Planning Permission

Some projects fall comfortably within permitted development. Others need to go through the formal planning permission process. Knowing which applies to your project is the starting point, and if a full application is what’s needed, it helps to go into it with a clear understanding of what’s involved.
Planning permission is required when proposed works go beyond what’s allowed under permitted development rights, or where those rights have been removed or restricted. It’s also the route for new builds, larger extensions, changes of use, and most projects on listed buildings or within conservation areas. The process can feel daunting, but with the right preparation it’s very manageable.

What the Process Looks Like
A planning application involves submitting a set of documents to your local planning authority for assessment. At its core, this means a set of drawings showing the existing and proposed state of the property, alongside various supporting documents depending on the nature and scale of the project.
From there, the application is validated, a case officer is assigned, and a statutory consultation period begins during which neighbours and relevant bodies are notified and given the opportunity to comment. The local authority then makes a decision, typically within eight weeks for householder applications, though more complex cases can take longer.
The outcome can be an approval, an approval with conditions attached, or a refusal. If a refusal comes back, there are options, including revising and resubmitting or going through the appeals process, though the goal is always to put together an application that gives you the best chance of a straightforward approval first time around.

What Goes Into a Good Application
The quality of the application matters. A poorly prepared set of drawings, missing documents, or a design that hasn’t taken local planning policy into account can lead to delays, additional information requests, or an outright refusal that could have been avoided.
I put together full drawing packages for planning applications, including location plans, site plans, existing and proposed floor plans, and elevations. Where required, I can also prepare supporting documents such as a design and access statement, which sets out the thinking behind the design and how it relates to its surroundings.
Before submitting, I’ll make sure the proposal is considered against the relevant local planning policies. Every local authority has its own Local Plan, and understanding what your council is likely to look favourably on, and what it isn’t, is part of preparing an application that stands up.

Pre-Application Advice
For projects where there’s any uncertainty about how a proposal might be received, it can be worth seeking pre-application advice from the local planning authority before submitting a formal application. This is an optional paid service offered by most councils that gives you an early steer from a planning officer on the principle of the development and any issues they can foresee.
It doesn’t guarantee an outcome, but it can be a useful way to sense-check a proposal, identify potential sticking points early, and make any necessary adjustments before the formal application goes in. I can advise on whether pre-application advice is worth pursuing for your particular project and help prepare the relevant information if so.

Working With Your Local Planning Authority
Different councils have different priorities, different design expectations, and different ways of working. What flies easily in one area might need more careful handling in another. Having worked with a range of local planning authorities across the UK, I have a reasonable feel for how to approach applications in different contexts and what tends to matter most to decision makers.
The aim is always the same: a well-prepared, well-considered application that gives your project the best possible chance of getting over the line.