Concept Design + Planning

We're here from the very first steps - how a project takes shape from concept to planning approval

The early stages of a project are all about exploration and conversation - discussing the possibilities of the site, building or space that you are looking to create, all informed and underpinned by the rigorous planning strategy review.

Acting with curiosity and care, we get to the root of what it is you're looking to achieve and provide you with ideas and design proposals that meet your aims. We challenge pre conceptions and arrive at design solutions that have been rigorously worked through, in collaboration with our planning team to make sure that your application stands a good chance of being approved.

An overview of the early stages leading up to a planning application;

Step 1 - Strategy

We always begin with a thorough review of the planning context that will underpin the proposals and ensure the emerging scheme is feasible and meets both the client brief and the regulatory context.

Hand drawn sketches often allow design ideas to be tested quickly and reviewed with our clients - designs are often developed in face to face meetings, on site if necessary - we ensure we leave no stone unturned in arriving at our design proposal.

The initial strategy process culminates in a sketchbook of ideas for you to keep as a record of the initial design discussions.

Step 2 - Design

After the overall design strategy is agreed, we begin to develop the proposals in more detail and discuss with you everything from layout arrangements to materials. External spaces are developed - how the building relates to the site and the context it inhabits. Internal spaces are also designed in detail - we spend more time inside buildings looking out, after all.

3D visuals are often used at this stage to give a clearer idea of how the design is progressing.

The design stage culminates in an agreed design that we can progress in detail and move towards submitting a planning application.

barn conversion — developed 3D design visual looking at internal & external spaces

Step 3 - Planning Application

After the design process is complete we move forward to prepare the drawings required for a valid planning approval.

The measured drawings focus on the overall size & materiality of the proposed design - often a planning statement is prepared by our planning team that is submitted along with the drawings, giving weight to the proposals and ensuring they have a smooth journey through the planning process.

We keep you up to date during the application process, letting you know how the application is proceeding, dealing with any comments made and seeing the application through to a decision.

elevation and plan drawings — finalised drawings ready for planning application

FAQ

During the early stages of a project we help you define your brief, explore design ideas, assess feasibility, and create clear architectural concepts. This is where we translate your goals into practical, buildable solutions that align with your budget and planning requirements.

You can be as hands‑on or hands‑off as you prefer. We guide you through key decisions, present design options clearly, and ensure you always understand the implications for cost, layout, planning, and buildability.

Budget is built into the design process from day one. We provide cost‑aware design options, highlight decisions that may affect cost, and collaborate with cost consultants or builders to keep estimates aligned with your expectations.

You’ll typically receive concept sketches, 2D plans, elevations, 3D visuals, working towards a developed design package suitable for planning submission. We tailor the level of detail to your project, the stage we’re working on and whether there are specific planning requirements that need to be addressed.

Yes. Alongside our planning team we prepare all planning drawings, complete the application forms, coordinate any required reports, and act as your planning agent. We also liaise with the planning officer to support your application throughout the process, keeping you up to date with progress.

Our early‑stage architectural fees are based on project size, complexity, and the level of service you need. We offer fixed fees for clearly defined stages and can also work on percentage or hourly rates where appropriate. You’ll always receive a transparent fee proposal before we begin.

Our early‑stage service includes design development, planning advice, client meetings, coordination with consultants, and preparation of planning drawings. External costs such as surveys, planning fees, and specialist reports are separate and outlined clearly at the start.

We provide regular updates, scheduled design reviews, and quick responses to questions. Communication can be via email, video calls, in‑person meetings, or shared project platforms — whatever suits you best.

thinking of a project?

If you’d like to discuss a project, explore an idea, or simply get some early advice, we’d be delighted to hear from you - we can arrange to come out and visit you, or meet at the office for an informal chat.

Whether you’re at the very beginning of a project or looking for guidance on the next steps, we’re here to help you move things forward with clarity and confidence.

Please do give us a call or drop us a line.

