Planning Applications
Planning strategy, planning statements and application management for residential, commercial and mixed-use proposals.
Read moreUnlocking development potential across the North West
Manchester-based Independent Planning Consultancy
MA Planning is an independent chartered planning consultancy led by Mark Alexander. Based in Manchester, we advise developers, landowners, businesses and homeowners on planning applications, appeals, site appraisals, representations and development strategy across Manchester and the North West.
Our ethos
Precision planning. Tailored outcomes.
Navigating the planning system shouldn’t be a roadblock to good development. Our ethos is simple: we provide transparent, realistic, and commercially grounded advice that gives your project direction.
Whether you are a commercial deveoper maximising site value, a homeowner extending a propert, or a rural landowner exploring diversification, Manchester-based MA Planning cuts through the red tape. We identify the risks early, build the strongest possible case, and advocate fiercely for your success across the North West.
MA Planning Consultancy provides expert, commercially aware planning support for developers, landowners, occupiers, homeowners and professional teams across the North West, including Cheshire, Lancashire, Liverpool and Wirral. From initial site appraisal through to submission, negotiation or appeal, we give clients a clear view of the planning risks, opportunities and route forward; so decisions get made with confidence, not hope.
Services
Comprehensive planning services
Practical, proportionate support tailored to your project. From initial feasibility to final approval, we provide the expertise needed to secure your planning goals.
Planning Appeals
Clear appeal strategy, robust grounds of appeal and written representations following refusal or non-determination.
Read morePlanning Representations
Professional support for objections, support letters, local plan representations and third-party planning reviews.
Read moreDesign & Access Statements
Proportionate design and access statements that explain the planning, design and access rationale for a proposal.
Read moreRural Planning
Planning advice for rural buildings, farm diversification, countryside development and sensitive rural sites.
Read morePlanning Appraisals
Early-stage planning risk reviews, site appraisals and development potential assessments before commitment.
Read moreLand Promotion
Planning support for landowners, promoters and developers seeking allocation, representations or development strategy.
Read morePlanning Advice
Direct, commercially aware planning advice for developers, landowners, occupiers and professional teams.
Read moreHow we work
Clear advice before unnecessary cost is committed.
Planning issues are easiest to manage when they are identified early. We focus on securing the right planning route, anticipating policy pushback, and gathering the precise evidence needed to build a robust case.
Explore services01
Understand the site
We review the planning history, local policy context, site constraints, and your core project objectives.
02
Set the strategy
We identify the optimal planning route, define the exact evidence required, and anticipate likely decision-making hurdles before they arise.
03
Prepare the case
We produce clear, compelling, and policy-compliant planning submissions, representations, or appeal statements to secure the best outcome.
Trusted Planning Experience
Recent Projects
Recent work has included planning appeals, rural diversification, residential-led development, mixed-use schemes and planning advice for landowners, developers and occupiers.
View case studies
Commercial
Wigan
Greater Manchester
Proposed drive-through retail unit at Robin Leisure Park. The work considered the operational requirements of a drive-through use, accessibility, parking, format and the relationship with the wider Robin Retail Park area.
Rural
Tattenhall
Cheshire
Conversion of a redundant agricultural building into a new Cambers Country Stores outlet offering rural lifestyle and agricultural goods. The project revitalises a farmstead setting, supporting rural enterprise and providing local employment opportunities.
Commercial
Stockport
Greater Manchester
Support for the proposed change of use from commercial vehicle sales to a restaurant and drive-through takeaway collection facility. The assessment considered Stockport, Brinnington and Woodley centres, together with site layout, access, parking and visibility requirements.
Residential
Gorleston-on-Sea
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
A large-scale mixed-use neighbourhood providing 442 new homes, a 70-bed care facility, and flexible local commercial space. The development supports the sustainable southern expansion of Gorleston, combining housing growth with new community amenities.
Selected clients
Trusted by a range of public and private sector clients.
MA Planning has supported national operators, developers, local authorities, architects, landowners and professional teams with commercially grounded planning advice across the North West and the UK.
Reviews
What clients say
Feedback from clients and professional teams supported on planning advice, appeals and development projects.
“Can I repeat my thanks for your expertise and speed in the preparation of your report. My only downside is that our paths have not crossed before. I have added you to our consultants panel and will not hesitate to use you again.”
Managing Director, Planning Consultancy“You have just made my day. Thank you for the great appeal you put together. I will be recommending you to anyone that needs your assistance.”
Homeowner, successful householder appeal“You have been very concise and reassuring whilst getting on the key issues.”
Planning advice to developer“A very good piece of work: it makes the very most of a difficult situation, is concise and compelling reading, and is, I think, the best that can be done.”
Solicitor, residential planning matterGet started
Need a planning view on a site, proposal or refusal?
Send us the address, planning reference, or a short summary of your proposal, and MA Planning will advise you on the most effective next step.
Contact MA PlanningWider consultancy platform
MA Planning is part of
Focused town planning advice, connected to wider property, development and consultancy support.
