A planning statement explains why a proposed development should be granted planning permission. It sets out the details of the proposal, identifies relevant planning policies and explains how the development responds to the planning considerations that apply to the site.
If you are preparing a planning application, looking at a planning statement example can help you understand how to structure the document and what information to include.
The level of detail required depends on the development. A straightforward house extension may need a relatively concise statement, while a major residential or commercial project may require a more detailed assessment of planning policy, site constraints and potential impacts.
This article provides an example planning statement, explains the main sections and highlights what to consider before submitting one in England.
What Does a Planning Statement Look Like?
A planning statement usually contains an introduction, a description of the site, details of the proposed development, an assessment of relevant planning policies and a conclusion explaining why the proposal is considered acceptable.
The structure can vary according to the application. The key is to make the planning argument clear, accurate and specific to the site.
A typical planning statement may include:
- Introduction and purpose of the statement
- Site description and surrounding context
- Description of the proposed development
- Relevant planning history
- Planning policy context
- Assessment of the proposal
- Relevant consultation or pre-application discussions
- Conclusion
Local planning authorities may have their own validation requirements. For example, Camden Council’s planning statement guidance identifies the information expected for particular types of development, including justification, policy compliance and pre-application consultation where relevant.
Before using any example as a template, check the requirements of the local planning authority responsible for your site.
Planning Statement Example for a House Extension
The following is an illustrative planning statement for a hypothetical single-storey rear extension to an existing house in England. The site details, dimensions and circumstances are fictional. The example demonstrates the structure and style of a statement; it is not a verified assessment of a real property or a substitute for checking the relevant local planning policies.
1. Introduction
Planning Statement: Proposed Single-Storey Rear Extension
Site address: 12 Example Road, Example Town, England
Proposal: Construction of a single-storey rear extension to an existing dwelling.
This planning statement has been prepared in support of an application for planning permission for a proposed single-storey rear extension at 12 Example Road, Example Town.
The proposal seeks to provide additional internal living space for the existing household while retaining the property’s residential use.
This statement describes the application site, outlines the proposed development and considers the relevant planning issues. It should be read alongside the application form, existing and proposed drawings and any other supporting information submitted with the application.
2. Site Description
The application site comprises an existing two-storey residential property within an established residential area. The property has a private rear garden and shares boundaries with neighbouring residential properties.
The surrounding area is predominantly residential, with houses of broadly similar use and a mixture of architectural details and extensions.
The proposed development would take place within the existing residential plot. The relevant site characteristics, neighbouring properties and any planning constraints should be confirmed through a site assessment before this statement is used for an actual application.
3. Proposed Development
The application proposes a single-storey rear extension to provide additional living and dining space.
The extension would be attached to the existing dwelling and designed to relate to the host property in terms of scale, appearance and materials.
The proposed layout and external appearance are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These should identify the extension’s dimensions, position, roof form, openings and external materials.
The development would retain the property’s residential use and would not introduce a new independent dwelling.
4. Planning Policy Context
The proposal should be assessed against the development plan applicable to the site, together with relevant national planning policy and other material considerations.
The applicable policies must be identified using the relevant local planning authority’s adopted development plan and any other current guidance that is material to the application.
For this example, the principal matters for assessment are the design and scale of the extension, its relationship with neighbouring properties and its effect on the character of the surrounding area.
The final planning statement should identify the actual policy references and explain how the proposal responds to their requirements. General statements that a proposal complies with planning policy should be supported by a reasoned assessment.
5. Design and Visual Impact
The proposed extension would be designed as a subordinate addition to the existing house.
Its scale, roof form, external materials and position should be considered in relation to the host property and the surrounding residential character.
The proposed drawings should demonstrate how the extension relates to the existing building and whether its appearance would be appropriate in the context of the site.
Subject to the final design and applicable planning policies, the proposal aims to provide additional living space without an unacceptable effect on the character or appearance of the surrounding area.
