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How To Submit A Planning Application

How To Submit A Planning Application

Submitting a planning application in the UK can feel daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. With so many rules to navigate and documents to prepare, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

However, the process doesn’t have to be as complicated as it seems. Understanding the necessary steps, from initial consultations to gathering supporting information, can save you time and avoid costly mistakes.

Whether you’re planning a home extension or developing a larger property, knowing how to approach your local planning authority and what they expect is crucial. There are various hurdles, such as strict regulations, community concerns, and potential delays. But, with careful planning and the right guidance, the process can be smoother than you think.

In this article, we will walk you through the essential steps of submitting a planning application, helping you avoid common pitfalls while increasing your chances of success.

With patience and persistence, your dream project can move from idea to reality. Let’s dive in.

Types of Planning Applications

There are two types of residential planning applications – planning permission and permitted development.

Do I need to submit planning application or permitted development?

Permitted development allows you to make relatively minor changes to your home. Such as a simple rear extension, side extension, loft conversion or minor alterations. Similarly changing windows or adding satellite dishes etc. without needing planning permission.

Larger single-storey rear extensions are also allowed under permitted development. Subject to the Neighbour Consultation Scheme. This means that for a single-storey rear extension between 4-8 metres for a detached house. Or 3-6 metres for a semi-detached/terraced house. However, your Local Planning Authority will need to be informed of the proposed work via a ‘Prior Approval’ application. Also need your extension is subject to approval.

You don’t have to apply to carry out work that comes under permitted development. Apart from this  you can just start building (subject to approval under the Neighbour Consultation Scheme if applicable). However, we recommend that you apply for a lawful development certificate to prove that the work is covered by permitted development. You don’t have permitted development rights in a conservation area or on a listed building.

How to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate

To apply you need to submit an planning application to your local planning authority or via the Planning Portal online application service.

Click ‘Start to submit planning application’

First Step – Find your address
Second Step – Select Lawful development: Proposed use
Third Step – Confirm details

Along with the application form, you’ll need to submit drawings of the existing and proposed plans, as well as a site location plan and pay the £103 fee.

For more information, go to Lawful Development Certificates

How to submit a planning application: Larger Home Extension

The ‘Prior Approval: Larger Home Extension’ application can be printed and posted to your local planning authority. But it is recommended that you apply online via the Planning Portal application service.

Click ‘Start a planning application’

First Step- Find your address
Second Step – Application Type: Scroll to ‘Prior approval – New development’ and select ‘Prior Approval: Larger Home Extension’
Third Step – Confirm details

Along with the application form, you’ll need to submit a written description of the proposal. Along with a plan of the site showing the proposed development and any existing enlargement of the original house. And the addresses of any side/front/rear properties who share a boundary.

(You don’t need to make these applications yourself – Yoop can apply for permitted development/prior approval on your behalf so you don’t have to worry about it)

To apply for a lawful development certificate or planning permission, you'll need to submit an application to your local planning authority or via the Planning Portal online application service.

If your project is not covered by permitted development, then you’ll need to apply for planning permission.

Assembling Your Planning Application

If your project necessitates a planning application, the next step is to gather the required documents:

  • Completed Application Form: The specific application form will vary depending on the nature and scale of your project. You can find the relevant forms on your local planning authority’s website.
  • Site Location Plan: A map accurately showing the location of your property and the surrounding area.
  • Detailed Drawings and Plans: Professional drawings created by an architect or architectural technologist clearly outlining your project proposal. These drawings should include floor plans, elevations, and sections.
  • Design and Access Statement: A written document explaining your project’s design considerations and how it will positively impact the surrounding area.
  • Additional Information: Depending on your project, you might need to include structural engineer reports, heritage assessments, or environmental impact assessments.

What is planning permission?

Planning permission is the process by the council, which determines whether extensions on a terraced, semi detached or detached property are lawful. If you carry out work which isn’t covered by permitted development. Or the planning permission, then the local authority would end up asking you to take the building or the extension down.

How do I submit a planning application?

To apply for planning permission, you need to make an application to your local planning authority or via the Planning Portal online application service.

