Complete Guide to Making a Successful Planning Application

For many self builders and renovators, applying for and gaining planning permission is one of the most frustrating elements of creating a new home.

Developing a successful scheme that matches up to your expectations, whilst also fitting in with local and national policy, takes time and experience.

One part of the process that should prove relatively straightforward is actually submitting the formal application for your preferred design – but it’s vital that you tackle the task with care and attention.

Whether you’ll be making your own application, or have a planning consultant or architect on board to do it for you, it’s worth knowing what’s involved and how you can get the best from it.

This comprehensive planning guide walks you through the entire process, from filling in the forms to preparing for meetings.

This article was fully revised and updated in July 2018.

Before you read on, you should consider whether your works are covered by permitted development.

Where can I apply for planning permission?

The simplest way to make a planning application is online via the Planning Portal. This website presents you with a series of easy-to-follow questions to establish the type of application you need to make and to which council you must apply.

It then enables you to fill in the relevant application forms, attach documents and drawings, confirm the appropriate fee and submit them. Handily, you can even save your progress and return to the application at a later date.

There’s a simplified process, known as a householder application, for extensions and alterations to an existing house. For everything else, including new builds and conversions, you’ll use a standard, more detailed form.

Additional information is needed if the works involve a listed building or demolition in a conservation area. In fact, technically two applications have to be made to gain approval for this kind of project; one for conventional planning permission and the other for listed building or conservation area consent. All of this can be done through the Planning Portal.

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