Category: FAQ

How Long Does It Take To Get Planning Permission?

10/08/2023 by Milana

Planning permission is a topic that can be confusing for many people, especially if you are not familiar with the process. If you’re thinking about building or renovating your home, it’s important to understand what planning permission is, and how long it will take. If you are wondering, how long does it take to get planning permission? We’ll answer this, and why it’s required, the process of obtaining it, and even provide tips on how to speed up the process. After reading this, you’ll have a better understanding of what to expect and how you can get your project approved quickly and easily.

Understanding Planning Permission in the UK

Obtaining permission in the UK can be a complex and time-consuming process. It is required for various development projects, and local authorities are responsible for granting or denying permission. The decision is influenced by factors such as project size, impact on the local area, and compliance with regulations. Seeking professional advice can help navigate the process effectively.

Why is Planning Permission Required?

Permission is required to ensure that development projects adhere to local policies and regulations. It allows councils to assess the impact on the surrounding area, while giving neighbours and the community an opportunity to provide feedback. This helps maintain the area’s character and protect the environment.

The Process of Obtaining Planning Permission

Start by contacting your local authority or a chartered town planner. You will need architect drawings to showcase your proposed design and strong planning statements to support your application. Fill out the form accurately and completely, as it’s crucial for a smooth process. Additional evidence and documents may be required during the assessment process. The council will assess your application and you’ll receive a written decision notice.

How to Contact Your Local Authority’s Planning Department?

To contact your local authority, you can find their contact details on their website. It is recommended to reach out via email or phone to inquire about the requirements and process. Alternatively, we can provide you with a planning appraisal to give you the answers you need in a day rather than 5 to 8 weeks. If you choose to instruct us, we will manage the entire process, including all communication with your local authority.

Filling In an Application With Your Council

Filling in an application with your council is a crucial step in obtaining planning permission. Accuracy is key when completing the application form, ensuring all information is correct. Along with the form, it is important to submit supporting documents such as architect drawings, planning statements and specialist reports. To avoid delays, double-check the submission requirements and time limits. If any information is missing or incorrect your application will not be validated or could risk an unnecessary refusal.

What Happens During the Application Assessment?

During the application assessment, the planning officer thoroughly reviews the proposal to ensure compliance. They may consult other departments such as the highways and seek community feedback. The assessment process considers all relevant policies and potential impacts. This stage typically takes 8 to 16 weeks currently.

Can I Speed Up The Planning Application Process?

Seeking pre-application advice, providing accurate information in the application, engaging with the local authority, and hiring a town planner and an architect can help speed up the process. However, it’s important to bear in mind that almost all councils are significantly backlogged and taking longer than normal. Unfortunately, there is no way to fast-track an application with the council. The only thing you can realistically do is submit and join the queue as soon as possible.

Get Your Project Approved Quickly & Easily

Hiring a chartered town planner AND architect ensures that your application meets the requirements. Seeking pre-planning advice with your council or one of our town planners can identify potential issues early. Open communication with the planning officer helps address concerns promptly, if you choose to instruct us we will manage this for you. Adhering to relevant policies and regulations from the start prevents delays and refusals. Understanding the process and seeking professional guidance increases the chances of success. Loft conversions, garage conversions, extensions and many other householder developments in the UK may require permission. Conservation areas have additional considerations and complications for applicants. Submitting an architectural design that meets the relevant policies and strong supporting statements is the key to a smooth and quick process.

The Decision on Your Application

Once your application has been assessed by the local planning authority, they will issue a written decision notice. This notice will inform you whether your application has been approved, refused, or granted conditional permission. In the case of approval, the notice will also outline any conditions that must be met before construction can begin. If your application is refused, the notice will provide reasons for the refusal and may include information on potential options for appeal. It is crucial to carefully review the decision notice and, if necessary, seek professional advice to better understand the outcome of your application. We can of course assist and advise you on this.

What if My Planning Application is Refused?

If your planning application is declined, you have the option to resubmit once for free or appeal the decision, depending on the reasons for refusal. Seeking professional advice and addressing the reasons for refusal can increase your chances of success. Revising the design or reapplying are also alternative options to consider. However, if the application is managed professionally by a town planner, who understands the applicable policies and engages with the officer during the process, many of these issues can be resolved avoiding an unnecessary refusal.

How long does it take to get planning permission?

If you would like to find out how long it might take for your project, Contact Us for a free no-obligation consultation. We can also advise you on the feasibility, requirements, costs and likelihood of success.

To find out how much it might cost try our free online Cost Calculator to get an instant estimate for architectural design and/or planning permission.