Planning FAQ’s

Planning permission is a permission granted (or refused) by your local council. It focuses on how your project will impact on the surrounding environment and the visual appearance of your project. It is a legal requirement to obtain planning permission where required. For more information on planning permissions visit our planning permission guide page.

The fee for planning permission varies. Have a look at our individual project categories or planning fee page to see what the fee for your application might be.

Permitted development is alterations or additions to your home that do not require planning permission. Have a look at out individual project categories to see if your project qualifies. If in doubt you should always check with your local planning department or architectural service provider. Not all properties are eligible for permitted development, you should always check if your permitted development right have been withdrawn.

Yes, you can apply for planning permission in retrospect. You should be aware that your application could be refused and works you have done may have to be removed.

Visit our listed building page.

Visit our conservation area page.

The requirement for planning permission can be difficult to determine. Have a look at our different project categories for advice. If you are unsure you should check with your local planning department or local architectural service provider.

Planning permission to upgrade your windows may be required if you live in a conservation area or your building is listed.

Planning permission may be required to externally paint your house if you are in a conservation area or your building is listed.

A Certificate of Lawfulness is obtained when your project may not require planning permission. It confirms that planning permission was not required. A Certificate of Lawfulness should be kept in a safe place as it may be required to confirm planning permission was not required should you come to sell your home.

For more information visit our home extension section.

For more information visit our conservatory section.

For more information visit our porch section.

For more information visit our loft conversion section.

For more information visit our basement conversion section.

For more information visit our garage conversion section.

You might need planning permission to remove tree if you live in a conservation area or the tree is protected by a TPO (Tree Protection Order) it is a legal requirement to obtain your planning departments permission unless there is an immediate safety risk caused by the tree (proof the tree was causing an immediate safety risk may be required e.g. photos etc…) Visit our tree works page for more information.