ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
Alchemy Planning Consultants is a team of planning consultants based in Haslemere, Surrey. We help homeowners and small developers get planning permission, and we deal with the council for you from the first question to the final decision.
We have worked on planning applications in this area for over 20 years, and in that time we have prepared and managed more than 500 of them.
WHAT WE DO
We look after planning applications, permitted development and lawful development certificates, listed buildings and conservation areas, new homes and small developments, and planning appeals.
Every project starts with research: the site's planning history, the designations that apply, and the local and national policies that will decide the outcome.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
We work with six planning authorities: Waverley Borough Council, Guildford Borough Council, East Hampshire District Council, Chichester District Council, Arun District Council and the South Downs National Park Authority.
Each is at a different stage. Around 61% of Waverley and 89% of Guildford is Green Belt, and both councils become part of the new West Surrey Council in April 2027. Chichester adopted a new Local Plan in August 2025, while East Hampshire still relies on its 2014 Joint Core Strategy. Knowing which plan applies to your site is part of every application we make.
WHERE WE WORK
Haslemere, Hindhead, Grayshott, Liphook, Headley, Fernhurst, Midhurst, Petworth, Chiddingfold, Witley, Milford, Godalming, Elstead, Farnham, Frensham, Churt, Guildford, Petersfield and Chichester, and the villages in between.
Across Surrey, West Sussex and East Hampshire, including the South Downs National Park and the Surrey Hills.
HOW WE WORK
Most clients start with a planning surgery: 45 minutes at our Haslemere office or online, for £95 plus VAT. We research your site beforehand and tell you plainly what is likely to be possible.
If you want us to take it further, we send a clear fee proposal. Then we prepare the application, submit it and deal with the case officer until a decision is made.
DESIGN AND PLANNING TOGETHER
We share our Haslemere office with Alchemy House of Design, the architectural design practice. When a project needs drawings as well as planning, both come from one team that already knows the site.
QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK US
Do I need a planning consultant?
Not always. Many extensions and outbuildings fall within permitted development and need no application. A planning surgery is the quickest way to find out where you stand.
How long does planning permission take?
Councils aim to decide most applications within 8 weeks, and major applications within 13 weeks, counted from the date the application is valid.
Which council decides my application?
Usually your borough or district council. Inside the South Downs National Park the National Park Authority decides, sometimes with the district council handling the application on its behalf.
NOT SURE WHERE
TO START?
Book a planning surgery for £95 plus VAT, or call us on 01428 892198. We reply to every enquiry within one working day.
See all our planning services.