Can I submit the application myself?

Yes. Homeowners can apply through the Planning Portal. Most people use a designer because the drawings must be accurate, to scale and drawn to the council's requirements.

What makes an application invalid?

Usually a missing or incorrectly scaled plan, an incomplete form, an unsigned ownership certificate or an unpaid fee. Validation checks are the first hurdle, not the decision itself.

Do I need a design and access statement?

For most householder applications, no. It is generally required for work to a listed building or in certain designated areas. Your designer will confirm what your council expects.

Planning applications for home projects

A planning application is the formal submission that asks your council to decide on your proposal. Getting the drawings, forms and supporting information right at the start is the single biggest influence on how smoothly it goes.

Request my free planning check

Free to start. No obligation. No drawings needed.

What a householder application contains

A location plan and a block or site plan at recognised scales
Existing and proposed floor plans and elevations
The completed application forms and ownership certificate
The council's application fee
Any supporting statements the council or the site requires, such as a design and access statement or a heritage statement

Validation, consultation and decision

The council first checks the application is valid against its local validation list. Missing items are the most common cause of delay, because the eight-week clock does not start until the application is valid.

Neighbours and consultees are then notified and given a period to comment. A case officer assesses the scheme against policy, may request minor amendments, and the council issues its decision notice.

Other application types you may hear about

Lawful development certificate - confirms in writing that work is permitted development
Prior approval - required for certain larger single-storey rear extensions under the neighbour consultation scheme
Listed building consent - needed for works affecting a listed building, in addition to any planning permission
Non-material or minor material amendment - used to change an approved scheme

Who this is for

Homeowners who need an application prepared and submitted properly the first time
People whose earlier application was made invalid or refused and who want it handled professionally
Anyone who would rather not deal with council portals, forms and consultation correspondence themselves

How we handle an application

Confirm the route with you and agree the scope and fee in writing.
Prepare the drawings and supporting documents to the council's validation requirements.
Submit the application and pay the fee on your behalf where agreed.
Respond to officer queries and keep you informed through determination.

Important things to be aware of

Council application fees are set nationally and are payable in addition to any design or planning fee.
Validation requirements differ between councils; some ask for documents others do not.
Neighbour comments are part of the process and cannot be prevented, though a well-considered scheme reduces objections.
We cannot influence how quickly a council works or what decision it reaches.

Frequently asked questions

Can I submit the application myself?: Yes. Homeowners can apply through the Planning Portal. Most people use a designer because the drawings must be accurate, to scale and drawn to the council's requirements.
What makes an application invalid?: Usually a missing or incorrectly scaled plan, an incomplete form, an unsigned ownership certificate or an unpaid fee. Validation checks are the first hurdle, not the decision itself.
Do I need a design and access statement?: For most householder applications, no. It is generally required for work to a listed building or in certain designated areas. Your designer will confirm what your council expects.

planning permission for your home
planning drawings - what we produce for submission
permitted development
how our service works

Official sources

Tell us about your project

Tell us about your property and what you would like to change. We review the enquiry and you can request a free 15–20 minute call to talk it through. We help homeowners in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire.