Homeowners, developers, and other organizations face considerable challenges in obtaining planning permission and dealing with the requirements of local authorities in the complicated and often frustrating planning environment that we find ourselves in today. The development process can be lengthy, expensive, and hard work, from understanding complicated planning policy and responding to enforcement notices, to dealing with the rejection of an application or delays resulting in loss of momentum on projects altogether. Many applicants do not receive a reasonable level of communication from local authorities; inconsistent advice from professionals, and more technical demands of producing drawings and the relevant supporting documents to enable their application to be decided correctly.

This is exactly what SAM Planning was set up to do — simplify, streamline, and strengthen the planning process for clients throughout London and beyond. SAM Planning is a one-stop shop for all things planning, with a team of planning consultants and specialists in architectural design who are with the client through every step of the planning journey, from the initial survey and architectural drawings to applications, appeals and enforcement. SAM Planning's approach is built on local knowledge, transparency, and a commendable approval rate to provide clients with the confidence of clarity every single step of the way.

Solutions Provided by Sam Planning Services

Architectural Drawings

Upon completion of the site survey, the experienced team of town planners and architectural designers at SAM Planning provides a full set of architectural drawings suitable for planning and building regulation requirements. Each set of architectural drawings is accurately produced to ensure every aspect of the property is captured and measured accurately, draw to scale for submission. The architectural drawing set consist of a site location plan, an ordnance survey map, floor plans, front and rear elevations, side elevations and section drawings of the proposed structure with precise detail. For those clients seeking higher quality visual presentation, the team can produce high quality 3D views and fully rendered digital CGIs of the proposed designs to bring the project to life and convey the design to planning officers or investors.

What distinguishes SAM Planning is the meticulousness and precision integrated throughout the entire drawing process. They facilitate total consistency between the stage of surveying, design, and submitting proposals, reducing mistakes and delays. Each drawing is created to comply with a local authority’s standards so that the process of approval can be as smooth and efficient as possible. Whether a homeowner wishes to do an extension, a loft conversion, or a new build, or whether a developer is seeking a commercial proposal, SAM Planning’s architectural drawings provide a strong foundation for clients' designs to evolve into a successful outcome. Moreover, the drawings integrate not just technical correctness, but also come across as a professional presentation of their ideas, and this approach helps transform their ideas into approved developments.

Planning Applications

If a building owner wishes to undertake an alteration of the exterior of a building, either through an extension, conversion, or change of use, it is expected that a formal application for planning permission needs to be submitted. This process can seem overwhelming as there are many types of applications, different requirements for supporting documents, and several processes to follow in order to comply with the relevant local authority. SAM Planning lays down the full planning application process, covering absolutely every element of the planning application process, including a first consultation and assessment to preparation, submission, and along the application process. The company manages all types of applications: Householder Planning Application, Full Planning Applications, New Build Application, Discharge of Conditions Application, and Section 73 (S73) Applications.

The team also manages Prior Notifications, Established Use Applications, Change of Use Applications, and Lawful Development Certificates (LDCs). SAM planning ensures that the client's application is submitted correctly, is fully compliant, and that every submission is supported by the required drawings and statements. In addition to processing numerous routine applications, SAM Planning also assists those clients in need of more complicated services related to refusals, enforcement notices, and appeals. The company drafts full appeal documents and can also represent clients before inspectors, where required. The team reports back to the client with the informed knowledge of all relevant local planning policies and procedures, seeking the best possible outcome.

Planning or Enforcement Appeals

Receiving an enforcement/potential enforcement notice or formal notice from the local planning authority can often be a challenging and sometimes a pressuring time-sensitive situation that leaves many property owners uncertain about what to do. These notices frequently require the client to take certain actions within a time period, often 28 days, from the date the notice is served. SAM Planning understands how these notices can become complicated , and they act in a time-sensitive way to help the client get the needed advice, assess the notice, advise on rights , and help understand what decisions the client may have moving forward.

With experience in planning enforcement and appeals, SAM Planning supports clients in preparing and submitting responses to enforcement notices and other constraints on the client’s behalf. SAM Planning analyzes the facts of each case, collects supporting documentation and prepares a clear and convincing appeal for submission to the Planning Inspectorate or the local authority in the case of a public inquiry. Depending on case specifics and availability, SAM Planning also provides recommendations on further solutions, especially a retrospective planning application if suitable.

Engineering Services

SAM Planning Services ensures to provide clients with cost effective, efficient and safe proposals that achieve building control first time approvals. The in-house engineering team provides a full range of engineering services. This will include full structural and engineering drawing packages, structural site inspections, structural reports, temporary works design, building regulations drawing, basement impact assessments (BIA) and construction management plans (CMP). 

Joel Stern | Founder & CEO

Joel Stern is the Founder and CEO of SAM GROUP. Mr. Stern began his career in 2013 in the property industry, initially focused on property management and assisting investors in finding small projects.

Presently, he leads a group of 25 architects, drafters, engineers, and planning consultants who are actively engaged in maximizing and, when necessary, enhancing the value of the client's property. He is firmly committed to getting the job done, and clients can often hear him say, "Do it once, do it right." For Mr. Stern, getting it done once and right is aligned to a fixated consideration of his client’s needs.

"SAM Planning's approach is built on local knowledge, transparency, and a commendable approval rate to provide clients with the confidence of clarity every single step of the way."