SJM Planning is an independent planning consultancy based in West Kent, providing clear, practical planning advice to homeowners, landowners, developers and businesses across the South East and nationwide.
Led by Director Simon McKay, a Chartered Town Planner and former Local Authority Planning Officer, our team has experience across a wide range of planning sectors.
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15 customer reviews
Daron Goldfinch
Great advice, knowledge and guidance through the planning process. Thank you
Reviewed on Google Maps
Mary Joy
Working with George Bryant at SJM Planning has been a really positive and successful experience. Highly recommend them for their professional approach and personal attention to your project
Reviewed on Google Maps
Dave Carter (DC)
We have used George Bryant of SJM for a variety of planning matters at our home in East Sussex. They have been fantastic to deal with, keeping us updated on all aspects of the various applications and explaining matters in an easy to understand way. In one aspect of an application the council's legal department were being difficult but George stood his ground citing a variety of previous caselaw and the council backed down accepting his arguments.Given all of the above we would highly recommend using SJM Planning and specifically George Bryant if possible. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Pinewood Limited
George and SJM planning have been absolutely fantasticExpert advice givenPositive outcome for our applicationCould not have asked for any better serviceIf you need planning permission, these are you’re peopleThank you again George and team
Reviewed on Google Maps
Jack Angus
George gave great advice, thanks!
Reviewed on Google Maps
anna-maria redford
Very knowledgeable firm with great outcomes
Reviewed on Google Maps
Chris Mallinson
Architectural Services
I have had contact with S J M and I am going to follow up with there suggestions .
TIM MAYNER
Architectural Services
Exceptional service with very prompt assistance given to me with regard to concerns that I had with regard to rendering my property.
Tina
Planning Consultancy
Replied to my enquiry quickly and efficiently. Provided expert advice throughout the process. Very professional and informative.
Reply from SJM Planning Ltd
Thank you Tina, if we can be of any further assistance please let me know.
Chloe Naylor
Dropped a message to SJM Planning in order to gain some information on requirements and restrictions of a development! The company was more then helpful even taking time to reply to all my questions outside off their business hours! Gave some invaluable advice and I will be sure to use this company to assist with any needs in the future! Can not recommend enough! Excellent customer service skills and really friendly! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Helen Harries
SJM planning were so helpful advising on the permitted developments on our purchase as there was a large outbuilding and conservatory. I would highly recommend them and we will be using them again! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Jenny White
We used SJM Planning to submit plans to TWBC for the removal of an existing extension, the addition of a double story extension and a double garage to the front of our property, and I would definitely recommend their services. They were friendly, clear and kept me up to date with progress. They answered my many questions patiently and clearly, making recommendations throughout. We secured planning permission on the scheduled date, (no mean feat considering the global pandemic and disruption to everyone’s working patterns!) I had complete confidence in them and their advice and services. Thank you again for all your help - very satisfied and would definitely recommend. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Sharon Pinkerton
Really helpful service - offered lots of advice on the planning history on my property which I didn’t know about. So unusual to get such help, at no cost, that I would happily use these people and recommend their company to all my friends. Thank you
Reviewed on Facebook
Lisa Ludlow-Harris
Offered to help out with a question I had & answered if for me for free when the local council wanted £50 to answer the question! Much appreciated- thanks
Reviewed on Facebook
Kimberley Tracey
Brilliant service right from the beginning. helping at every step to ensure planning was approved with no issues and advising whenever I had a question, and there were many as this was all new to me! It was invaluable to have someone on board that knew everything about the planning process and that made things as stress free as possible. I would definitely recommend SJM planning More...
Reviewed on Facebook
What do you love most about your job?
It is always a pleasure to see our clients get their planning permission for the extension or development that they have been dreaming of.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Simon started the business after being a Planning Officer for a Local Authority but his drive and enthusiasm make him ideally suited to helping the applicants. We have been friends for over 30 years and my CAD background and administative qualities ensure SJM Planning is always looking forwards.
Why should our clients choose you?
We won't take on a job we don't believe in. We hate telling clients that "unfortunately your planning application has been refused"; thankfully we don't hear that very often!
We are clear on our costs and a price is set from the outset, we will advise on any third party costs and we have a range of third-party consultants that we trust.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
We do offer a remote service for Planning Consultancy - the planning process is the same nationwide and all local policies are available online.
Although based in West Kent we have undertaken projects across England and Wales including East Yorkshire, Cornwall, Essex and Cardiff.
Planning Applications
SJM Planning can advise whether your proposal is likely to require planning permission and, where an application is needed, guide you through the best route to secure consent.
We prepare, manage and submit planning applications for a wide range of proposals, including residential extensions, new dwellings, changes of use, rural and agricultural development, commercial schemes and larger residential projects.
Where architectural drawings are required, our sister company SJM Projects can assist with design and drawing packages.
Planning Advice & Site Appraisals
We provide clear, practical advice at the early stages of a project to help clients understand what may be possible before committing significant time or money.
This can include reviewing a site’s planning constraints, advising on development potential, identifying likely risks, and setting out the most appropriate planning strategy.
This service is suitable for homeowners, landowners, purchasers, developers and businesses considering a site or proposal.
Planning Enforcement & Retrospective Applications
We assist clients who have received enforcement correspondence from the Council, carried out works without consent, or need advice on how to regularise an existing use or development.
Our role is to explain the position clearly, advise on the available options, and where appropriate prepare retrospective applications, lawful development certificate applications or supporting representations.
We understand that enforcement matters can be stressful, so we aim to provide calm, practical and realistic advice.
