Just Planning was set up in 2014 by Martin Gaine, who had worked for many years in local councils as a planning officer and had seen how householders and smaller developers were getting a raw deal from the planning system.

He knew how confusing and inconsistent planning decisions could be, and how often people accepted refusals or enforcement action without understanding that they had the right to challenge them. Many householders, in particular, relied entirely on case officers to make the right decision, even when the policy position was unclear or the assessment was flawed.

Martin specialises in planning and enforcement appeals, drawing on his understanding of how councils work and how best to present evidence to the Planning Inspectorate.

He is a chartered town planner and the author of two books: How to Get Planning Permission – An Insider’s Secrets and Planning for HMOs – A practical guide to planning permission for houses in multiple occupation. His books explain the planning system in a straightforward way and are widely used by homeowners, landlords and property professionals.

Martin writes about planning for the Times and the Telegraph. He contributes to the Ask The Expert section of the Sunday Times Home supplement, and to the Daily Mail’s Property Clinic, responding to planning enquiries sent in by readers. He also writes for Build It magazine and speaks at Build It Live, an exhibition for self-builders.

If you are facing a planning refusal, an enforcement notice or a difficult application, contact Just Planning now for a clear assessment of your case and a fixed-fee quote.