6. Residential Amenity
The impact on neighbouring properties is an important consideration for a proposed extension.
Relevant matters may include the extension’s height, depth, proximity to boundaries, potential overlooking, loss of privacy, daylight and overshadowing.
The proposal should be assessed using the actual site layout, dimensions, orientation and relationship with neighbouring windows and gardens.
Where the design avoids unacceptable effects on neighbouring properties, the planning statement can explain how this has been achieved. Any potential concerns should be addressed honestly, with appropriate design changes or supporting evidence where necessary.
7. Conclusion
The proposed single-storey rear extension would provide additional living space for the existing dwelling while retaining its residential use.
The planning assessment should demonstrate how the design responds to the site’s context, relevant planning policies and the potential effects on neighbouring properties.
Subject to the final drawings, applicable policies and any other material considerations, the applicant considers that the proposal merits planning permission.
This example shows how a planning statement can present a clear planning argument. For a real application, every section should be adapted to the actual proposal and supported by accurate information.
What Makes a Good Planning Statement?
A good planning statement does more than describe what you want to build. It explains why the proposal is appropriate in its particular location and how it responds to relevant planning considerations.
Use Site-Specific Information
Describe the actual site, surrounding buildings, existing use and relevant constraints. Avoid generic descriptions that do not help the planning officer understand the proposal.
Identify the Correct Planning Policies
Refer to the policies that genuinely apply to the site and development. The relevant development plan can vary between local planning authorities, so do not assume that policy references from another planning statement will apply to your project.
Explain How the Proposal Meets Policy Requirements
Do not simply list policies or state that the proposal complies with them. Explain how the design, layout, use and other relevant characteristics respond to the policy requirements.
Address Potential Concerns
Consider matters such as design, neighbouring amenity, access, highways, heritage, flood risk and ecology where relevant. Explain how the proposal addresses these issues and identify any supporting reports that provide additional evidence.
Keep the Statement Consistent With the Drawings
The description of the development must match the application form and accompanying plans. If the drawings change, review the statement to ensure that it still describes the correct proposal.
Can You Use a Planning Statement Example as a Template?
Yes, an example can help you organise your document, understand the expected tone and identify the information that may be required.
However, copying another applicant’s planning statement without adapting it to your own site is unlikely to provide a reliable planning justification.
Different sites can have different planning histories, local policies, constraints and relationships with neighbouring properties. Even similar developments may raise different planning issues.
Use an example as a starting point for the structure, then prepare the content around your own proposal and the relevant local requirements.
For further help understanding the supporting information required, read our guide to the planning application process.
Planning Statement vs Design and Access Statement
A planning statement and a Design and Access Statement are different documents, although they may address some related matters.
A planning statement focuses on the planning justification for a development. It explains the relevant policies and assesses the proposal against them.
A Design and Access Statement explains the design principles behind a proposal and, where applicable, how access has been considered.
A Design and Access Statement is required for certain categories of development under the applicable rules. A planning statement does not automatically replace it, and some applications may require both documents.
Check the requirements for your particular application before deciding which supporting statements to prepare.
Who Can Prepare a Planning Statement?
An applicant can prepare a planning statement if they have the knowledge and information needed to explain the proposal and address the relevant planning considerations.
For a straightforward project, a concise statement may be sufficient. More complex proposals may benefit from input from a planning consultant who can assess the relevant policies, identify potential obstacles and develop a clear planning justification.
Planning Build provides planning permission advice and feasibility advice and planning strategy to help applicants understand their development options and the planning issues that may affect their proposals.
Get Help Preparing Your Planning Statement
A planning statement should explain the proposed development, identify the relevant planning policies and provide a reasoned assessment of why the proposal should be approved.
The sample above offers a starting structure, but a successful document must reflect the actual site, proposal and planning context. It should also meet any applicable local validation requirements.
If you need help preparing a planning statement or understanding what your planning application requires, contact Planning Build to discuss your project.
