SMT Associates helps property owners, developers, architects and professional teams navigate the planning process across Cornwall and the South West.
From domestic alterations to conversions, countryside development and complex sites, we assess the planning position, help shape an appropriate proposal and prepare a clear, well-supported application.
Our planning advice draws on practical experience of buildings and construction, helping connect your ambitions with the site's opportunities and the requirements of delivering the project.
Discuss your planning proposal
Advice tailored to your project
Every site has its own planning context. We review the relevant history, policies and constraints to identify the issues likely to influence a decision.
Where appropriate, we recommend pre-application engagement to explore the proposal with the planning authority before preparing a formal submission.
Our services include:
- Pre-application strategy and submissions
- Householder and full planning applications
- Extensions and alterations
- New homes and replacement dwellings
- Conversions and changes of use
- Rural and countryside development
- Holiday and guest accommodation
- Applications to vary, remove or discharge planning conditions
- Lawful Development Certificates
- Retrospective planning applications
Where a proposal affects a listed building or sensitive historic setting, we coordinate planning and heritage advice.
Preparing a clear planning case
A strong submission brings the design, supporting evidence and planning justification together.
We identify the information needed and coordinate specialist input where appropriate, including highways, ecology, landscape, drainage and structural advice.
Supporting documents may include planning statements, Design and Access Statements, heritage assessments, drawings, photographs and visual material. Each should explain the proposal clearly and address the matters relevant to the decision.
We work with your architect and wider professional team to ensure that the application presents a coherent case.
Conversions and countryside development
Existing buildings and rural sites can offer valuable opportunities, but their suitability needs careful assessment.
We advise on commercial-to-residential conversions, traditional barns, historic townhouses, redundant buildings, holiday accommodation and changes between commercial uses.
For countryside proposals, including new and replacement homes, we assess the planning principle alongside landscape character, access, services and the relationship with surrounding development.
Our building knowledge helps identify practical constraints that may influence the proposal before the design is fixed.
Complex applications and refused proposals
A sensitive location, unusual building or complicated planning history may require a more detailed strategy.
We review previous permissions, conditions, consultation responses and technical evidence to identify the central issues and the most appropriate way forward.
Where an application has been refused, we assess the reasons before recommending an appeal, revised submission or further supporting information. We explain the strengths and weaknesses of each option so that you can make an informed decision.
Enforcement advice
If an enforcement concern arises, we can help review the planning history, understand the alleged breach and assess possible routes to resolution.
Depending on the circumstances, this may involve evidence of lawful use, a retrospective application, an amended proposal or coordination with specialist planning or legal advisers.
Early advice allows more time to understand the position and respond to any relevant deadlines.
Support through the process
Our involvement can extend from initial strategy and application preparation to liaison with planning officers, responses to consultation comments and negotiation of appropriate amendments.
Following a decision, we can advise on conditions and the next steps. Our wider surveying, conservation and project delivery services can provide continuity as the proposal moves towards detailed design and construction.
Contact SMT Associates to discuss your planning requirements →
Related services: Feasibility Studies · Conservation & Historic Buildings · Case Studies
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