An Approachable, Professional Service...

With Teeth!

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The Planning Objection Company and iObject.co.uk was founded in 2012 as a dedicated off-shoot from an RICS regulated planning and architectural practice.

Back in the day, we found ourselves becoming increasingly inundated with enquiries from people who wished to fight against planning applications - rather than to have us submit them.  So with a clear and growing demand for our unique expertise - we decided to focus our attention on this sector.  Now this is all the company does!

To make our decision even more compelling, we found that we were frequently contacted by members of the public that had already been poorly represented (often having been charged a small fortune for the privilege) either by high-street solicitors or, more often than not, self styled, unqualified 'planning agents' who had very little experience or understanding of the UK planning system (or their customers!).

Since the company was founded we have increased our professional team to encompass a wide range of professional backgrounds - including several active planning officers and other professional specialists - so as to ensure that our offer is second to none.

On a day to day basis we continue to work throughout the UK, across the whole planning spectrum, as impartial and independent professionals.

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Our Management Team

Ian Firth BSC (HONS) MRICS MTCPA

Planning Director (MD) Founder / Co-owner

Having a long established family history in property and construction, Ian initially took the the scenic route into the world of property and development; graduating from Plymouth University with a Degree in Estate Management in 2001.

Following this this he qualified as a Chartered Surveyor - and entered the RICS 'Land' and 'Planning & Development' Faculties.  He brings significant experience to the table having worked as both a civil servant and in private practice for many years.  For over a decade he has specialised in change of use, environmental planning and property diversification.

Over the years he has worked with and advised both private landowners and government agencies (Including 3 National Parks and DEFRA), he is also a member of the Town & Country Planning Association, The National Association of Self Build & Custom Homes, an active Parish Council (Chairman) and independent panel member / volunteer contributor to the England Design Review Panel (link)

Ian initially launched "I Object" in 2012 as a bolt-on to his established planning consultancy business. However In 2014; 'The Planning Objection Co. Ltd' was formed.  Ian's focus is now on quality of delivery and leading the business through phase 2 of a planned expansion programme (which will see the business grow from SOHO origins to become the UK's 'go to' planning objection consultancy.

Aside from being a family-man and borderline workaholic - when he has time Ian tries to maintain a keen interest in technology and regularly partakes in various mountain / water sports (where his lack of style and finesse is usually countered by an over abundance of near suicidal enthusiasm!)

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Our Admin & Delivery Team

Melissa Carpenter

Account Manager

Mel is our in-house project coordinator, admin executive and delivery coordinator.  Mel deals with all new enquires, manages our delivery team and monitors all of our live projects on a day-to-day basis.

Mel works closely alongside Ian Firth and is an indispensable member of the team - especially when it comes to project delivery, team rosters and general project admin.

Along side the planning objection company, Mel is employed by our sister company - Bondstones - and handles all new enquiries and even a few projects of her own when she has time!

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Our delivery team is spread across the United Kingdom. However unlike may planning practices many of our team are not full time employees... In addition to our in-house specialists a good number of our delivery team are also employed (or have been employed) by local planning authorities as Planning & Development Control Officers.  In addition to case officers, we have a huge range of access to specialists including Chartered Architects, Landscape-Architects, engineers, surveyors, ecologists, lawyers, Local Plan Inspectors, and more besides...

To assist our professional team in their regular work we don't routinely disclose contact details on this site. However should you wish to hire us, you will have direct access to our colleagues - each of which will be assigned to your case based upon relevant expertise and availability.

Needless to say, we have a stringent conflict avoidance programme in place (in line e with RICS regulations) - which means that none of our consultants are ever able to be involved in a project where a conflict could arise.  Indeed our established and well proven Quality Control and data handling systems have been developed to ensure that standards are maintained well before any client instruction is accepted...

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Here to help

• Our team will undertake detailed research and analysis and then provide feedback on almost any application - often using our considerable experience to read between the lines; advising you on issues that may not be immediately apparent

• We'll assist our clients to make a clear, valid and professional planning objection - using the ‘language’ and terminology used and understood by the planners - we'll even write a comprehensive objection letter for you... saving you time and ensuring peace of mind

• We'll help you stand up for your rights - making sure that you are properly represented at any (and every) stage of the planning process  

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• Stop an inappropriate development dead in its tracks! At worst we'll make sure your views and opinions are considered and taken into account by both the Planning Authority and the developer.  Even if we can't force a refusal - our services consistently provide an improved outcome for all concerned.

We're Dedicated to Providing Quality Representation for Everyone...
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​Especially the little guys!