How to Get Planning Permission: Your Essential Step-by-Step Guide

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Key Takeaways

• Understanding whether you need planning permission is a crucial first step in any construction project.
• There are two main types of planning permission: full and outline.
• Engaging early with your Local Planning Authority can significantly improve your chances of approval.
• Proper preparation and submission of your application, often online, are vital steps.
• Even after obtaining planning permission, Building Regulations approval is necessary before construction begins.

Are you dreaming of building a new house, extending your family home, or even converting an old barn into your perfect hideaway? If so, you’ve probably asked yourself, “How do I get planning permission?” This question is one of the most trending searches among homeowners, first-time builders, and property developers across England and Wales this week. Planning permission is more than just a bureaucratic hurdle; it’s your gateway to making your house-building dreams come true!

Whether you want a fancy new extension or are thinking about transforming a piece of land, securing planning permission is a crucial first step. But don’t worry—the process might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about getting planning permission, step-by-step, with advice from trusted industry experts and official sources. Grab your notebooks and let’s dive in! For more detailed insights on this topic, also see our comprehensive step-by-step guide to navigating the UK planning system.

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What is Planning Permission—and Why Does it Matter?

Before you start picking out paint colours or designing a backyard pool, you need to check if planning permission will be required for your project.

Planning permission is a formal approval from your local planning authority (LPA) that allows you to construct something new, alter a building, or make significant changes to land or property. Some smaller home improvements don’t need this permission—but major projects almost always do. Getting permission helps make sure that construction is safe, legal, and in line with your area’s rules and needs. (Learn more from GOV.UK)

Not every building job needs official permission, but for anything bigger than minor changes—think new houses, large extensions, changes of building use, or anything affecting the appearance or use of your property—it’s essential to get approval before work starts. Otherwise, you could end up being forced to undo your hard work. We also cover specific rules for countryside and rural homes in our guide on planning permission for countryside homes in England.

The Two Types of Planning Permission You Should Know

When you’re ready to start your journey, you’ll find that there isn’t just one type of planning permission. There are two main types—and knowing the difference is important for getting your project off the ground:

1. Full planning permission
   This is a detailed application. It’s for when you have complete plans for your project—think floor plans, designs, layouts, the lot. You’ll submit every bit of detail for authorisation, and if accepted, you’re clear to begin building.
2. Outline planning permission
   Maybe you’re not ready with exact designs yet. Outline permission is like raising your hand and asking, “Is this kind of project okay here?” If the answer’s yes, you can then come back with more detail later. This helps you check if your dream idea is even possible before spending big on full designs. (More at GOV.UK Guidance)

Knowing which permission to seek is key to success. If you’re on the fence, your local planning office can help you figure it out. For additional help with applications on land, check our focused advice on how to get planning permission on land in England and Wales.

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Step-by-Step: How to Get Planning Permission

Let’s break down the journey into clear, manageable steps:

Step 1: Find Out If You Actually Need Planning Permission

Here’s something surprising—not all construction requires permission! Some projects fall under “permitted development,” which means you can go ahead without formal approval. But how do you know?

• Ask your local planning department.
  They’re the experts and will advise if your project needs permission or is okay without it.
• Save time and money.
  Checking first means you won’t make expensive errors or face delays down the road.

(Advice from the Federation of Master Builders and Griggs Homes)

If you’re changing the outside of your house, adding a big extension, building a new property, or changing how the land is used, you almost always need planning permission. When in doubt—always check first! For insights about how to find and buy rural land with or without planning permission, see our guide on rural land for sale in England.

Step 2: Contact Your Local Planning Authority

Your plans have the best chance of approval if they fit your area’s rules and character. Each town or city has its own guidelines—these might cover things like building height, colour, or distance from neighbours.

• Get personalised guidance.
  The LPA knows what works where you live and what doesn’t.
• Early conversations can highlight problems.
  This helps you adjust before you formally apply and face hurdles.

(More advice at GOV.UK and Griggs Homes)

Your LPA is there to help you—not just to say “no.” Their role is to keep your neighbourhood looking great and working well for everyone.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application Like a Pro

Now it’s time to get organised. For your application, you’ll generally need to gather:

• Detailed plans and drawings
  Show exactly what you’re planning, from every angle.
• Site location plans
  So your LPA knows exactly where your project is happening.
• Design and access statement
  For bigger or more complex projects, you need to explain the thinking behind your design.
• Supporting documents
  Every project is different—you might need flood risk assessments, ecological surveys, or even pictures of the street.

(Full list from Griggs Homes)

Make your documents clear, well-labeled, and accurate. The more helpful you are, the easier it is for your planning officers to say yes!

Step 4: Submit Your Application (Often Online!)

Once your paperwork is ready, it’s time to send it in. Luckily, you can usually do this online via the Planning Portal, which is quick and secure.

You’ll pay an application fee—this can vary based on the size and type of your project—and submit all your documents to your LPA for review.

• Double-check all information before submitting!
• Track your application online.
• Respond promptly if the council asks for more info.

