Planning Consultant in Basildon

Basildon Planning Consultant

Planning in Basildon Borough covers a surprisingly wide range of development situations. From established residential neighbourhoods in Basildon, the more traditional town of Billericay and the expanding community of Wickford, to the Green Belt villages and plotlands, the planning considerations can change considerably from one part of the borough to another.

I provide independent planning consultancy in Basildon, helping homeowners, landowners, developers and businesses understand what may be possible and how best to approach a planning proposal.

I am Andrew Ransome MRTPI, a Chartered Town Planner with more than 20 years' experience in town planning. I advise on planning applications, appeals, development opportunities and planning strategy across Basildon and the wider Essex area.

Planning in Basildon

Basildon has a distinctive history.

The town was designated as a New Town after the Second World War, resulting in a planned urban structure that remains evident today. Basildon has subsequently evolved into a major employment and residential centre, with extensive commercial areas, established neighbourhoods and significant regeneration opportunities.

Beyond the main town, the borough has a different character.

Billericay retains much of the character of an established historic town, while Wickford has grown substantially and continues to be a focus for development.

Green Belt is an important consideration across much of Basildon Borough, particularly around Billericay, Wickford and the edges of the main urban areas.

Green Belt policy can make development more challenging, but it does not mean that every form of development is prohibited. National planning policy identifies circumstances where development can be acceptable, including specific exceptions and provisions relating to previously developed land.

More recently, national policy has introduced the concept of Grey Belt, creating another consideration when assessing certain areas of Green Belt land.

Whether a particular site could benefit from these provisions depends on its characteristics, its location and the nature of the development proposed.

I can provide an initial assessment of a Green Belt site and advise on the planning arguments that may be available.

Planning Services in Basildon

I provide a range of planning consultancy services throughout Basildon Borough, including:

• Site and land appraisals to identify potential development opportunities.

• Pre-application to prepare and submit pre-application submissions to the council.

• Planning applications for new homes, extensions, redevelopment and changes of use.

• Planning appeals following refusals or non-determination.

• Permitted development and Prior Approval advice.

• Lawful Development Certificates for existing or proposed development.

• Planning strategy for landowners considering the longer-term development potential of their land.

Planning Appeals in Basildon, Billericay and Wickford

If your planning application has been refused by Basildon Borough Council, I can advise on the prospects of an appeal and prepare the planning case in response to the reasons for refusal.

From April 2026, the planning appeals process has been simplified, with most appeals relating to applications submitted from 1 April 2026 initially following a new Part 1 written representations procedure.

The aim is to make appeals quicker and more proportionate, with the Inspector generally considering the evidence and information that was before the Council when it made its decision.

This makes it particularly important that the original planning application is properly prepared, with the relevant planning arguments and supporting evidence submitted before the Council reaches its decision.

I can review a planning refusal, identify the key issues and advise on whether an appeal provides a realistic opportunity to challenge the Council's decision.

Planning Advice for Basildon, Billericay and Wickford

I provide planning consultancy services throughout Basildon Borough, including Basildon, Billericay, Wickford, Laindon, Pitsea and Langdon Hills, as well as surrounding areas of Essex.

Whether you need advice on a planning application, development opportunity, Green Belt site or planning appeal, I can provide practical planning advice tailored to your particular circumstances.

Contact me to discuss your planning project in Basildon.

Andrew Ransome MRTPI - Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk

About me

Andrew Ransome is a Planning Director and a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), with more than two decades of experience in town planning.

He specialises in delivering strategic planning solutions for complex developments across both rural and urban environments, helping clients navigate planning challenges and unlock development opportunities. Connect with Andrew on Linkedin.

Planning Successes in Basildon

Get in touch for planning advice: Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk

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The content on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute planning or legal advice. Planning policy, legislation, and case law change over time, and every planning matter should be assessed on its own merits. No responsibility is accepted for any loss or action taken in reliance on the content of this site. The projects, planning applications and appeals presented on this website reflect professional work undertaken by, or involving me, throughout my career, including work undertaken in both my current and previous employment positions.