Business Details
Chartered Architects & Planning Consultants in Derby
Planning Design is a multi-disciplinary firm specialising in architecture, town planning, heritage conservation, and rural development. With offices in Derby, Matlock, Macclesfield, and Sheffield, our team of RIBA Chartered Architects and RTPI Chartered Town Planners brings decades of combined experience in delivering innovative design solutions and securing planning permissions. We work closely with homeowners, developers, and public sector clients to transform ideas into reality, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of local planning policies.Our approach prioritises integrity, teamwork, and client satisfaction, ensuring projects meet both regulatory requirements and individual needs. From listed building conversions to urban regeneration schemes, we provide tailored advice and end-to-end support, underpinned by a commitment to sustainable development and heritage preservation.
Services
Planning
Heritage Architecture
Rural Development
Urban Design
Appeals
Enforcement
Architecture
Conservation
Barn Conversions
Sustainable Design
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in architectural and planning consultancy.
- Our team includes RIBA Chartered Architects and RTPI-registered planners.
- We provide honest, sound advice with high professional standards.
- We maintain strong relationships with Local Planning Authorities.
- We offer tailored solutions for heritage, rural, and urban projects.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA Chartered Practice
- RTPI Chartered Town Planners
- Architects Registration Board
Services
Planning Consultancy
Our planning consultants provide expert advice on securing permissions for residential, commercial, and rural developments. With strong relationships with local authorities, we specialise in appeals, enforcement cases, and strategic planning. Our team navigates complex policies to deliver viable solutions for homeowners, developers, and public sector clients, ensuring compliance with current regulations while maximising development potential.
Heritage Architecture
We specialise in preserving historic buildings through sensitive design solutions. Our conservation architects handle listed building consents, heritage assessments, and restoration projects. By balancing modern needs with historical integrity, we ensure compliance with planning requirements while enhancing cultural value. Clients benefit from our expertise in World Heritage Sites and Conservation Areas across the UK.
Rural Development
Our rural development services focus on barn conversions, agricultural dwellings, and diversification schemes. We advise on permitted development rights and planning applications under Class Q, R, and S. By understanding countryside regulations, we help landowners unlock value through sustainable projects, including eco-tourism developments and farm-based enterprises, while maintaining compliance with environmental protections.
Urban Design
We create inclusive, sustainable urban spaces through masterplanning and design guidance. Our team integrates new developments with existing communities, addressing transport, green spaces, and climate resilience. From residential schemes to commercial redevelopments, we ensure proposals align with local plans and gain support from planning authorities, delivering vibrant environments that enhance quality of life.
Planning Appeals
When permissions are refused, we guide clients through the appeals process. Our experts prepare robust cases for written representations, hearings, or public inquiries. With a success rate aligned with national averages, we focus on addressing refusal reasons through technical evidence and strategic arguments, maximising chances of overturning unfavourable decisions while maintaining professional standards.
People
Jon Millhouse
Director - Chartered Town Planner
Jon specialises in heritage planning and is a Full Member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation. With over 25 years' experience, he leads complex listed building projects and advises on conservation area developments, ensuring compliance with heritage regulations while meeting client objectives.
Lindsay Cruddas
Director - Specialist Conservation Architect
Lindsay is a registered Specialist Conservation Architect with expertise in historic building restoration. She manages heritage projects across the UK, combining technical knowledge with creative design solutions to preserve architectural significance while enabling modern use.
Richard Pigott
Director - Chartered Town Planner
Richard has extensive experience in planning applications and appeals. As a Chartered Town Planner, he advises on strategic planning matters, including rural development and urban regeneration, helping clients navigate complex policy frameworks to achieve successful outcomes.
Michael Bamford
Director - Chartered Town Planner
Michael specialises in rural planning and urban design. He leads projects involving permitted development rights, agricultural diversification, and masterplanning, ensuring sustainable solutions that align with local authority requirements and community needs.
David Symons
Director - Chartered Architect
David oversees architectural projects from concept to completion. With RIBA Chartered Practice status, he ensures high-quality design standards across residential, commercial, and heritage schemes, integrating planning compliance with functional aesthetics.
Questions
What planning services do you offer?
We provide full planning consultancy services including applications, appeals, enforcement cases, and strategic advice for residential, commercial, and rural developments.
Do I need an architect for listed building consent?
Yes, specialist conservation architects are recommended to ensure compliance with heritage regulations and prepare detailed applications for listed buildings.
Can you help with rural development projects?
Yes, we specialise in rural planning, including barn conversions, agricultural dwellings, and diversification schemes under permitted development rights.
How do planning appeals work?
Appeals involve submitting detailed representations to the Planning Inspectorate. Our experts prepare robust cases through written submissions, hearings, or public inquiries.
What areas do you cover?
We operate nationwide with offices in Derby, Matlock, Macclesfield, and Sheffield, serving clients across England and Wales.
