If you’re thinking about building, extending or changing the use of a property, the first thing you’ll hear is "you need planning permission". It sounds formal, but it’s just the local council’s way of making sure new work fits into the neighbourhood and follows the rules.
Not every project needs permission – a small loft conversion or a garden shed might be exempt. The key is to check the permitted development rights for your property. If you’re unsure, a quick call to the council’s planning department saves you a lot of hassle later.
Planning permission is a legal consent that lets you carry out certain types of construction or change of use. It covers things like new houses, big extensions, commercial premises, and even demolition work. The council will look at the design, impact on neighbours, parking, and how it fits the local plan.
Common projects that usually require permission include:
If your work falls outside these examples, you might still need permission if the local authority says so. Always double‑check the council’s website or the Planning Portal.
1. Research the rules. Look up your area’s development plan. It tells you what the council wants in terms of design, scale and sustainability.
2. Gather documents. You’ll need site plans, elevation drawings, a design and access statement, and sometimes a heritage impact assessment if the building is listed.
3. Fill out the form. Use the online Planning Portal (or paper form if you prefer). It asks for details about the applicant, the land, and the proposed works.
4. Pay the fee. Fees vary by project size and type – a single‑storey extension might cost around £200, while a large commercial development can run into thousands.
5. Submit and wait. The council has 8 weeks to decide on most applications. During this time they’ll publish a notice, giving neighbours a chance to comment.
6. Respond to feedback. If objections arise, you can amend the plans or provide additional information. A well‑prepared response often clears the hurdle quickly.
7. Decision. You’ll receive either approval, a refusal, or a conditional approval that lists extra requirements you must meet.
8. Start work. Once you have the consent, you can begin construction, but you still need to follow any conditions like noise limits or protected species checks.
9. Building regulations. Remember, planning permission is separate from building regulations approval. You’ll need a separate certificate for structural safety.
10. Appeal if needed. If the council refuses, you have 6 weeks to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. A strong case with expert opinions can turn the decision around.
By following these steps, you keep the process clear and avoid costly delays. The biggest mistake people make is skipping the research stage and getting surprised by a refusal later on.
For most homeowners, hiring a local architect or a planning consultant is worth the investment. They know the council’s preferences, can produce professional drawings, and often speed up the approval.
In short, planning permission doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Know when you need it, gather the right paperwork, pay the fee, and stay responsive to feedback. With a bit of preparation, you’ll get the green light and start building the space you imagined.
The Bell Hotel in Epping has won permission to appeal a High Court ruling that blocked its use for asylum housing. The council argued the hotel’s use represented a new planning use without consent. The Home Office failed to intervene and was ordered to pay costs, but is also pursuing its own appeal. The case is now drawing in other councils considering similar legal moves.
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