About Planning Guard — FAQ
- What is Planning Guard?
- Planning Guard is UK software that helps residents prepare planning objections. It runs a free AI scan to flag which concerns may be material planning considerations, then offers optional paid editable letter drafts (PDF and Word). Optional Case Watch monitors a specific planning reference after a live portal check.
- Is Planning Guard a solicitor or planning consultant?
- No. Planning Guard is software, not a law firm or planning consultancy. Outputs are drafts you edit and lodge yourself. Nothing we produce is legal advice. For complex cases, instruct a qualified professional.
- Who should use Planning Guard?
- Neighbours and residents preparing a good-faith planning objection in the UK who want plain-language help identifying material grounds and structuring a letter — without needing a consultant for every case.
- Does Planning Guard cover Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?
- Councils across the UK are supported in the product. Guides centre on England and Wales; the scan is built primarily around the English NPPF and adjusts framing for the authority you select. See Terms for scope.
Why we built this
Most people who want to object don't know where to start — or worry they must sound like planning experts. In practice, clear explanations of how a proposal would affect you can matter a great deal. Planning Guard helps you sort which concerns may carry weight in planning terms, flags common non-material motives (like property value alone), and gives you an editable draft you still personalise. Your ward councillor may also be able to help for free.
How it works
- 1
Free preliminary scan
Describe your concerns and optionally upload the applicant's documents. Our AI identifies material planning grounds and gives you a Red–Amber–Green confidence rating. No payment required.
- 2
Review the analysis
See what grounds are strongest, which concerns are non-material (and why), and suggested next steps. Decide whether to proceed.
- 3
Download your documents
Pay once for an editable Word (.docx) and PDF. The Objection Letter (£7.99) covers the formal letter. A councillor briefing note and committee speech script can be added afterwards for £7.00 (Full Toolkit, £14.99 total). Optional Case Watch (£4.99/mo) tracks the case after a portal check.
- 4
Edit & submit
Add your personal details and the specifics only you know — edit the draft so it sounds like you, not a template — then lodge via your council's planning portal before the consultation deadline.
What we are not
Planning Guard is software, not a law firm or planning consultancy. Nothing we produce constitutes legal advice. We do not submit representations on your behalf. You remain responsible for the accuracy of your objection and for meeting your council's deadline. If your case is complex or contentious, consider instructing a qualified planning consultant or solicitor.
Coverage
Material considerations apply across the UK, but national policy frameworks differ: England (NPPF), Wales (Future Wales / PPW), Scotland (NPF4), and Northern Ireland (SPPS). Our product is built primarily around the English NPPF and adjusts framing for the authority you select — as described in our Terms.
The council directory lists local planning authorities across the UK. Guides on the blog are mainly written for England and Wales; if you are in Scotland or Northern Ireland, treat them as background and follow national and council guidance. If you can't find your council, contact us.