(Official guidance from GOV.UK and Planning Portal)

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Who Can Apply? (You Don’t Even Need to Own the Land)

Surprised? You don’t have to own the property or land to apply for planning permission! This is useful for buyers, investors, or developers who want to check if their big idea is possible before buying.

However, if you’re not the sole land owner, there are important rules:

• Inform the legal owner (or all owners if there are several)
• Notify any leaseholders with at least 7 years left
• Let any agricultural tenants know (if it’s farmland)

(Official source at Planning Portal)

This makes sure everyone with a stake in the land knows what’s going on, keeping things fair and transparent.

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Should You Get Professional Help?

Let’s face it—planning permission forms, rules, and drawings can be confusing! If you’re feeling unsure or want to give your application the best chance, you can bring in the experts.

Pros Who Can Help:

• Architects, designers, or builders
  These pros can draw up plans and sometimes even manage the whole application for you.
• Planning consultants or solicitors
  If your project is big, tricky, or controversial, a planning consultant can help you navigate local rules. The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) keeps a register of accredited consultants.

Bear in mind, professional support usually comes with a fee—but it can help you avoid costly mistakes and delays.

Free or Low-Cost Support

If a professional isn’t in your budget, the Planning Aid network, run by the RTPI, offers voluntary help from trained planners! They can answer your questions and guide you through the steps, often for free or a very modest cost. But don’t expect a design from this process.

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What’s Next? Building Regulations Approval

Important: Even if your planning permission is approved, you’re not done yet!

Before any digging or building begins, you must make sure your plans also pass Building Regulations. These are safety, energy, and construction rules to make sure every new build or extension is safe to use and complies with the Building ACT.

• Submit your plans for building regulations
  This can usually be done via your local authority or a registered building control approver.
• BCBs check for safety, insulation, energy use, and more.

(Official advice at Planning Portal)

Don’t get caught out—planning permission is about whether you’re allowed to build, but building regulations are about how you build.

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How Long Does it Take to Get Planning Permission?

Now for the million-pound question: how long will you need to wait for a decision?

• Small, simple projects (like home extensions) usually take about 8 weeks. But allow at least 4 months!
• Bigger or more complicated applications can take up to 13 weeks, or even more if there are issues or objections. It can take longer!

The LPA might ask for further info, or invite feedback from neighbours. If your application is refused, you have the right to appeal (though this can add months). That’s why getting your documents right and having early discussions makes such a difference! For inspiring stories on appeal success and understanding next steps after refusals, check out our article on winning planning appeals.

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Top Tips For Success

Want the best shot at getting a YES? Check out these golden rules:

1. Start Early:
   The process often takes longer than you think.
2. Engage With Your Neighbours:
   Keeping neighbours updated can reduce objections and conflicts.
3. Stay Within Local Policies:
   Check your local plan and design guide for advice on what’s acceptable. For ideas on how to design your rural home sympathetically, see our rural house design ideas UK guide.
4. Be Detailed:
   The more complete your application, the faster and smoother things will be.
5. Be Open To Feedback:
   Making small changes, if requested, can save you months of delay.
6. Don’t Forget Building Regulations:
   These are just as essential as planning permission.

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Real-Life Inspiration: Why Planning Permission Matters

Let’s imagine two different stories. Johnny wants to build a big extension on his house. He decides not to get planning permission, engages a simple plan drawer to prepare cheap plans hoping no one will notice and to save costs. Months later, an unhappy neighbour complains, and the local council orders Johnny to tear down the expensive work. Johnny loses time and a lot of money.

Samantha, in contrast, checks with her planning office first, follows all steps, and works with a local qualified architect like Thomas Studio. Her plans are approved, her neighbours are happy, and her project finishes smoothly. Samantha’s dream home becomes reality, with no stress and no legal headaches. Samantha has value for her money.

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Need-to-Know Extras

• If your property is listed or in a conservation area, even small changes need permission. Always check special rules.
• Permitted development rights allow some building jobs without formal permission, but always double-check with your LPA.
• The Planning Portal (visit here!) is packed with official advice, forms, and tools to help you track and manage your application online.

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Final Thoughts: Start Your Planning Permission Journey Today!

Getting planning permission is one of the most important steps in any big construction or renovation project. With the right approach, friendly expert help, and careful preparation, you can turn your grand visions into reality. Remember these steps, check in with your local planning department, take advantage of professional support if you need it, and keep all your paperwork in order.

So, next time you’re asked, “How to get planning permission?”, share your newfound knowledge and help others on the road to building their dreams. And when in doubt, don’t be afraid to reach out—your local planning authority is there to support your vision, keeping your project on track and making your community even better.

For more in-depth information and official forms, take a look at these trusted sources:

• GOV.UK Planning Permission Guide
• Federation of Master Builders – Planning Permission
• Planning Portal – Who Can Apply
• Royal Town Planning Institute
• Griggs Homes – Step-by-Step Guide

At Thomas Studio Architects we are here to help you. Happy building, and good luck with your next big adventure!