Kerry Dames

BA(Hons), Dip TP, MRTPI

“I am first and foremost a team player. I love what I do. I will work with you to navigate the planning process; which often isn’t simple. I have worked on significant infrastructure projects, new schools and residential and mixed-use applications of all scales. I have secured planning permission for isolated homes of exceptional quality under paragraph 84 e) of the NPPF. I pride myself on providing clear, structured, bespoke planning solutions which lead to planning permissions, conservation area consents and listed building consents. I work all over the country and can work remotely as required.

Contact me today to discuss your project. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they are silly - there are no silly questions when it comes to playing the “planning game”.

“Kerry was instrumental to our successful planning appeal. Her command of the planning system shone through from the moment we met with her. Overturning a decision via appeal can be a hugely frustrating process; Kerry’s good humour, leadership, optimism and can-do approach have helped us in more ways than one. Her knowledge of the architectural process and experience of working with planning authorities across the country set her apart. Highly recommended and exceptionally good to work with!”

Mr & Mrs J Williams - Replacement Dwelling, Sevenoaks, 2024

I have worked with Kerry on a wide range of complex projects over the years. She’s one of the most tenacious determined planning consultants I know who leaves no stone unturned and with an extremely high success rate. She’s also an excellent expert witness at planning appeals.

Anne Williams, Planning Barrister - 6 Pump Court, London, 2024

Planning Services

  • FEASIBILITY STUDIES

    Review sites and provide advice on a client’s reasonable chances of securing planning permission. Including a planning strategy for progressing a planning application and a list of reports and drawings required to meet the local planning authorities validation requirements.

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  • PUBLIC CONSULTATION

    We will work with the team to connect with the intended audience and present the proposals to the community and interested parties. We will prepare the Statement of Community Involvement to clearly demonstrate how the views of the community and interested parties have been taken into account during the application process.

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  • PLANNING APPLICATIONS

    Project management and preparation and submission of planning applications. Including liaising with the client and the consultant team and once the application has been submitted, the case officer and third parties. We continue to provide advice during the determination period to address any matters raised by the case officer or third parties during the determination process and discuss pre-commencement planning conditions prior to a decision being issued. Following the grant of planning permission or worse case, a refusal, we continue to provide support to discharge planning conditions or to limit and positively address reasons for refusal. If a planning application needs to be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment we will work with the author of the Environmental Statement and manage the consultant team to ensure a robust application is submitted. This could include preparing a request for a Screening / Scoping opinion.

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  • PLANNING APPEAL

    If an application is refused, we provide advice on the appeal process, including guidance on the right procedure. This can include instructing Counsel. We will prepare and lodge the appeal on your behalf and can appear as expert witness at Planning Inquiries. During the appeal process we will update you on the ‘start date’ and liaise with you to ensure deadlines are not missed.

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  • PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT

    We can advise you on whether your permitted development rights remain intact and the best strategy for securing the scheme you want without the benefit of planning permission. We will provide simple sketches to demonstrate how your property or site can be developed and provide advice on the need to secure a Lawful Development Certificate.

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  • PRIOR NOTIFICATION

    We will advise you on the requirements for Prior Notification and whether your scheme can be progressed under this procedure.

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Testimonials

  • Kerry supported us, our Architects and Landscape Designers, to achieve permission for a modern house and the renovation of other buildings within the New Forest National Park.  The site had every complication going, including the recently introduced requirement for BNG, and Kerry’s role required close coordination with the Park, Natural England, Estate owners and the Parish Council.  Kerry’s work was faultless, she was ultra-responsive, incredibly proactive (even solving the problems of others to keep progress on track) and attacked every hurdle with a cheery smile.  We strongly recommend her - it’s rare to find someone this good, and rarer still for them to be a great person too!  

    Private Client, Dock Lane, Beaulieu, New Forest National Park, September 2024

  • Achieving planning permission in the New Forest National Park is never easy, particularly when you are planning to knock down an existing house and start again. The help and sound advice we received from Kerry throughout the planning process was invaluable and helped us to achieve planning at the first attempt, with minimal changes to the concept design. Thank you Kerry for helping us to achieve our dream home by the sea.

    Private Client, 2024

  • We had put in a planning application ourselves and been advised to withdraw it, as it was going to be rejected. We thought the rejection was incorrectly adjudged but had no comeback on the planning department. We were advised to get in touch with Kerry, who was not only able to establish that the advice to withdraw had been incorrect, but then put in a totally new planning application for us, and was able to gently guide the application through to full approval, which we are delighted about. If we had gone straight to Kerry in the first place we wouldn't have lost 6 months and our conversion would already have been completed! Many thanks for a great job, much appreciated.

    Private Client, 2024

  • Kerry's attention to detail, success rate and aftercare means that I have no issue with recommending her services which I will use again in future when the need arises.

    Private Client, 2024

  • We would like to recommend Kerry Dames for her advice and support in handling our planning appeal. After an initial refusal by the local planning authority we had a protracted process of establishing a fall back position and then moving on with the full appeal. Kerry advised us successfully on how to establish a strong fall back position and subsequently presented the appeal. We were all subject to the very long process that has taken over two years to complete for reasons beyond our control with the appeal taking 5 months to validate and then another 6 months to be heard and decided. Kerry managed our expectations and frustrations with skill. We learnt the true meaning of ‘soon’ and ‘shortly’when dealing with the planning inspectorate. We can now start to get excited about the prospect of building a beautiful new house. In the UK, planning and appeals are a protracted and complex process that sometimes requires specialist support. Kerry Dames is able to guide you through this with skill.

    James & Rachel Youngman, June 2024