Has anyone used a planning consultant, or if not, would you ?

[Muddywellies]

I am considering starting a consultancy service for those people who wish to erect their own stables but either don't know where to start, or don't have the time. But of course, if there is no market for it, there is no point pursuing this.
So, if there was a service available, where someone would plan your stables from the initial 'dream', through the design, quotations, planning application, groundworks and erection stages, to the final finishing touches, (and deal with all the hiccups along the way, which there are usually many of) would anyone actually use this service ?
I have ample experience, so that isn't my concern. My only concern is whether there is actually a requirement for this service ?
Any thoughts on this would be much appreciated.

 

[ellamanamou]

tbh i think most horsy peeps do this on a budget and those that can afford this sort of thing probably use someone they already know. you may get some business but i wouldnt think it will make you rich. just my thoughts.

 

[Maizy]

For the planning side, if and when I win the lotto then yes, from a PM side it would really depend on your past experience and references etc. Also how much you could add to the dream that I have been planning for the last few years (well childhood really!!).

As I work as a PM in construction I can see both sides, what would really set you apart from others is your expertise and ability to deliver. Time costs money...

Have you considered your overheads in relation to the demand, does it stack up in terms of fees, I can imagine a lot of hours of speculative bidding work, and also many hours sat on motorways and then stuck behind tractors!

Even in this economic climate some people still have money to burn, to some clients the over extras are well worth it. On another note do the likes of Scott's ...Monarch et al not offer this service? Would you be the middle man?

So I guess it depends on your experience and the level you are pitching at, are you talking pony paddocks and private individuals or racing / competition yards?

Sounds like a dream job – if viable…and maybe only a toe dip in the water will tell!!

 

[Aragon56]

Yes, I would. I'm currently looking into building stables and I don't really have a clue where to start! Also, I imagine that you'd be able to negotiate discounts from the suppliers too.

 

[BBH]

Yes I did because I didn't have time myself and the area I was building in was known to be tricky. Also there is a lot of technical support detail I just wouldn't have known as a layman.

It was expensive, in excess of £3,000 for the initial application and £100 per hour thereafter but the application sailed through without a hitch and I got everything I asked for so money worth spending.

The other thing I had heard is that the Council look more favorable y on a well put together complete application without having to keep coming back time and time again cos the answers to their questions aren't in the pack.

My neighbour at the back put in for planning 2 years ago for a similar thing but on a smaller scale and has got no-where and I'm sure part of the reason is that he's trying to cut corners and do it himself, but he can't get the supporting rationale right and its reached stalemate.