Planning Enables Change — It Doesn’t Just Say ‘No’
Planning is often painted as the department of “no” — a gatekeeper, a roadblock, a red-tape machine. But that’s a misconception.
Planning is often painted as the department of “no” — a gatekeeper, a roadblock, a red-tape machine. But that’s a misconception.
In reality, the planning system is a tool for enabling positive change. It provides a framework for delivering better places, revitalising high streets, adapting to new ways of living and working, and supporting local economies. When approached proactively, planning is a powerful facilitator — not an obstacle.
At Boyer, we pride ourselves on helping clients navigate the system in a way that brings opportunity to life.
From ‘change of use’ to changing with the times
The needs of our communities evolve constantly — and the planning system has built-in flexibility to adapt. One of the clearest examples is change of use: allowing buildings to serve new purposes as demographics shift and lifestyles evolve.
From transforming vacant offices into much-needed homes, to enabling redundant retail units to become cafés, clinics, co-working spaces or gyms, change of use powers regeneration.
As planners, we help clients make the case for these changes, ensuring proposals respond to local needs and unlock value from underused assets.
Supporting hospitality and outdoor spaces
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw just how adaptable planning could be. Temporary measures allowed hospitality businesses to use outdoor spaces for seating — helping them survive and thrive.
Many of these ideas have endured — with planning playing a key role in balancing the needs of businesses, residents, and public spaces. Our role is to help secure permissions that allow innovation while protecting local character and amenity.
From pavement cafés to rooftop terraces, planning can support vibrancy and economic recovery.
High street renewal — beyond retail
The high street is no longer just for shopping — and planning reflects that. Mixed-use developments, residential opportunities above shops, cultural venues, community spaces and green infrastructure all have a role to play.
By encouraging flexible, multi-purpose town and city centres, planners can help reinvigorate local economies, reduce vacancy, and create inclusive, 24/7 spaces that serve broader needs.
Boyer has supported projects that breathe new life into high streets by unlocking funding, aligning with local plans, and guiding creative reuse strategies through planning permissions.
Making planning work for you
We understand that navigating the planning system can be daunting. But it shouldn’t be about bureaucracy — it should be about possibility.
Planners at Boyer are here to help developers, businesses and local authorities use the system to their advantage. Whether it’s securing a change of use, supporting an outdoor space application, or bringing forward a flexible mixed-use scheme, we’re focused on finding solutions that meet everyone’s needs.
Planning is the ‘how’, not the ‘why not’
At its core, planning exists to shape change. Not to stop it.
Good planning facilitates responsible growth, helps businesses evolve, and ensures change benefits the wider community.
At Boyer, we see every application as an opportunity to unlock potential — not put up barriers.
Got a great idea but need help navigating planning?
We’d love to hear from you. Contact our expert team to find out how we can support your project.