Call on 01749 671500 Email info@salmonplanning.co.uk

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Salmon Planning Reviews

5.0 rating of 17 reviews

We had the pleasure of working with Matt and Dan from Salmon planning recently. They dealt with our planning application for a wrap around kitchen extension from idea to submission. They listened and came up with very helpful input. They are a useful mix of knowledgeable, practical and creative. They made the process straightforward, seamless and enjoyable. They dealt with all the laborious paperwork and liaised with other relevant bodies, leaving us to just contribute to the ideas and design. They are both extremely amiable and a pleasure to deal with. The process was affordable and I feel I got great value for money. Use them, you will be pleased you did.

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Shona Perkins

Shona Perkins

I’ve been using Dan Foster and his team for over 2 years now on my property developments, the level of service, support, and professionalism of each member forever seems to impress! They have saved me many times, highlighting (potentially expensive) issues I had missed and always listen to my ideas and questions with great patience . I cannot recommend this company more highly , if you need reliable advice/designs from a team for your projects definitely give Salmon Planning a call. They will tell you everything in black and white and explain all you need to know regarding the complete planning process from start to finish.

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Owen Robinson

Owen Robinson

Dan and the rest of his team at Salmon Planning were consumate professionals, dealing with every aspect of a sensitive, high profile, listed, town centre development, in a conservation area. Always available for every question I had … and I had a lot.I would, without a doubt ,call upon them for any future planning projects and would have no reservation whatsoever in recommending. Unquestionably 5 star - thank you.

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laxback

laxback

I have found Salmon Planning to be a well-run, professional planning company who have always strived to go above and beyond to help their clients achieve their objectives.I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone.

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Aoife Dick

Aoife Dick

I regularly contact Nigel Salmon for information and advice. He, and his colleagues, are always friendly and rapidly provide excellent advice and services. As a Chartered Surveyor myself, I appreciate the professionalism of this firm.

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Roderick Thomas

Roderick Thomas

I was very pleased with the services and advice provided by Salmon Planning. I also thought the in-house architecture / drawing service worked well - saving costs, time and generally making things far more efficient. We managed to easily secure consent for something that I thought might be fraught with issues. Nigel is also very well informed on local / Somerset matters. Highly recommend!

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Peter Prescott

Peter Prescott

We worked with Dan and Matt at Salmon Planning Company to secure planning permission for a double garage, workshop, and gym/yoga room. From start to finish, they were incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. Their advice on both the planning and design stages was excellent, and they made the whole process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend their services!

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Simon Banks

Simon Banks

Excellent all round service from Nigel and his knowledgeable and experienced team. I have recommended them to many people in the past and will continue to do so in the future as they listen, understand and work with clients to deliver achievable results.

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Alex Keevil

Alex Keevil

It has been a real pleasure working with Matt and the team at Salmon Planning + Architecture. Throughout the process they have been consistently professional, prompt to respond, and genuinely helpful at every stage. A great team to work with, which I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

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Christopher Davies

Christopher Davies

Salmon Planning have secured planning permission for me for both holiday lodges and a new build pub and restaurant as well as for a new dwelling. The Salmon Planning team’s skill at handling complex planning applications and securing successful outcomes has been excellent. I would happily recommend their planning and architectural design teams.

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Mike

Mike

Excellent end-to-end experience and advice for our listed property in Brighton. Would highly recommend

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Richard Dutton

Richard Dutton

Prompt, professional and client-focused. Would highly recommend Salmon Planning, thank you!

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T

I was extremely pleased by the service provided by Dan Foster at Salmon Planning Company. He provided advice in relation to securing planning approval for the conversion of a barn to a residential annexe, leading to a swift and successful outcome. His advice was timely, thorough and well reasoned and his effective communication with the planning authority led to an outcome which would not otherwise have been likely. The support provided proved to be money well spent.

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Paul Wiseman

Paul Wiseman

The Salmon Planning Team assisted me with an assessment of development potential in the Conservation Area of a rural Oxfordshire village. The advice I received was extremely helpful both in its decisiveness and clarity and backed up by a very useful written report. I would be happy to recommend the company for those looking for a very experienced and professional planning-led team. I wish I had contacted a planning-led architectural firm first off rather than having expensive plans drawn up by an architect and then refused by the Local Authority! It would have been a much cheaper exercise.

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Jane Thomas