ARCHITECTS FROM LONDON Planning Application
Planning Applications for Home Projects
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Planning Application intro
Planning Application Support for Residential Projects
A planning application is more than a set of drawings.
It is the formal process used to ask the local planning authority to assess and decide whether a proposed development can go ahead.
Tholos can support residential planning applications for extensions, loft conversions, renovations and other home projects, helping make sure the right drawings and supporting information are prepared before submission.
Planning Application explainend
What Is a Planning Application?
A planning application is a formal submission to the local planning authority requesting permission for proposed development.
Depending on the project, this may involve:
- extensions
- loft alterations
- changes to the external appearance of a property
- new buildings
- significant remodelling
- changes of use
- work in sensitive locations
- development affecting listed buildings or conservation areas
The application gives the authority the information it needs to assess the proposal against local and national planning policies.
Planning Application
Do I Need a Planning Application?
Not every project requires a full planning application.
Some work may fall under permitted development rights.
Other projects may require:
- prior approval
- a Lawful Development Certificate
- Listed Building Consent
- another form of planning consent
The correct route depends on the property, the type of work proposed and any restrictions affecting the site.
Before preparing a full application, it is therefore important to establish which approval route actually applies.
Planning Application
What Is Included in a Planning Application?
The exact requirements vary depending on the project and local authority.
A typical application may include:
- application forms
- ownership information
- location plan
- site or block plan
- existing drawings
- proposed drawings
- elevations
- floor plans
- roof plans
- sections
- supporting statements
- relevant reports
- application fee
Additional information may be required for more complex or sensitive projects.
Planning Application
Planning Drawings for an Application
The drawings are one of the most important parts of the submission.
They need to explain the existing property and proposed development clearly enough for the planning officer to understand exactly what is being requested.
Depending on the project, the drawing package may include:
- existing and proposed floor plans
- existing and proposed elevations
- roof plans
- site plans
- location plans
- sections
Poor or incomplete drawings can delay validation or make the proposal harder to assess.
Planning Application
Existing and Proposed Plans
Planning authorities often need to compare the existing building with the proposed design.
Existing and proposed plans help show:
- what is changing
- what is being retained
- what is being removed
- what is being added
- how the layout and appearance will change
This makes the scope of the development much clearer.
Planning Application
Planning Applications for Extensions
House extensions are one of the most common types of residential planning application.
The authority may assess matters such as:
- size
- height
- depth
- design
- materials
- impact on neighbours
- effect on daylight
- relationship with the existing house
- effect on the street or surrounding area
Some extensions may fall under permitted development, while others require full planning permission.
Planning Applications for Loft Conversions
Many loft conversions can fall within permitted development rights, but planning permission may still be required depending on the design and property.
A planning application may be needed where the project includes:
- large dormers
- significant roof alterations
- changes beyond permitted development limits
- work in a conservation area
- restrictions on permitted development rights
The drawings should clearly show how the roof and external appearance will change.
Planning Application
Planning Applications for Renovations
Internal renovation alone often does not require planning permission.
However, an application may be needed where the renovation includes:
- extensions
- changes to windows or doors
- roof alterations
- changes to external materials
- significant external remodelling
- listed building work
- development in a conservation area
The planning requirement should therefore be assessed against the full scope of the project.
Planning Application
Planning Applications and Permitted Development
Permitted development allows certain types of work to proceed without a full planning application, provided the proposal meets the relevant rules.
This can apply to some:
- extensions
- loft conversions
- outbuildings
- alterations
- roof works
However, permitted development rights are subject to limits and conditions and may be restricted for certain properties or locations.
Where there is uncertainty, it is important to check the position before work begins.
Planning Application
Lawful Development Certificate Applications
A Lawful Development Certificate can provide formal confirmation that proposed or existing development is lawful.
For proposed work, this can be particularly useful where the project is intended to proceed under permitted development rights.
The application usually requires clear drawings and information demonstrating why the proposal complies.
Prior Approval Applications
Some forms of permitted development require prior approval from the local authority.
This is not the same as a full planning application.
Instead, the authority assesses specific matters defined by the relevant permitted development rules.
Depending on the proposal, this may include:
- neighbour impact
- transport
- appearance
- flooding
- contamination
- other specified issues
The exact process depends on the type of development.
Planning Application
Pre-Application Advice
For more complex, unusual or potentially sensitive proposals, pre-application advice can sometimes be useful before submitting a full application.
This allows the local planning authority to comment on the proposal at an earlier stage.
It may help identify:
- likely planning concerns
- design issues
- additional information required
- local policy considerations
Pre-application advice is not a guarantee that planning permission will be granted, but it can help inform the design before submission.
Planning Application
Conservation Area Planning Applications
Properties in conservation areas can be subject to additional planning considerations.
