Planning Consultants in Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital of Wales and its most active planning authority. Planning in Wales is governed by Planning Policy Wales (PPW) and Technical Advice Notes (TANs) — a distinct policy framework from the NPPF applicable in England. Cardiff's Local Development Plan guides development across the city, with major residential growth in Cardiff Bay and the city centre, and strong commercial development throughout.
Common in Cardiff
Local planning authority: Cardiff Council
Planning Consultants in Cardiff
We advise developers, landowners, businesses and homeowners across Cardiff and south-east Wales, with support from our Hereford office.
Cardiff Council decides applications against the Cardiff Local Development Plan 2006 to 2026, adopted in 2016. Its Replacement Local Development Plan, which runs to 2036, is being examined in 2026 by inspectors appointed by the Welsh Government, and the Council has consulted on changes arising from the hearings, so the emerging plan is gaining weight.
Planning in Wales follows Planning Policy Wales, the Technical Advice Notes and Future Wales: The National Plan 2040, not the English NPPF. Flood risk is assessed under TAN 15 rather than the English Sequential Test, development must deliver a net benefit for biodiversity rather than metric-based net gain, and most new developments also need their sustainable drainage approved by the SuDS Approving Body before construction can start.
Planning Services in Cardiff
Urban Vista Planning provides the full range of planning consultancy services to clients across Cardiff — from homeowners and landowners to developers and businesses. Our Chartered Town Planners are MRTPI-accredited and experienced in dealing with the planning authorities operating in Cardiff.
- Planning permission applications
- Pre-application advice
- Planning appeals
- Permitted development assessments
- Lawful Development Certificates
- Change of use applications
- Heritage and listed building consent
- Ecology & biodiversity net benefit
- Highways and transport assessments
- Infrastructure consenting
- Equestrian and rural planning
- Discharge of planning conditions
Why Urban Vista Planning?
MRTPI & MCIHT Accredited
Our Chartered Town Planners and specialist associates are accredited and regulated by their professional bodies, including the RTPI and CIHT.
UK-Wide Coverage
We advise clients across England and Wales, including Cardiff, from our offices in Taplow (Buckinghamshire), Leeds, and Hereford.
Free Initial Consultation
We provide an honest initial view of your project — what is achievable, the best consenting route, and likely timescales — at no charge.
Full-Service Consultancy
We manage the entire planning process: application preparation, specialist coordination, authority engagement, and conditions discharge.
Key Planning Constraints in Cardiff
These designations and policy issues shape what can be built in Cardiff. Identifying them early is the single most effective way to avoid delay, invalid applications and refusal.
Welsh flood policy (TAN 15)
Development in flood risk areas is assessed against Welsh policy and the Flood Map for Planning, which differ significantly from England.
Severn Estuary designations
Development at Cardiff Bay and along the coast must consider internationally important habitats.
Green wedges
Cardiff's Local Development Plan protects green wedges on the edge of the city.
Biodiversity net benefit
Planning Policy Wales requires a net benefit for biodiversity, rather than England's metric-based BNG.
Infrastructure & Energy Planning in Cardiff
Cardiff and south-east Wales are attracting data centre, energy and transport investment, including the South Wales Metro. The largest energy and infrastructure projects are consented by Welsh Ministers, under the infrastructure consent regime that has largely replaced Developments of National Significance since December 2025. We advise on infrastructure consenting under the Welsh system, including Future Wales: The National Plan 2040.
Planning in Cardiff: FAQs
Does the English flood risk Sequential Test apply in Cardiff?
No. Flood risk in Wales is assessed against Technical Advice Note 15 and Planning Policy Wales, which have their own maps and tests. The English NPPF approach should not be assumed to carry over.
Do I need SuDS approval as well as planning permission in Wales?
Usually. Since January 2019, new developments of more than one dwelling, or with a construction area of 100 square metres or more, need approval from the SuDS Approving Body, which is run by the local authority. Construction cannot start until it is granted, so it should be planned alongside the planning application.
What is the Cardiff Replacement Local Development Plan?
The plan that will replace the 2006 to 2026 LDP, covering 2021 to 2036. It is being examined in 2026. In Wales the inspectors' report is binding, and the Council must adopt the plan within eight weeks of receiving it.
Which council deals with planning applications in Cardiff?
Planning applications in Cardiff are determined by the local planning authority for the site — Cardiff Council.
What are the main planning constraints in Cardiff?
Key constraints in Cardiff include Welsh flood policy (TAN 15); Severn Estuary designations; Green wedges; Biodiversity net benefit. We identify which apply to your site at the outset so they can be addressed in the application rather than discovered during determination.
Do you advise on infrastructure and energy projects in Cardiff?
Cardiff and south-east Wales are attracting data centre, energy and transport investment, including the South Wales Metro. The largest energy and infrastructure projects are consented by Welsh Ministers, under the infrastructure consent regime that has largely replaced Developments of National Significance since December 2025. We advise on infrastructure consenting under the Welsh system, including Future Wales: The National Plan 2040.
Does Biodiversity Net Gain apply in Cardiff?
Mandatory 10% Biodiversity Net Gain applies in England only. In Wales, Planning Policy Wales requires development to deliver a net benefit for biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, applied through a proportionate, step-wise approach rather than the statutory metric. We advise on what this means for your site.
Other Areas We Cover in Wales
Need a Planning Consultant in Cardiff?
Book a free initial consultation — we will give you a clear view of your options and the best route forward.