The primary purpose of the planning permission process is to ensure that your proposed development aligns with local planning policies, considers the impact of the surrounding area, and adheres to design and safety standards. If you move forward with a development project without gaining permission first, your local council can request that you either demolish it or submit a retrospective planning application. Properties that have had work carried out illegally are also un-mortgageable. 

This is why we suggest that you speak to us first for free, confidential pre-application advice. 

Save time and money by getting pre-application advice from us today before submitting a formal planning application. We have 25+ years working with local planning councils and planning inspectors on large, complex projects,  and can help you to identify any potential issues that may affect your development. We can then use this advice to prepare your drawings and plans, minimising the time needed to submit a planning application and maximising your chance of success.

We will guide you through the whole planning application process, to make it as seamless and cost effective as possible. There are typically 6 formal stages to the planning application process:

1. Pre-application advice: We can advise you on whether your proposal is likely to be approved or not, and recommend any changes to maximise your chances of success.
2. Application and validation: Once all of the plans and designs are ready, we submit all of the correct documents to the Planning Inspectorate and all relevant fees are paid. Once your application is checked to ensure all documents and fees are correct, it is validated.
3. Consultations- Letters are sent to neighbours to notify them of your proposal, and where applicable, experts are consulted. Occasionally, notices are also placed near the site or in local papers. Neighbours and consultees have a minimum of 21 days to respond. 
4. Site visit & assessment- The allocated planning officer will visit your site and make an inspection, if required. They will also gather any photographs or site-specific information.
5. Recommendation- The planning officer makes a recommendation on the application, considering the local planning policies and consultation responses.
6. Decision- You will normally receive a decision within 8 weeks of the planning application being accepted for household and non-major applications. Major applications can take 13 weeks. You can access your decision on your local council’s online planning portal, and you will receive a formal decision notice by post. 

Our experienced team will be by your side for consultation and expert advice at all stages of the planning application process. 

According to the Planning Inspectorate guidelines, most planning applications are decided within 8 weeks in the UK. If the project is particularly large or complex, the time limit can extend to 13 weeks. 

Please note that these timeframes are meant as guides only, and dependent on the Planning Inspectorate being up to date. 

We will guide you through the whole planning application process to make it as quick, seamless and cost effective as possible, no matter the complexity of your case. 

Most planning applications in the UK are approved, with a 90%+ approval rates across most regions. 

However, your exact chance depends heavily on factors such as:

• Local Policies- your proposal needs to align with your local council’s guidelines.
• Neighbours- you need to consider the potential impact on neighbouring properties such as overshadowing, privacy or noise. 
• Site Characteristics- the size and features of your property, including any protected features like trees or listed buildings.
• Project Type- some types of development, such as extensions of conversions, can have a higher approval rate than other developments such as large-scale new builds. 

Increase your chance of success by working with our expert team of Chartered Town Planners and Architectural Designers. We will guide you through the whole planning application process, from pre-application advice to architectural designs, building regulations and the application itself.