Along with the application form, you’ll need to submit:

  • A site plan or location plan
  • A full set of existing plans, elevations, potentially sections
  • Prepare a full set of proposed plans, elevations and potentially sections
  • The application fee for planning permission is £206

If your home is in a conservation area or a more complicated area. There might be a written document required as well, called a design and access statement. You can also submit a planning application, but usually a householder application is fairly straightforward so that you just need good information on the drawings

For more information, go to Planning Permission – How to apply

(You don’t need to make the application yourself.  Yoop can apply for planning permission on your behalf and chase the planning authority up until we get the OK. So you don’t have to worry about it)

FREE GUIDE: Category: Planning Permission
FREE: Complete Guide to Planning Permission for Homeowners

Inside this easy to read free guide, we will teach you the key things you need to know about planning permission.

What happens during the submission of planning application?

First the local authority will register the submitting planning application. In addition a validation team will go through the information and make sure that they’ve got all the location plans. Along with site plans, the existing and proposed drawings so that when a planning officer comes to look at it, everything’s in place.

If all the information is not there, then the validation team will make it invalid. Not only that we will receive a letter and we’ll have to provide a little bit more information or a clarification. Some applications need extra information if there’s a unique situation such as flood risk assessments, ecology. Maybe a bat survey if you’re backing onto a forest but that’s quite rare. It’s very case by case. The more urban location you are, the more straightforward it will be.

Public Consultation, Site Visits & The Path to Approval

Once it’s valid, then there’s a 21 day consultation period. And the local authority will put green notices up on lamp posts and similar objects. They’ll notify your adjacent neighbors and your neighbors and community have the opportunity to comment and object. Next, there’ll be a site visit by the case officer. The case officer will go down and check that the drawings match the locality and the context. And if it’s a fair representation of what’s actually there. They also might check for any trees in close proximity, any tree preservation orders, anything like that.

When it comes up to about week six of the eight weeks, that’s when we usually try and talk to the planners to see if everything’s okay. If they need any tweaks or if there’s any concerns, any objections, those kinds of things. If the proposals essentially comply with all the local authority guidance and policy, that’s when the officer can approve it under delegated powers.

Normally a planning committee would approve all applications. But because the householder application’s a minor planning application, they leave it to the good judgment of the planning officers. The planning officer will approve it in conjunction with their team leader. So it’s not just down to one person and they will issue the decision notice on the eighth week.

Submitting Your Application and Fees

Once you have assembled all the required documents, you can submit your application electronically through your local planning authority’s planning portal. There will be a fee associated with submitting your application, as outlined in our previous blog post “How Much Does Planning Permission Cost?”. Be sure to check your local council’s website for the most current fee information.

The Planning Application Process: What to Expect After Submission

The planning department will validate your application and assess it against local planning policies. This process typically involves:

  • Site Visits: A planning officer might visit your property to assess the project’s impact on the surrounding area.
  • Neighbor Consultations: The planning department will notify your neighbors about your application and give them the opportunity to comment.

The planning department will then issue a decision on your application. This could be an approval, a rejection, or a request for further information. The entire planning application process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of your project.

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Getting Help and Professional Guidance

While this guide provides a general overview, the planning application process can involve complexities. Here are some resources to help you navigate the process:

  • Your Local Planning Authority: Their planning portal should have a wealth of information on the application process, local planning policies, and downloadable forms.
  • Planning Consultants: Consider hiring a planning consultant, especially for complex projects. They can guide you through the process, liaise with the planning department on your behalf, and increase your chances of a successful application.
  • Chartered Architects or Architectural Technologists: These professionals can create the necessary drawings and plans for your application and provide valuable advice throughout the process.

By understanding the steps involved, gathering the required documents, and potentially seeking professional guidance, you can approach submitting a planning application with confidence.

How will I be notified?

Once the Department receives a planning application you will receive a letter acknowledging receipt of the application and any accompanying fee paid. This letter will also highlight the stages through which the application will pass prior to a decision being made.

At the end of the eight week process the decision notice will issue advising whether planning permission has been granted or refused.

If you have any questions about the submission of planning application process or would like to speak to an architect who can help you source and liaise with a local planner, go ahead and book a free call below with Yoop

Confidence to Build Your Dream

Planning a home improvement or development project can be exciting! While the planning application process might seem complex, this guide equips you with a roadmap.

From checking permission needs to gathering documents and understanding timelines, you’re now better prepared. Utilize resources like your local council’s website and consult qualified professionals like architects or planning consultants for guidance.

With careful planning, the right information, and potentially professional support, you can successfully submit your application and see your dream project come to life. Take the first step and embark on your planning journey with confidence!

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