The local authority may place greater emphasis on:
- architectural character
- materials
- windows and doors
- roof form
- external detailing
- impact on the surrounding area
Certain permitted development rights may also be more restricted.
The planning application should therefore respond carefully to the context of the property.
Listed Building Applications
Alterations to a listed building may require Listed Building Consent in addition to, or instead of, normal planning permission.
This can apply to internal as well as external work.
The submission may need to explain:
- the historic significance of the building
- what is being altered
- why the work is necessary
- how historic fabric will be affected
- what materials and details are proposed
Listed building work should therefore be approached with particular care.
Planning Application
Retrospective Planning Applications
Sometimes work is carried out before the correct planning approval has been obtained.
In some cases, it may be possible to submit a retrospective planning application.
This does not automatically mean the work will be approved.
The authority will assess the development in the same way it would have done if the application had been submitted before construction.
If the application is refused, further action may be required.
Planning Application
What Happens After a Planning Application Is Submitted?
Once submitted, the application normally needs to be validated by the local authority.
Validation checks that the required forms, drawings and supporting information have been provided.
After validation, the authority may:
- consult neighbours
- consult other departments or organisations
- assess planning policy
- review the design
- request clarification
- visit the site
A planning officer then prepares a recommendation or decision, depending on the type of application.
How Long Does a Planning Application Take?
Timescales vary depending on the type of application, the local authority and whether additional information or amendments are required.
Straightforward residential applications are generally intended to be decided within the relevant statutory target period, but delays can occur.
It is therefore sensible to allow time for the planning process within the wider project programme rather than assuming approval will be immediate.
Can a Planning Application Be Changed After Submission?
Sometimes.
The planning authority may be willing to accept minor amendments while the application is being assessed.
However, significant design changes may require a new application.
It is therefore better to resolve the main design decisions before submission wherever possible.
What If Planning Permission Is Refused?
A refusal does not necessarily mean the project has reached the end of the road.
Depending on the reasons for refusal, options may include:
- revising the design
- submitting a new application
- negotiating amendments
- appealing the decision
The best route depends on why the application was refused and whether the planning concerns can realistically be addressed.
Planning Application
Planning Conditions
Planning permission may be granted subject to conditions.
These conditions can control aspects of the development such as:
- materials
- landscaping
- construction details
- working hours
- drainage
- further design information
Some conditions must be discharged before particular stages of work can begin.
It is important to read the decision notice carefully and understand what still needs to be approved.
Planning Application
Planning Permission Is Not Building Regulations Approval
Planning approval deals primarily with whether the development is acceptable in planning terms.
Building Regulations deal with technical compliance.
A project with planning permission may still require separate Building Regulations approval before or during construction.
These requirements can include:
- structural safety
- fire safety
- insulation
- ventilation
- drainage
- accessibility
- other technical standards
Planning Application
What Happens After Planning Permission?
Once planning permission is secured, the project may still need further technical development before builders are approached.
This can include:
- Building Regulations
- structural design
- technical drawings
- specifications
- tender information
- builder quotations
- contractor selection
- construction
Planning approval is therefore an important milestone, but it is not usually the final step before building work starts.
Planning Application
Already Have Planning Permission?
If your project already has approval, Tholos can help you move into the next stage.
We can review the approved information and help establish what drawings, technical details and approvals are still needed before construction.
Need Help With a Planning Application?
Tell us what you are planning and what stage your project has reached.
We can help establish the appropriate planning route, prepare the necessary drawings and support the application process.
Client experience
"
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. We had a vision for our home but no idea how to realise it. Tholos Interiors took complete ownership of the project — every detail was considered, every decision explained. The result exceeded everything we had imagined.
– Lawrence Ipsum, Homeowner · London –
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a planning application for my project?
It depends on the type of work, the property and any restrictions that apply. Some projects require full planning permission, while others may fall under permitted development.
What documents are needed for a planning application?
This depends on the proposal, but applications commonly include forms, location and site plans, existing and proposed drawings and any required supporting information.
Can I submit a planning application myself?
Yes, but the drawings and supporting information still need to meet the relevant requirements for the application to be validated and assessed properly.
Can planning drawings be used for Building Regulations?
Usually not on their own. Building Regulations require additional technical information.
Can Tholos take over a planning application started by someone else?
Yes. Existing drawings and application information can be reviewed to identify what stage the project has reached and what may still be required.
Disclaimer
This article is part of a series created by our dynamic marketing team for informational purposes only. While we strive to review all content thoroughly, occasional oversights may occur, even after publication. Therefore, we cannot accept liability for any interpretations or use of the information provided. For the most up-to-date information or to report any discrepancies, please contact us at hello@tholos-architects.com.
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