Bath and North East Somerset Planning Consultants

Bath and North East Somerset is renowned for its Roman and Georgian heritage, with the city of Bath being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Key attractions include the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and the Royal Crescent. The district has a rich cultural scene, with numerous theatres, museums, and galleries. Approximately 70.4% of the area is designated as Green Belt, influencing planning policies.

In the last year Bath and North East Somerset decided 1,835 applications which is well above the national average of 988. The approval rate was 95% (marginally above the national average of 88%) and 56% of applications were decided on time, (slightly below the national average of 59%). Stats updated March 2026 from gov. sources. See how Bath and North East Somerset performs relative to other LPAs in our LPA hub.

"We love helping clients win Planning Permission in Bath and North East Somerset"

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Bath and North East Somerset

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), sometimes called National Landscapes, are designated for their exceptional scenic and natural importance. Planning proposals in these areas face close scrutiny, with a strong presumption against inappropriate development.

Bath and North East Somerset is partially within the Cotswolds AONB. Any development requires careful assessment for landscape impact and heritage conservation.

In our experience, one of the top reasons proposals in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are refused is causing landscape harm or visual intrusion, a risk that often arises when applications are not fully informed. We help minimise the likelihood of refusal with expert, guidance; contact us here.

Conservation and Listed Buildings in Bath and North East Somerset

Bath has an exceptionally sensitive historic environment, with extensive Conservation Areas and a very high concentration of listed buildings reflecting its Roman and Georgian heritage. Heritage constraints are particularly pronounced within the Bath City Centre Conservation Area and Lansdown Conservation Area, where classical terraces, crescents, and historic streets define character.

Development proposals are rigorously assessed in relation to key views, heritage setting, and the World Heritage Site status, with Planning Permission typically requiring an exceptional, context-led design response.

One of the top reasons heritage building applications are refused is causing harm to historic significance, a risk that can arise when proposals are not prepared by a consultant with heritage expertise. We help minimise this risk with expert, site-specific guidance; contact us here.

Green Belt Approvals in Bath and North East Somerset

The Green Belt is a nationally designated area of protected land surrounding many English towns and cities, where development is strictly controlled to prevent urban sprawl.

Significantly, 70.4% of Bath and North East Somerset is within the Green Belt and proposals in these areas can be subject to high levels of scrutiny.

The Green Belt near Bath and Keynsham protects the surrounding hills and prevents coalescence of settlements.

In our experience, one of the top reasons poorly conceived Green Belt proposals are refused is causing 'harm to openness'. We can lower the risk of refusal with site-specific guidance. Contact us here.

You can also check whether your land is within the Green Belt using our interactive Green Belt map.

Nutrient Neutrality in Bath and North East Somerset

Nutrient Neutrality ensures new developments do not increase harmful nitrogen or phosphorus levels in sensitive waterways. Parts of Bath and North East Somerset fall within the Somerset Levels and Moors designated sensitive catchment, requiring phosphorus neutrality for residential development in those areas. Unfortunately, Nutrient Neutrality can halt development completely. If you need early-stage, project-specific advice contact us here.

Planning Applications in Bath and North East Somerset

Alongside acting as Planning Consultants we are ARB registered architects with 25+ years of experience. We use the following proven work stages to guide clients in Bath and North East Somerset through the planning process in order to maximise the potential of their development :

1. Stage 1: Site Appraisals & Planning Strategy Advice
2. Stage 2: Feasibility Studies & Concept Designs
3. Stage 3: Planning Application Packages
   • Architectural Drawing Packages
   • Planning Statements & Design and Access Statements
   • Coordination of Consultant Reports
   • Direct Liaison with Planning Officers
4. Stage 4: Technical Design
   • Discharge of Planning Conditions
   • Building Regulations and Construction Packages

Planning Services We Offer in Bath and North East Somerset

• Full Planning Applications: Commercial, new buildings, changes of use.
• Householder Planning Applications: Domestic extensions / garden structures.
• Listed Building Consent: Alterations / repairs to listed buildings.
• Conservation Area Consent: Developments within Conservation Areas.
• Lawful Development Certificates: Confirming existing / completed works are lawful.
• Validation Requirements: Gathering documentation to ensure applications are validated by Bath and North East Somerset LPA.

Contextual Planning Support in Bath and North East Somerset

We work collaboratively with clients and shape a design that respects local character and meets Planning Policy requirements in order to maximise your chances of winning Planning Permission.