How long does planning permission take?

Councils aim to determine householder applications within eight weeks of validation, but the time taken varies between authorities and can be extended by agreement. Preparing the drawings and supporting information happens before that clock starts.

What happens if I build without permission?

The council can take enforcement action, and you may be asked to apply retrospectively or to remove the work. It can also complicate a future sale. It is far cheaper to establish the route first.

Does a refusal mean the project is dead?

Not necessarily. A refusal sets out reasons, and a revised scheme that addresses them can sometimes be resubmitted. There is also a right of appeal. Your designer will explain the realistic options for your case.

Planning permission for your home

Planning permission is your local council's formal consent for building work or a change of use. Not every home project needs it, and whether yours does depends on the property, the proposal and local policy - which is exactly what we help you establish before you spend money on drawings.

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What planning permission actually is

Planning permission is a decision made by your local planning authority - normally your district, borough or city council - about whether a proposed development is acceptable in planning terms. It considers things like scale, appearance, the effect on neighbours and the effect on the wider area.

It is separate from building regulations approval, which is about how a building is constructed rather than whether it should exist. Most extensions need to satisfy building regulations even when planning permission is not required.

When a home project usually needs it

The work goes beyond the limits set out in permitted development rights
The property is a flat or maisonette, which does not benefit from householder permitted development rights
The property is listed, or sits in a conservation area, national park or area of outstanding natural beauty
An Article 4 direction has removed permitted development rights in that area
Permitted development rights were removed by a condition on an earlier planning permission

How the decision is made

Once a valid application is submitted, the council publicises it, consults neighbours and relevant bodies, and assesses it against the local development plan and national policy. A case officer writes a report and the decision is either delegated to officers or taken by the planning committee.

The outcome is an approval, usually with conditions attached, or a refusal with reasons. Councils aim to decide householder applications within eight weeks, though timescales vary between authorities and can be extended by agreement.

Who this is for

Homeowners considering an extension, loft conversion or alteration who do not yet know which route applies
People who have been told informally that they do or do not need permission and want it looked at properly
Owners of flats, listed buildings or homes in conservation areas, where the rules are tighter

How we work through it with you

You tell us about the property and what you would like to achieve.
We review the available information and discuss your project on a short call.
If we can help, we set out the scope and fee in writing before you commit.
Your appointed designer develops the design and makes the professional recommendations.
We prepare and submit the application, and keep you updated while it is determined.

Important things to be aware of

Whether permission is needed depends on your specific property and proposal. No general answer replaces a proper review.
An approval is not a guarantee of anything else - party wall matters, building regulations, covenants and rights of light are all separate.
Local policy differs between councils, and some areas have additional restrictions that are not obvious from the street.
Planning decisions are made by the council, not by us. No designer can promise an approval.

Frequently asked questions

How long does planning permission take?: Councils aim to determine householder applications within eight weeks of validation, but the time taken varies between authorities and can be extended by agreement. Preparing the drawings and supporting information happens before that clock starts.
What happens if I build without permission?: The council can take enforcement action, and you may be asked to apply retrospectively or to remove the work. It can also complicate a future sale. It is far cheaper to establish the route first.
Does a refusal mean the project is dead?: Not necessarily. A refusal sets out reasons, and a revised scheme that addresses them can sometimes be resubmitted. There is also a right of appeal. Your designer will explain the realistic options for your case.

planning applications - what is submitted and how
permitted development - when consent may not be needed
planning drawings - the drawings an application needs
planning permission for house extensions

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.