Whaleback Planning - Hove

Chris K.

Whaleback had been highly recommended to us, and has been a very good choice! Luke Austin of Whaleback prepared our planning application which was won on appeal - for a large five bedroom detached house between two similarly large properties in over half an acre of land in a beautiful rural village in the High Weald of Sussex.

Planning permission was never going to be easy. Many years ago the land had been part of the garden of the adjacent house, and in the distant past had obtained planning permission. But it is now part of the High Weald National landscape and within the sensitive domain of the Ashdown Forest. Moreover, just before we first applied for planning permission, the local conservation area was changed to include the boundary with the lane - which a new access would cross. And among many lovely neighbours were a few vociferously opposed to the application.

Whaleback steered the application through the processes required, to success on appeal.
Luke Austin of the Whaleback team meticulously prepared the case for two planning applications and for the successful appeal. In addition to the required plethora of commissioned reports, for example ecological and arboricultural, the design for the house was based on careful research into historical, traditional and vernacular architectural characteristics of buildings in the High Weald, the conservation area, and of properties in the vicinity. It required sensitive and precise appraisal.

Opposition to the planning application by the District Council followed several paths. Each challenge by the designated planning officer was convincingly countered by Whaleback using commendably thorough and accurate knowledge of planning policy, relevant case studies, specifics local to the area, including the details of the high Weald National landscape and the local conservation area ,to argue the case.

Luke was always prompt and responded quickly to queries, providing documentation as soon as this was available and again on request and was always ready to discuss any detail I wished to raise. Many clients will be happy to trust the outstandingly competent Whaleback to steer their application through the planning process. I preferred to be involved as I had extensive historical knowledge about the land and past use and practical features as well as experience working to support an area of outstanding natural beauty as a member of an advisory committee. Luke always listened to my contribution and used his professional experience and judgement to decide whether and how this could be used to advantage in the application. Luke never flagged, while keeping a pragmatic view of possible outcomes. Needless to say he and the Whaleback team were delighted that the application had succeeded on appeal.

Thank you, Luke and the Whaleback team! We unreservedly recommend Whaleback.

Anthony P.

I got to know the brilliant team at Whaleback while working at Human Nature on the Phoenix project. They are guiding the development through various stages of planning, from early discussions and community engagement to PPAs, the submission of the application, committee approval and work on the S106 agreement. Gareth is extremely knowledgeable and was always on hand during my time there to provide insight into the planning system, including the national framework and its local implications, from heritage matters to transport policy and visual impact. His expertise was invaluable to my work in communications and engagement. I highly recommend them for projects of all scales.

Neil ?. W.

Very professional, I highly recommend Whaleback to anyone needing an absolutely great service! The best planning consultants I have ever used! Thanks Gareth and the team.

quickpaw100

Whaleback was recommended to us for our planning application Amy was very helpful and professional she always responded very quickly to any communication. We would highly recommend Whaleback.

Eleni S. L.

I recently had the pleasure of working with Molly from Whaleback Services on a very sensitive planning application, and I am thrilled with the outcome. Molly responded immediately to my request and provided a clear, precise objection that was exactly what we needed.

Her expertise and attention to detail were evident throughout the process, and her promptness in addressing the issue was greatly appreciated.

I can't thank Whaleback Services enough for their outstanding support and professionalism. If you need a planning officer who is knowledgeable, efficient, and dedicated, I highly recommend Molly and the team at Whaleback Services.

Alan S.

I have had very good communication with Whaleback with the application for planning permission. I would certainly recommend a friend or family to use them. Amy did a tremendous job.

Paula B.

This is my first time using Whaleback Planning Consultants and my experience of dealing with them has been very positive. I have dealt with a difficult residential planning situation for a long time and after calling many other planning consultants whaleback took up the challenge for this application. They really helped me to get the best outcome and I am delighted with the result. We dealt with Kai Penny who was thorough and exacting in his approach. Leaving no stone unturned. He produced a detailed and very conclusive document to support my application. When there was a delay he followed up with the Council planning and was able to get them to communicate what was going on. I am pretty sure we would NOT have got the same outcome had we attempted this ourselves. For the amount of work Kai did on the application I would say they are reasonably priced. I highly recommend.

yeshpaul R.

Whaleback is a very professionally company! Gareth gave me clear advice regarding a retrospective structure my neighbour was giving me grief about. The interaction was friendly, clear and extremely helpful. Highly recommend this company 🙂