Planning Consultancy Framework
Framework Description
The Planning Consultancy Framework is a National Framework Partnership (NFP) single-lot framework for appointing pre-qualified planning consultants. It runs from 20 May 2024 to 19 May 2028 and sits in NFP's Consultancy category. Clients appoint by direct selection or mini-competition, and NFP charges tiered access fees based on project value. The appointee list is fixed for the term.
Context & Use Case
Contracting authorities use it for planning input on development projects, from early feasibility and policy work to preparing and managing planning applications, through to appeals and public inquiries. Smaller commissions, such as a feasibility note, can go by direct selection; larger schemes or contested appeals are more likely to be tested through a mini-competition.
Scope of Services
Planning strategy and feasibility advice Preparation and management of planning applications Planning appeals and public inquiry support Research and consultation support
Lots
Single lot
Who Can Apply
Suits planning consultancies with chartered planners and public sector development experience. Firms not appointed cannot join until the framework is re-tendered, likely around May 2028. Appointed consultancies compete for commissions through direct selection and mini-competition.
Buyer Benefits
Planning delays cost development programmes money, so buyers want to appoint a consultant quickly with confidence in their record. The framework lets them bring in planning expertise at any stage of a scheme, from feasibility to appeal, through one compliant route, with fees for access scaled to project value.
Next Steps
Appointed consultancies should make their application and appeal success records easy for clients to see, as these drive direct selection. Firms not on the framework should prepare for the re-tender ahead of 19 May 2028, building public sector planning case studies, and follow the NFP framework page for the notice.
How Athena Can Help
Athena helps planning consultancies on both sides of the framework. For appointees, our bid writing and review service turns your application and appeal record into mini-competition answers that score, with a Bid Health Check before submission.
For firms aiming at the 2028 re-tender, our framework registration advice sets out a preparation timeline and positions your planning expertise, and our public sector bid management supports you on planning tenders from other public clients until then.
