Planning Permission
Navigate Planning Permission with Confidence
From permitted development to full planning applications, we handle the entire process — preparing drawings, submitting applications and liaising with your local council.
Types of Permission
Understanding Your Planning Options
Permitted Development
Many home extensions can be built under Permitted Development rights without a planning application. Single-storey rear extensions up to 4m (detached) or 3m (semi/terraced), certain loft conversions, and outbuildings all fall under PD — subject to strict size and position rules.
Householder Planning Permission
The most common application type for extending or altering an existing home. Required when your project exceeds permitted development limits — larger rear extensions, side extensions, or proposals in conservation areas.
Lawful Development Certificate
A formal legal document confirming your proposed development is lawful under permitted development. Essential evidence for mortgage lenders, buyers, and building control. We recommend obtaining one for any PD extension.
Listed Building Consent
Required for any works to a listed building that affect its character — both internal and external alterations. This is a separate consent required in addition to planning permission.
Prior Approval
A lighter-touch process for larger home extensions (4–8m depth for detached, 3–6m for semi/terraced). The council can only assess the impact on neighbouring amenity. If no decision is made within 42 days, it is deemed approved.
Conservation Areas
Properties in conservation areas face additional restrictions. Permitted development rights are reduced — no front dormers, no cladding, and Article 4 Directions may remove further rights. Extensions must preserve or enhance the area's character.
Please note: Planning application fees vary depending on the type of application and each council sets their own fee schedule. We recommend checking the latest fees via your council's planning portal before submitting an application.
The Process
How We Handle Your Planning Application
Initial Consultation
We assess your property, discuss your vision and advise on the best planning route — permitted development, prior approval or full planning application.
Pre-Application Advice
For complex projects, we engage with your local council’s pre-application service to test the proposal before submitting. This typically takes 4–6 weeks and significantly improves approval chances.
Measured Survey & Design
We carry out a full measured survey of your property and develop the design, preparing all drawings to the council’s requirements.
Drawing Preparation
We produce the complete set of planning drawings: site location plan (1:1250), block plan (1:200), existing and proposed floor plans, elevations, sections, and roof plans — all to scale and fully annotated.
Application Submission
We submit your application through the Planning Portal with all required documents, ownership certificates, and the correct fee. We ensure the application passes validation first time.
Council Consultation
The council notifies your neighbours and statutory consultees. We manage any queries from the planning officer and respond to neighbour objections on your behalf.
Decision
Most householder applications are decided within 8 weeks. We review all conditions, advise on compliance requirements, and guide you through to the construction phase.
Appeals (if needed)
If your application is refused, we can prepare and submit an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. Householder appeals are typically decided within 8–12 weeks.
What We Prepare
Drawings & Documents for Your Application
Every planning application needs accurate, professionally prepared drawings. Here's what we produce for your submission.
Site Location Plan
1:1250 or 1:2500 scale OS-based plan with your property edged in red and any other land owned edged in blue.
Block / Site Plan
1:200 or 1:500 scale showing the extension in relation to boundaries, trees, access and neighbouring properties.
Existing Floor Plans
1:50 or 1:100 scale showing the current layout of all floors affected by the proposal.
Proposed Floor Plans
1:50 or 1:100 scale showing the new layout with room uses, dimensions and the extent of new works clearly indicated.
Elevations
Existing and proposed elevations of all affected sides, showing materials, ground levels, eaves and ridge heights.
Sections & Roof Plans
Cross-sections through the extension and roof plan where required, particularly for loft conversions and multi-storey extensions.
Design & Access Statement
Required for applications in conservation areas, AONBs and for listed buildings. Explains the design rationale and how context has informed the proposal.
Heritage Statement
Required for listed buildings and conservation areas. Assesses the significance of the heritage asset and the impact of the proposed works.
Supporting Documents
Flood risk assessments, tree surveys, ecology reports and structural information where the site or proposal requires it.
Timelines
How Long Does Planning Permission Take?
These are statutory targets. In practice, validation can add 1–3 weeks. We recommend allowing 12–16 weeks from submission to decision for householder applications.
Realistic Project Timeline
2–4 weeks
Design & drawings
6–8 weeks
Council determination
Total: approx 8–12 weeks
Our Coverage
Councils We Work With
We regularly submit planning applications to councils across London, the Home Counties and the South East — all the way down to Brighton.
London Boroughs
Surrey
Kent
Essex
Hertfordshire
Sussex
Ready to Start Your Planning Application?
Book a free consultation and we'll advise on the best route for your project.