Preparing a planning application can be a complex process, particularly when you are unsure what information is required, which documents to provide or how your proposal will be assessed. Getting the right planning application help before submitting can make the process clearer and help you avoid common mistakes that could lead to delays or an unsuccessful application.
Whether you are planning an extension, conversion, change of use or a larger development, understanding the application requirements is an important first step.
What Is a Planning Application?
A planning application is a formal request submitted to the relevant local planning authority for permission to carry out a proposed development.
Planning applications can cover a wide range of projects, including:
- New residential developments
- Extensions and alterations
- New buildings
- Changes of use
- Commercial developments
- Development of land
- Certain temporary structures
- Demolition and redevelopment
The type of application and supporting information required will depend on the nature and scale of the proposed development.
Not every project requires a full planning application. Some forms of development may benefit from permitted development rights, while other proposals may require different types of consent. Establishing the correct planning route before preparing an application can therefore save time and unnecessary expense.
What Planning Application Help Do You Need?
Planning application help can cover much more than completing an application form. Good preparation starts by understanding the proposal, the site and the planning policies that apply.
Professional support can help you with several important stages.
Assessing Your Proposal
Before submitting an application, it is useful to establish whether the proposed development is suitable for the site.
This may involve considering the property’s planning history, surrounding development, local planning policies and any potential constraints.
An early assessment can identify issues that may need to be addressed before an application is submitted.
Understanding Application Requirements
Different developments require different information.
Depending on the proposal, you may need architectural drawings, site plans, design information, planning statements or other supporting documents.
Submitting incomplete or unsuitable information can cause problems during validation or assessment, so understanding the requirements in advance is important.
Preparing Supporting Documents
The documents accompanying your application should clearly explain what you are proposing and demonstrate how the development responds to relevant planning considerations.
For more complex projects, this may involve coordinating planning advice with architectural or technical information.
Planning Build also provides architectural design services to support projects where design work forms part of the planning process.
What Documents Are Needed for a Planning Application?
The exact documents required will vary according to the development.
A typical application may include:
- Completed application forms
- Location plans
- Site plans
- Existing and proposed floor plans
- Existing and proposed elevations
- Design and access information where required
- Planning statements where appropriate
- Heritage information for relevant sites
- Supporting technical reports where necessary
The local planning authority may also request additional information depending on the proposal and site.
It is important to check the requirements that apply to your specific application rather than relying on a standard checklist.
How to Prepare a Planning Application
A well-prepared application starts long before it is submitted.
1. Define Your Proposed Development
Clearly establish what you want to build, alter or change.
This includes understanding the existing use of the property or land and the proposed use once the development is complete.
2. Review the Planning Context
Consider the relevant planning policies and the site’s characteristics.
Issues such as access, neighbouring properties, design, heritage, ecology, flood risk and local planning policies may influence how your proposal should be developed.
3. Develop the Design
Where drawings are required, the proposed design should accurately represent the development.
The design should also respond to the site’s context and relevant planning considerations.
4. Prepare the Supporting Information
Once the proposal has been developed, the appropriate plans, statements and supporting documents can be prepared.
Each document should contribute to explaining and supporting the application rather than simply being included for the sake of completeness.
5. Submit the Application
The completed application can then be submitted to the relevant local planning authority.
The authority will generally check whether the application contains the information required for validation before progressing with its assessment.
What Happens After You Submit a Planning Application?
Submitting an application is not necessarily the end of the process.
Once validated, the local planning authority will assess the proposal against relevant planning policies and other material considerations.
The process may involve consultation with neighbours, statutory consultees or other interested parties, depending on the application.
The authority may:
- Approve the application
- Approve it subject to conditions
- Request further information
- Refuse the application
The outcome will depend on the individual proposal and the planning considerations relevant to the site.
Why Get Planning Application Help Before Submission?
Getting professional advice before submitting an application can help you identify potential issues while changes can still be made.
This can be particularly valuable where a project involves several planning constraints or represents a significant financial investment.
Planning application help can assist you in:
- Understanding what information is required
- Identifying potential planning constraints
- Developing a suitable planning strategy
- Coordinating drawings and supporting documents
- Addressing potential concerns before submission
- Avoiding avoidable errors
- Presenting your proposal clearly
- Understanding your options if problems arise
Professional advice does not guarantee planning permission, but it can help ensure that your application is properly prepared and that relevant planning considerations have been addressed.
What If Your Planning Application Is Refused?
A refusal does not necessarily mean that the project cannot proceed.
The first step is to understand the reasons given by the local planning authority. These reasons can help determine whether the proposal can be amended or whether another approach should be considered.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to:
- Revise the proposal
- Submit a new application
- Address the reasons for refusal
- Seek further planning advice
- Appeal the decision
Planning Build can also provide planning appeal support where an appeal is appropriate.
Planning Application Help for Your Development
Every planning application is different. The right approach depends on the type of development, the site, the relevant planning policies and the information needed to demonstrate that the proposal is appropriate.
Getting professional input early can help you understand the planning process before you commit to a particular approach.
Planning Build provides planning support for property owners, developers and landowners, helping clients assess development opportunities, prepare applications and navigate planning requirements.
If you are unsure where to start, Planning Build can help you understand the requirements for your proposed development and determine the next steps.
Need planning application help? Contact Planning Build to discuss your project and get professional support with your planning application.
