Expert Planning Objection Consultants with Council Insight
Led by a Chartered Town Planner with years of local council experience, we bridge the gap between frustrated homeowners and the complex planning system to ensure your voice is heard.
About Objection Experts
I’m Owen Hoare, an RTPI Chartered Town Planner and the founder of Objection Experts. I launched the service in 2023 after working across the planning system – in local authorities, the Planning Inspectorate, and within planning consultancy.
Why I started Objection Experts
When my neighbour submitted a planning application, it made me realise how hard the process must be for normal people. Many residents have valid concerns, but putting those thoughts into a form that planning officers will recognise as relevant and persuasive is far from straightforward. That is one of the reasons I care so much about helping people present their objections clearly and effectively.
As a local planning officer, I read countless public objections. As a planning consultant, I responded to them. The passion was there, but too often the submissions missed the detail, policy hooks and evidence that decision makers rely on. Meanwhile, applicants arrived with planning consultants, ecologists, highways engineers, architects, and other specialists. It felt unfair to expect local people to go up against that.
I set up Objection Experts because I saw how difficult it can be for ordinary people to challenge poor development and I wanted to help give them a fairer voice in the planning process.
What I bring to your corner
Since 2023, Objection Experts has prepared and submitted more than 600 objections for homeowners, residents’ associations, local action groups, businesses, and parish councils. I know what persuades case officers, planning committees, and inspectors because I have worked inside local government, at the Planning Inspectorate, and in private practice.
Having sat on the applicant side, I know the tricks used by planning consultants, how cases are framed, and where weaknesses often hide in the small print. I can use that insight to anticipate arguments and address them head-on.
I keep current with how inspectors interpret national policy and how local plans and guidance are applied on the ground, and translate complex rules into clear, structured arguments that speak the language planners use without drowning you in jargon.
How can I help?
Every site and case is different, but my approach is consistent. I start by listening to your concerns and scoping the issues that carry weight in policy, providing a free, no obligation initial consultation. As part of this, I research the application material and planning history, review local and national policy, study relevant appeal decisions, and identify technical gaps. As part of this process, I will provide an up-front fee with no hidden costs.
If you do decide to instruct Objection Experts to provide a full planning objection, I will build a full, focused objection that aligns with policy, guidance, standards, and case law and submit this to the Council on your behalf, following discussion with you to ensure it is as strong as can be.
What you can expect from me
You can expect honest advice on prospects, clear and robust representations that address the decision maker’s tests, arguments referenced to national and local policy with relevant guidance and appeal decisions, practical tactics that help your voice count at committee and through consultations, and responsive communication throughout.
My promise
I care about good planning and the places people call home. I will treat your concerns with the seriousness they deserve, and will present them in a way that planners and inspectors must take seriously. If the application is likely to be approved, I will let you know up front. If a point will not help your case, I will say so. You can see some of our successful outcomes over on our Case Studies page.
Ready to get started?
If you are facing a proposal that does not feel right, Objection Experts can help you turn instinct into a compelling, policy-led case. Share the application reference and a short summary of your concerns, and I will outline how we can challenge it effectively.