Planning is complicated. Your advice should be clear.

Planning is rarely just about completing an application form.

The wrong strategy can lead to unnecessary drawings, avoidable reports, delay, refusal or a permission that is too costly or impractical to build. Good advice starts by understanding what you are trying to achieve, identifying the issues that will decide the case and choosing the most proportionate route through the system.

Many council planning departments are working under significant resource pressure. Applications can drift beyond their target dates, communication can be inconsistent and the process can sometimes appear more focused on identifying obstacles than finding a workable solution.

Fellpath cannot control a council’s timetable or guarantee planning permission. What we can do is prepare your case properly, anticipate likely objections, engage constructively with officers and consultees, pursue progress and keep you informed throughout.

You receive straightforward advice about what is possible, what it is likely to cost, how long it could take and whether the opportunity justifies the risk.

How can Fellpath help you?

I want to improve my home

Planning an extension, annexe, outbuilding, loft conversion or other improvement?

We can establish whether you need planning permission, explain what may be possible under permitted development rights and help you choose the right route before you commit significant money to design or construction.

I want to understand the potential of land

Owning land does not necessarily mean that it is ready for development—but it may represent an immediate, medium-term or long-term opportunity.

We assess policy, access, infrastructure, landscape, ecology, viability and timescale before advising whether the land should be promoted, taken to application, discussed with a developer or left alone for now.

I need planning permission—or my application has been refused

We prepare and manage residential planning applications, pre-application enquiries, appeals, variations and other routes through the planning system.

If an application has already run into difficulty, we will assess whether your strongest next step is to negotiate, redesign, resubmit, appeal or stop before further money is spent.

I want to grow or change my business

From changes of use and new commercial premises to rural diversification and tourism projects, we help businesses understand the planning risks and build a clear case for investment and growth.

Our advice considers both planning policy and how the proposal needs to work commercially in the real world.

I am delivering new homes

Fellpath supports SME builders, land promoters and national housebuilders from early site appraisal through applications, negotiation, appeals, conditions and delivery.

We understand that the objective is not simply to secure a consent. It is to secure a permission for a scheme that can be funded, built, sold and deliver you a profit margin

I have received a planning enforcement letter or notice

Has the council contacted you about building work, the use of your property or a planning condition?

Fellpath Planning helps homeowners, landowners and businesses understand the concerns, assess their options and establish a practical response. We provide planning enforcement advice in Cumbria and across England.

We explain what needs investigating, what evidence may be required and how we would charge before you instruct us.

Planning expertise with development IQ

Fellpath is led by founder and Managing Director David Wright MRTPI, a Chartered Town Planner whose career has included nine years in local government and eight and a half years working inside the housebuilding industry.

That experience provides a view from both sides of the planning system: how councils assess proposals and how landowners, businesses and developers need permissions to work in practice.

During his housebuilding career, David helped establish a new Cumbria division that went on to deliver more than 200 homes annually and secured planning permission for 1,486 homes.

This has created what we call development IQ.

It means looking beyond whether a proposal might satisfy planning policy and asking the questions that determine whether it can actually be delivered:

• Can safe and suitable access be achieved?

• Is there a realistic drainage solution?

• How will ecology and Biodiversity Net Gain affect the usable site area?

• Are affordable housing, infrastructure and other obligations viable?

• Could abnormal construction costs undermine the project?

• Are the proposed conditions practical?

• Does the layout make commercial and operational sense?

Fellpath is not trying simply to secure a planning permission. We want to help secure the right permission—one that supports what you are genuinely trying to achieve.

Why clients choose Fellpath

Honest judgment

We will tell you what strengthens your case, what could prevent it and when further expenditure may not be justified. No responsible planning consultant can guarantee an approval.

Direct, experienced advice

Your case benefits from senior planning judgment and practical development experience. Advice is explained clearly, without hiding the important point beneath policy language.

Commercial understanding

Planning potential and commercial viability are not the same. We consider whether the permission being pursued can be implemented and create real value.

Proactive communication

You should not have to chase your planning consultant for an update. We agree the next steps and provide a regular update—usually weekly—even where the position has not changed. If circumstances do change, we explain what they mean and what should happen next.

Technology used responsibly

Modern digital tools help us research sites, organise evidence, monitor deadlines and work efficiently. They support—not replace—the professional judgment of a Chartered Town Planner.

This approach was recognised in 2026 when Fellpath was named joint winner of the Mitie Business Boost competition, supporting the continued development of our digital planning tools.

What working with Fellpath looks like

1. Tell us what you want to achieve

Send us the property or site address, a short explanation of your plans and any relevant drawings, correspondence or planning history.

2. We identify the real planning position

We review the opportunity, the main constraints and the routes available. Where specialist input is needed, we explain what it is and when it should be commissioned.

3. You receive a clear recommendation

We set out the sensible next step, likely risks, indicative timescale and how our work will be charged before you commit.

4. We help move the project forward

Where instructed, we coordinate the planning strategy, work with the wider professional team, manage the submission and negotiations, and keep you updated.

Trusted by homeowners, landowners and developers

“David’s understanding of the planning landscape in Cumbria is second to none. His ability to navigate complex applications and deliver results has been instrumental to our success in the region. We continue to work with Fellpath because they don’t just advise; they deliver.”

Steve Gamble, Group Land & Planning Director, Gleeson Homes

“Fellpath Planning has given us excellent support and advice and we would highly recommend their services.”

M&L Richardson, Brampton

Straight answers to the questions clients ask

Planning can involve major decisions about your home, land, business or investment. Our articles explain the costs, risks, timescales and choices openly—before you commit more money.

Read practical guidance on planning applications, refusals and appeals, development potential, consultant fees and changes in planning policy.

What are you trying to achieve?

Tell us about your property, land or project and we will explain the most sensible first step.

It helps if you include:

• The property or site address;

• A plan showing the land involved, where available;

• A short description of your objective;

• Any existing drawings;

• Relevant council correspondence; and

• Details of previous applications or refusals.

We will explain how we can help, the basis on which we would charge and any likely need for other professional advice before you instruct us.