A well-prepared planning application can make the planning process clearer and help ensure that your proposal is presented with the information the local planning authority needs to assess it. However, knowing which documents are required, how to address planning policies and how to present your development can be challenging without professional support.
Planning Build provides planning application services to help property owners, developers and landowners prepare and progress planning applications for a range of development projects.
From assessing your proposal and identifying planning considerations to preparing an application and supporting you through the submission process, professional planning support can help you approach your application with greater confidence.
What Are Planning Application Services?
Planning application services cover the professional support involved in preparing and progressing a planning application.
Depending on your project, this can include:
- Initial assessment of your proposed development
- Planning advice and strategy
- Review of the site’s planning context
- Identification of potential planning constraints
- Planning application preparation
- Supporting statements and documentation
- Coordination of drawings and technical information
- Application submission
- Support during the application process
- Advice following a planning decision
The services required will depend on the type and scale of your development.
When Might You Need Planning Application Services?
Planning applications can be required for many different types of development, including new buildings, extensions, changes of use and development of land.
Professional support can be particularly useful where a proposal is complex, involves multiple planning considerations or represents a significant investment.
You may benefit from planning application services when you are:
- Applying for permission for a new development
- Planning an extension or alteration
- Considering a change of use
- Developing land for residential or commercial purposes
- Converting an existing building
- Exploring a development opportunity
- Preparing an application following previous planning advice
- Revising a proposal that has previously been refused
Before preparing an application, it is also important to establish whether planning permission is actually required and whether another planning route may be available.
What Does a Planning Application Involve?
A planning application is more than an application form. The local planning authority needs enough information to understand what is being proposed and assess it against relevant planning policies and other considerations.
The requirements vary depending on the development, but an application may involve:
Application Forms
The relevant forms provide information about the applicant, site and proposed development.
Site and Location Plans
Plans help the planning authority understand where the development is located and how it relates to the surrounding site.
Architectural Drawings
Depending on the proposal, existing and proposed plans, elevations and other drawings may be required to show the development accurately.
Planning Statements
For some applications, a planning statement can explain the proposal and demonstrate how it responds to relevant planning policies and considerations.
Supporting Information
Some developments require additional reports or technical information. The requirements will depend on the circumstances of the site and proposal.
The aim is not simply to provide as many documents as possible, but to provide the right information for the particular application.
Our Planning Application Services
Planning Build can support different stages of the application process, from initial assessment through to submission and beyond.
Planning Application Assessment
Before preparing an application, it is useful to understand the planning context of your proposal.
Planning Build can help assess your development and identify potential issues that may need to be considered before an application is submitted.
This early assessment can help determine whether changes to the proposal or additional information may be required.
Planning Strategy
A planning application should form part of an appropriate strategy for the development.
Planning Build can help you understand the planning considerations affecting your project and develop an approach that reflects the site’s circumstances and relevant planning policies.
For projects where development potential needs to be assessed before an application is prepared, Planning Build also offers feasibility advice and strategy.
Application Preparation
Once the planning approach has been established, the application and relevant supporting information can be prepared.
This involves ensuring that the proposal is accurately represented and that relevant planning considerations are properly addressed.
Supporting Documents
Different applications require different supporting information.
Planning Build can help identify the documents that may be relevant to your proposal and coordinate planning information with drawings and other project documentation.
Where architectural input is required, Planning Build also provides architectural design services.
Application Submission
Once the application has been prepared, it can be submitted to the relevant local planning authority.
Professional support can help ensure that the application is properly prepared before submission and that the required information has been considered.
Support During the Planning Process
Submitting an application does not necessarily mean that the process is complete.
The local planning authority may raise questions, request additional information or identify issues that need to be addressed.
Having professional planning support throughout the process can help you understand what is being requested and determine an appropriate response.
Why Use Professional Planning Application Services?
Preparing a planning application without professional advice can be difficult, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the planning system.
Professional planning application services can help you:
Understand the requirements
Different developments have different application requirements. Professional advice can help you establish what information is relevant to your proposal.
Identify potential issues early
Planning constraints can affect the design and viability of a development. Identifying them before submission gives you more opportunity to address them.
Present your proposal clearly
A planning application should provide a clear picture of the proposed development and explain how relevant planning considerations have been addressed.
Avoid common application problems
Missing information, unsuitable documents or inconsistencies within an application can create unnecessary complications.
Make informed decisions
Professional advice can help you understand your options before you commit further time and resources to your development.
What Happens After Your Application Is Submitted?
After submission, the local planning authority will generally check the application before it is validated and assessed.
Once validated, the application may be subject to consultation and consideration against relevant planning policies and other material considerations.
The eventual decision may be to approve the application, approve it subject to conditions or refuse it.
The timescale and process can vary depending on the type and complexity of the application.
What If Your Planning Application Is Refused?
A refused application does not necessarily mean that your development cannot proceed.
The decision notice should explain the reasons for refusal. Understanding these reasons is important when deciding what to do next.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to:
- Amend the proposal
- Address the reasons for refusal
- Submit a new application
- Seek further planning advice
- Appeal the decision
If an appeal is appropriate, Planning Build can also provide planning appeal support.
Planning Application Services for Your Project
Every planning application is different. The appropriate strategy, documents and level of support will depend on the development and the characteristics of the site.
Whether you are a homeowner planning an extension, a landowner exploring development opportunities or a developer progressing a larger project, getting professional support can help you understand the process and prepare your application appropriately.
Planning Build provides planning application services tailored to the requirements of your development, helping you move from an initial proposal towards a properly prepared planning application.
If you are unsure what your application needs or where to begin, Planning Build can help.
Need professional planning application services? Contact Planning Build to discuss your project and find out how we can support your planning application.
