If you are planning an extension, loft conversion, garage conversion or any other works that require a householder planning application, the paperwork can feel daunting with drawings, planning statements, forms, fees and local-authority red tape to navigate.
Planning by Design’s RTPI-chartered planners and ARB-chartered architects can guide you through the entire householder planning application process, from evaluating your project’s feasibility to preparing a comprehensive planning submission.
Householder planning applications are typically required for small-scale residential developments or alterations that exceed permitted development allowances or where permitted development rights have been used or removed.
Householder planning applications cover projects such as extensions, conservatories, loft conversions, garage conversions, outbuildings, external alterations, porches walls, fences and more.
Householder planning applications ensure that proposed works are in keeping with local planning policies and that they respect your neighbours’ amenity, local character, and environmental constraints.
Even if your project seems small, not all home improvements are automatically covered by permitted development rights.
Councils can impose hidden planning constraints that remove permitted development rights such as Article 4 Directions at any time. Planning constraints can restrict what changes you can make without formal planning permission.
Submitting a householder planning application ensures your project meets relevant local and national planning regulations. This protects your investment and avoids costly retrospective planning or enforcement action or legal issues down the line.
Our expert town planners take a tailored approach to householder planning applications. We’re here to make the process as smooth as possible and give your application the best chance of success.
We recommend starting with a planning appraisal to establish the feasibility. Assuming your project is feasible our architects can produce your 2D architectural drawings in line with your town planners recommendations.
Once you approve the design, your town planner can write strong supporting planning statements to justify why your householder planning application should be approved.
With your approval your town planner will submit and manage the application through to determination.
Protect your investment: Lawful planning approval safeguards future sale and remortgage values.
Avoid costly enforcement: Unauthorised works can trigger stop notices, fines and demolition orders.
Unlock design freedom: A well-argued application can push boundaries on size, style and curtilage of dwelling limits.
Speed up construction: Clear, approved plans let contractors price accurately and start on site sooner.
Future-proof compliance: We factor in biodiversity self-assessment forms, drainage and Part O daylight rules at the outset.
Planning Appraisal: We confirm whether a planning application is needed, the requirements, householder application cost, timelines and likelihood of success.
Architectural Drawings: Our ARB architects prepare scale floor plans, elevations, block and site location plans for your single-storey extension, loft conversion or garage conversion or any other schemes.
Planning Statements: Our RTPI planners draft the planning or design & access statement, householder application checklist and, where required, the biodiversity self-assessment or exemption statement.
Submission & Liaison: We submit the householder application form via the Planning Portal and you pay the statutory application fee. We liaise with the planning officer and manage the application on your behalf.
Negotiation & Amendments: With our local-authority insight, additional information or minor design alterations often resolves objections before they derail the eight-week decision window.
Decision & Next Steps: Upon approval we can help discharge conditions, if required. In the unlikely event of a refusal we can submit a revised application or householder appeal, at a discounted rate.
Fixed-fee quotation: for everything required, provided we have conducted a planning appraisal.
Full set of planning drawings: floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans, block & site plans etc.
Supporting planning statements: planning, design and access, heritage and exemption statements etc.
Application Preparation: completion of all application forms, CIL forms and certificates etc.
Application Submission: with your approval, we submit the application via the Planning Portal.
Application Management: liaison with case officer and statutory consultees throughout the process.
Determination: decision notice downloaded and sent once the application is determined.
Get a Free Instant EstimatePlanning Appraisal: to find out if planning permission is required, if so which application would be best, associated likely costs and the likelihood of success. We can do this in 1 day.
Architectural Drawings: architect drawings for any project/planning application, we aim to have these sent for review, comment and approval within 7 days.
Planning Statement: any type of planning application/planning statements for any project, we aim to have these sent for review, comment and approval within 7 days.
Application Submission: once we have everything required for your application, with your approval we will submit the application in 1 day.
Optional Fast-Track: For those in a hurry or with urgent requirements such as a retrospective application we offer a fast-track service for all the work we do and control up to application submission.
Application Validation: once you have paid the application fee the council will begin validating the application. Typically takes anywhere from 1 day to several weeks, depending on council backlogs.
Decision: householder planning applications should be determined within 8 weeks, however it is important to bear in mind most councils are backlogged and taking longer.
Cost: our unbeatable prices are backed by our price match guarantee, we will beat any like-for-like quote. Get a instant estimate for most common householder projects via our free online cost calculator.
At Planning By Design, our integrated approach combines architectural, planning, and project management expertise to ensure your project runs smoothly from the start.
Our local and national knowledge helps you navigate the complex council regulations as efficiently as possible. Our holistic design process ensures proposals look great, function well, and meet the relevant planning policies.
With clear communication at every stage and a focus on cost-effective solutions, we streamline applications and safeguard your investment, ultimately saving you time and money.
RTPI & ARB accredited team: planning precision plus award-winning architecture.
UK & Ireland Coverage: we work with every local authority, and know many of the planning officers.
Extensive Portfolio: over 750 planning approvals, case studies and examples for all project types.
Price-match guarantee: we will beat any like-for-like quote.
5* Reviews: hundreds of 5* reviews on Google, Trustpilot and Facebook from happy customers.
Video Testimonials: hear firsthand feedback from clients regarding their experience.
Planning By Design’s RTPI-accredited Chartered Town Planners bring a wealth of expertise to projects of all sizes, from small residential developments to major commercial applications, across every council in the UK and Ireland.
We tailor each plan to your goals and local requirements, ensuring regulatory compliance without compromising on creativity. Whether it’s a modest home extension or a large-scale commercial scheme, our diverse skill set and deep understanding of planning legislation help turn your vision into reality, on time and within budget.
At Planning By Design, we have established standard fixed prices for the most common projects regardless of where the property is located. As we are typically 30-50% cheaper than our competitors we also offer a Price Match Guarantee and will beat any like-for-like quote.
To get a instant estimate for your project try our Free Online Cost Calculator.
Contact us now for a free no obligation consultation to discuss your architectural design project.
Read our latest articles, tackling everything from planning permission and building regulations to home renovation advice.
Introduction The typical UK home is working harder than ever as office, classroom, gym, and sanctuary so home extension design trends in the UK 2025 revolve around squeezing more livable, light-filled …
Planning By Design is proud to announce that we have been named the Architectural Design & Town Planning Consultancy of the Year 2025 – UK, and awarded the BUILD Client Service …
Introduction Britain’s skyline is a living textbook. Each cottage, castle or concrete block records a chapter in UK architectural design history, including contributions from the Industrial Revolution and the National …
The statutory time from to issue a decision is eight weeks from validation, however many councils are under resourced, backlogged and can take longer.
The statutory fee in England is between £262 and £528 depsing on the type of development.
Loft conversions can often be considered permitted development, provided there are no hidden planning constraints that limit or remove permitted development rights and the design meets all the required criteria.
Yes. Our fast-track householder application service is available for those who are in a rush or have urgent requirements, such as a retrospective planning application following an enforcement notice.
