FAQs

How can Planning Aid England help?

Planning Aid England can help you to:

• Understand how the planning system works
• Comment on planning proposals
• Get involved in the preparation of Development Plans
• Draw up your own community plan or strategy
• Apply for planning permission or appeal against the refusal of permission

Does Planning Aid England only give advice?

No. Planning Aid England undertakes a range of community planning work aimed at positively engaging disadvantaged communities in the planning process. This includes undertaking training, environmental education work and project development.

What can Planning Aid England not do?

Advice and help can only be given on planning matters. Planning Aid England cannot provide help with the following subjects:

• Building regulation approvals
• Drawing plans
• Valuation work
• Structural surveys and site investigation work

If your enquiry falls outside the scope of the Planning Aid England service you may be referred to another organisation.

Who funds Planning Aid England?

Planning Aid England is funded by a range of sources including the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

Is Planning Aid England independent?

Yes. Planning Aid England is completely separate from central or local government. It provides completely independent and impartial planning advice.

How does Planning Aid England work?

Planning Aid England is run by the RTPI. For areas in London, the service is delivered by Planning Aid for London, which is an independent charity.

Our Planning Advisors are responsible for receiving enquiries, determining eligibility and referring cases to volunteers. You will be given up to 15 minutes of advice over the telephone and may, if you qualify for further assistance, be allocated a volunteer.

Who volunteers for Planning Aid England?

There are over 1,000 Planning Aid England volunteers in England, over 500 of whom are chartered members of the RTPI. Most volunteers are in full time employment and work in local government, private practice or in academia.

Every volunteer who gives advice is an experienced, professional town planner. Volunteers are indemnified (insured) for the advice they give. Volunteers working in local government cannot give advice in their authority's area and volunteers in private practice cannot give advice where there is a conflict with their work.

Who qualifies for Planning Aid England support?

All callers to the Planning Aid England Advice Line qualify for up to 15 minutes of free planning advice. Further help is aimed at disadvantaged groups and individuals who cannot afford to employ a planning consultant. Planning Aid England focuses particularly, though not exclusively, on communities within the top 20% of most deprived areas. 

What happens if I don't qualify for assistance beyond the initial 15 minutes?

If you do not qualify for further assistance, our Planning Advisors will give you the contact details of planning consultants, or the relevant professionals, in your area. For further information refer to the online Directory of Planning Consultants.

How can I contact Planning Aid England?

You can call Planning Aid England on 0330 123 9244 or email info@planningaid.rtpi.org.uk.

How will my enquiry be dealt with?

Many enquiries can be dealt with straight away over the phone by our Planning Advisors. If an enquiry is more complex and qualifies for additional support, it will be passed to a volunteer who will offer further assistance in person, by telephone, or in writing, depending on the circumstances.

Is the service completely free?

Yes. Planning Aid England is a completely free service (although donations are always welcome to keep the service going). You may be asked to pay for maps, reports and other documents that are needed to help you with your case.

Not found the answers you need?

See the Planning Portal's Frequently Asked Questions relating to the planning system or a Glossary of planning terms.