot to us.

It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.

We're delighted to have helped you secure planning approval following a smooth application process.

If you have any questions or need help with anything in the future, just let us know, and we'll be happy to help.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Do not go near them

Promised everything that i wanted but it all changed once they have the money.
They made a mistake which added to planning being understandably refused and then expected further payment to review and continue. They will probably come on the back of this saying that they are as upset as i am about the planning being rejected, well i am not as upset about that as i am about the quality of the work, the poor communication and exceptionally bad customer service, especially from the managing director who attempts to patronise and intimidate once you complain.
I take it as a learning experience and accept the vast amount of money lost to this company but all i can pass on to anyone thinking of using them is, be prepared to complete the plans yourself, if you are completely confident that you know what you doing then they’ve will complete the paperwork for you, if you need any help with the base plans or are not sure if the planning will pass straight away then this company is not for you no matter what they promise you.

In response to their reply i just want to assure anyone reading this that the one major block to the planning other than the standard was that the authority wanted the drive to be half a meter longer, which there was space for. this is the kind of help that i specifically asked for during the sales process and not something that i would be able to spot when i agreed to the plans, trusting them on completing the plans correctly was an expensive mistake on my part. they did then offer a review after the fact but expected me to pay for the review even though they were as culpable as i. i have also had an email after this review threatening legal action should i use the plans that they drew up on the back of my drawings, i’ve seen this tactic used by them on other reviews so i confirm that this is something that they do.

6 May 2026
Unprompted review
Planning By Design logo

Reply from Planning By Design

Thank you for updating your review. We again need to correct the record.

This proposal was never presented as guaranteed. Our planning appraisal expressly stated it had a fair chance of success and made clear that planning permission is not guaranteed and can only be decided by the local authority.

Your quote also made clear that we would only submit once you approved the drawings and supporting evidence, and your signed invoice confirms the agreed scope of work we delivered.

It is also wrong to suggest the council identified some fatal flaw. The Highway Officer stated there were no objections in principle to off-road parking/access at the site, but that the design and dimensions required amendment, and expressly confirmed that subject to some amendment Highways could support the proposal.

As for your comments about a later email regarding our drawings and reports, that was not a threat. It was a standard reminder of our contractual intellectual property rights, particularly where planning applications are public documents and the council’s response indicated that an amended scheme may be capable of support.

For transparency, the public application record can be viewed here:
https://publicaccess.newport.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=T3ICK9LCHXO00&activeTab=summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great experience working with Planning…

Great experience working with Planning By Design. Silas and his team helped me through the whole planning process to build flats above my commercial property. They were always supportive and never gave up on the project. Very reasonable fees as well. Really appreciate all their help.

9 March 2026
Unprompted review
Planning By Design logo

Reply from Planning By Design

Hi Manjot, thank you for choosing Planning By Design again and for your kind words, it really means a lot to us.

It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.

We're delighted to have helped you secure planning approval following a smooth application process.

If you have any questions or need help with anything in the future, just let us know, and we'll be happy to help.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Professional, Patient, and Thorough

As someone completely new to the world of planning, I was initially overwhelmed and confused by the various requirements. However, Mark Reed at Planning By Design made the entire process incredibly easy to follow. He took the time to thoughtfully explain every procedure in full detail, ensuring I never felt lost.

The team is exceptionally customer-friendly and responsive. I now have full confidence that I made the right choice. If you want a team that combines technical expertise with great communication, look no further.

16 February 2026
Unprompted review
Planning By Design logo

Reply from Planning By Design

Hi Krishna, thank you so much for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.

It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.

Of course, if you have any further questions or need help with anything else, just let us know, and we'll be glad to help.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great friendly competent service

Great friendly competent service

27 February 2026
Unprompted review
Planning By Design logo

Reply from Planning By Design

Hi Carol, thank you so much for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.

It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.

Of course, if you have any further questions or need help with anything else, just let us know, and we'll be glad to help.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This is the second time we’ve used…

This is the second time we’ve used Planning By Design, and once again they delivered excellent service.

They were professional, responsive, and clear throughout the process, keeping everything on track and handling all the details carefully. Thanks to their expertise, we obtained planning permission smoothly and without any issues.

We highly recommend them for reliable and efficient planning services.

27 February 2026
Unprompted review
Planning By Design logo

Reply from Planning By Design

Hi Kathy, thank you for choosing Planning By Design again and for your kind words, its really means a lot to us.

It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.

We're delighted to have helped you secure planning approval following a smooth application process.

If you have any questions or need help with anything in the future, just let us know, and we'll be happy to help.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great company

Great company. Fast, efficient, professional service. I would most definitely recommend.

26 February 2026
Unprompted review
Planning By Design logo

Reply from Planning By Design

Hi Sally, thank you so much for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.

It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.

Of course, if you have any further questions or need help with anything else just let us know and we'll be glad to help.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant service again by the team

Brilliant service again by the team, always helpful and kept informed at every stage of the process.

18 February 2026
Unprompted review
Planning By Design logo

Reply from Planning By Design

Hi Sonia, thank you so much for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.

It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.

Of course, if you have any further questions or need help with anything else just let us know, and we'll be glad to help.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Reliable and trustworthy

Mark Read of Planning By Design has been amazing from the word go. We are at the first stages of having an extension built at the side of our house, and Mark has explained the procedure in full detail. At first, I was confused by several aspects of the process, but every question, no matter how minor, has been attended to so far. I have full confidence that Planning By Design has been the right choice to make to satisfy all the requirements related to planning appraisal, building regulations, and structural engineering calculations. The company has already provided positive advice on the feasibility of the project, for which I am grateful.

17 February 2026
Unprompted review
Planning By Design logo

Reply from Planning By Design

Hi Ruqaya, thank you for choosing Planning By Design and for your kind words.

It is always our goal to provide a 5* service at unbeatable prices, and feedback like this is rewarding and motivating for our whole team.

We're delighted you found our planning appraisal service helpful.

If you have any questions or need help with anything in the future, just let us know, and we'll be happy to help.

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