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Last updated: 10 March 2026
Next review: 10 March 2027
You may want to appoint a professional (agent) to act for you, if for example:
- you’re unfamiliar with the planning process
- your project is complex or controversial
- your project involves certain design or conservation expertise
An agent is anyone you wish to appoint. For example, a builder, architect, planning consultant, loft company or someone familiar with the planning process.
If you use an agent for your application:
- they’ll deal with all correspondence and enquiries
- they’ll receive the decision notice
- we will discuss a case with the agent not the applicant
Your agent should advise you about the risks of not following our advice, and any potential issues with your proposals. If you have any problems with your application, talk to them.
Find a qualified professional
To find someone suitable, contact the professional bodies:
- Royal Town Planning Institute
- Architects Registration Board
- Royal Institute of British Architects
- Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Under UK law, only those who are listed on the Statutory Register of Architects can call themselves architects.