If you are a homeowner looking to convert or extend part of your property then it is highly likely that you will need to apply for council planning permission before you start work, especially if your proposed conversion or extension requires extensive work and has an impact on the external appearance of your property. Although the process can be complex and time-consuming, it’s important to follow the correct procedure to ensure that your project complies with local building regulations.

So, what’s involved? Where do you start? How do you know if you need to apply for council planning permission?

The following article will explore everything you need to know about the council planning permission process. We will discuss the types of home improvements that require planning permission, how to submit your application and what to do if your application is refused.   

Check if You Need Planning Permission

The first step is checking to see whether you need to apply for council planning permission for your development. You can do this by using the government's planning portal or by contacting your local authority.

In certain cases, you may not need planning permission. 

This includes:

• Internal alterations to your home
• Minor repairs and maintenance
• Permitted development rights (PDRs)

PDRs are a set of rules that allow homeowners to make certain upgrades to their property without official approval from the local council. For example, a small, single storey rear extension (up to 4 meters) that doesn’t significantly alter the appearance of the property, infringe on a neighbour’s privacy or affect the surrounding environment.

The golden rule here is to read up on all rules and regulations in advance to ensure that the work you carry out is legal and falls under permitted development rights. If in doubt, contact your local authority or an experienced professional to clarify your obligations as a homeowner.

Gather Supporting Documentation

If you do require council planning permission for your development, then you will need to prepare a detailed planning application. Aside from the standard application form which you can download from your local authority’s planning portal, you will also need to submit supporting documentation to help you demonstrate the proposed design, dimensions and layout of your development, as well as its intended impact on the surrounding environment and neighbouring properties.

Common examples of documentation that you may need to prepare include:

• Plans and drawings of your proposed development
• A supporting statement explaining why you are seeking planning permission
• Photographs of the existing site
• Environmental impact assessment (if required)
• Structural survey (if required)
• Heritage statement (if required)
• Letters of support from neighbours (optional)

Above all, make sure that all the supporting documentation you submit is clear, concise and informative. The aim here is to paint a picture of your proposed development so that your local planning committee can make an informed decision as to whether or not you will be granted planning permission.

Submit a Planning Application

Once you have completed the application form and collected all necessary supporting documentation, the next step is to submit your planning permission application to your local council. You can either submit your application online through the council’s planning portal, or you can download a form from the site and submit your application by post.

You will also need to pay a fee when you submit your application. You can find more information about how these fees are calculated from your local authority’s website.

Wait for Council to Review Your Application

Once you have submitted your planning permission application, you will need to wait for your local council to review your case and decide whether or not to grant you permission for your conversion or extension. Keep in mind that this process can take up to 8 weeks.

Your local planning department will consider the following factors when they review your application:

• The impact of your proposed development on the local environment.
• The impact of your proposed development on neighbouring properties.
• Whether your proposed development is in line with local planning policies and building regulations.

You may be required to submit further documentation during this stage of the process if your local council requires more information to determine the scope and impact of your project or if a neighbour objects to your application.

Receive The Outcome of Your Application

Eventually, your local council will get in touch to confirm the outcome of your application.

There are three possible scenarios here:

• Approval: The council approves your planning application, and you are free to start work on your development.
• Conditional approval: The council approves your planning application, but subject to certain conditions. For example, you may need to adhere to certain design specifications or use specific materials for the construction.
• Refusal: The council rejects your planning application. 

Appealing a Refused Planning Application

There are a few reasons why the council might refuse your application for planning permission. The most common reasons include:

• The development is too large or too tall.
• The development is in a conservation area or listed building.
• The development would have a negative impact on the local environment or neighbouring properties.
• The development is not in line with local planning policies.

If your application is denied, then you have the right to appeal the decision. To do this, you simply need to submit a completed appeal form and pay the corresponding fee. Your local planning department will then review your case and make a decision based on all supplementary evidence.

Above all, we can’t stress enough how important it is to be as informed as possible throughout this entire process. The best way to avoid unnecessary delays and setbacks is to hire a professional architect or construction company to guide you through the process. That way, you can rest assured that your proposed project is in good hands, and you can focus on what matters most: designing and building your dream home.