Do I need planning permission for my home extension?

Many smaller extensions can be built under Permitted Development, but larger projects, work on listed buildings, flats or homes in conservation areas usually need full planning permission. We review your property, advise whether planning is required and, if it is, prepare and submit a complete planning application on your behalf.

Can Best Builders handle the entire planning process for me?

Yes. We can manage the full planning process from start to finish, including measured survey, drawings, design development, planning strategy, preparing all required documents, submitting the application, and dealing with any feedback from the local authority until a decision is made. This makes planning as stress-free as possible and helps improve the likelihood of approval.

How long does planning permission take to be approved?

Most local authorities aim to decide a standard householder planning application in around 8 weeks from validation, but timescales vary depending on the council, complexity of the project and whether any revisions are requested. We submit complete, well-presented applications and respond quickly to any queries to help keep your project moving.

What information do you need to start the planning and design work?

To start planning and design we typically need your property address, any existing plans if you have them, details of what you want to achieve, your budget and desired timescales. We then carry out a measured survey if required and develop drawings and proposals that meet planning policy and your goals. You can contact us via the enquiry form or phone to arrange a free initial discussion.

Can you help if my planning application has been refused?

If your planning application has been refused, we can review the decision notice, assess the reasons for refusal and advise on the best next step. This may include revising the design to overcome the objections or preparing an appeal. We focus on creating a solution that gives you the best chance of gaining permission while still meeting your objectives.

Do you provide architectural drawings for planning and building regulations?

We provide detailed architectural drawings tailored for both planning submissions and building regulations approval. Planning drawings focus on layout, scale and appearance to satisfy the planners, while building regulations drawings include construction details, structure, insulation and compliance information. This joined-up approach helps create a smooth transition from concept and planning through to construction on site.

Can you work with my local council's planning department?

Yes. We regularly deal with local planning authorities and understand how to present applications in line with local and national planning policy. We act as your agent, communicating directly with the council, responding to any requests for clarification and adjusting the design where necessary to give your project the best possible chance of approval.

How do I get a planning and design quote from Best Builders?

You can request a planning and design quote by contacting us through the website contact form or by phone. Share a brief description of your project, your property address and any existing plans or photos. We will review the information, discuss your ideas, and then provide a clear, no-obligation fee proposal for the planning and design work required.

Planning Permission Help for Home Building Projects

Complete Planning Support for UK Homeowners

Navigating planning permission, building regulations and local authority requirements in the United Kingdom can be confusing and time-consuming. Our planning team works closely with you, your local council and our designers to secure the approvals needed for your house extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions, renovations and new build homes.

Whether you simply want advice on permitted development rights or require full planning applications and building control approval, we provide a single, streamlined service so you do not have to deal with multiple consultants.

Our Planning Services

Best Builders offers a comprehensive planning package tailored to UK residential projects:

1. Feasibility & Initial Advice

Review of your property, title and local planning constraints
Guidance on what is realistic under local planning policy
Advice on permitted development vs full planning permission
High-level budget and timescale guidance for your ideas

2. Measured Surveys & Existing Drawings

On-site measured survey of your house and garden
Scaled drawings of the existing property and boundaries
Accurate base plans for designers, engineers and builders
Digital drawing packs ready for council submission

3. Concept & Planning Drawings

Floorplans, elevations and roof layouts for your proposal
Design options based on your lifestyle and budget
Neighbour and street-scene impact considered from the start
Drawings optimised to maximise space and planning success

4. Planning Applications

Preparation and submission of online planning applications
Householder, full, outline and lawful development certificates
Production of design & access statements where required
Ongoing liaison with the planning officer until decision

5. Building Regulations & Technical Packs

Detailed construction drawings for building control approval
Structural engineer coordination for beams, walls and floors
Thermal, fire, sound and drainage compliance design
Support with building control inspections and sign-off

6. Post-Approval Changes & Discharge of Conditions

Handling of non-material and minor material amendments
Assistance with planning conditions and additional reports
On-site adjustments coordinated with your builder
Updates to drawings for your final as-built records

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Many home projects in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland fall under permitted development. Others require householder planning permission or full consent. Our team checks your local authority guidance and national legislation to ensure you follow the correct route.

Home Extensions

Rear and side extensions are often permitted without full planning permission if they stay within specific height, depth and volume limits. These limits depend on whether your house is detached, semi-detached or terraced and whether you live in a conservation area. We assess your options and advise whether a Lawful Development Certificate or a householder application is the best route.

Loft Conversions

Most loft conversions are allowed under permitted development, but large dormers, front-facing changes or roof height increases typically need planning permission. We design loft layouts that maximise space while staying within volume limits and roofline rules where possible.

Garage & Outbuilding Conversions

Converting an attached or detached garage into habitable space and building new garden rooms is often possible without a full application, but there are strict rules on size, height, use and distance from boundaries. We confirm your permitted development rights and secure planning permission when required.

New Build Homes & Major Renovations

New dwellings, large remodels and changes of use almost always require full planning permission and in some cases additional reports such as flood risk, ecology, transport and heritage statements. Our planning consultants coordinate all necessary professionals to build a robust submission.

Our Planning Process

We follow a clear, step-by-step process so you always know what happens next.

1. Free Initial Consultation

We discuss your ideas, budget and timescale by phone or video call, review any photos or sketches you have, and outline likely planning routes for your property in the UK.
2. Site Visit & Survey

A member of the team visits your home, carries out a measured survey and assesses access, services, neighbouring properties and any visible constraints such as trees or level changes.
3. Concept Design & Feedback

We prepare concept layouts and elevations, then review them with you to refine the design. At this stage we will flag any elements that are unlikely to meet planning policy so we can adjust early.
4. Final Planning Drawings

Once the design is agreed, we prepare final scaled plans, sections and elevations together with any required design statements and supporting documents.
5. Submission & Management

We submit the planning application through the correct national or local portal, pay the application fee on your behalf (if agreed) and monitor progress, responding promptly to any council queries.
6. Decision & Next Steps

When a decision is issued, we help you understand any conditions, move your project into detailed design and building regulations, and coordinate with the build team to prepare for construction.

Why Use Best Builders for Planning?

UK-based planning expertise for homes across the country
End-to-end service from concept to completion
Designs shaped around planning policy and buildability
Clear, fixed-fee planning packages with no surprises

Regular updates while your application is in review
Coordination with structural engineers and building control
Specialist experience with extensions and lofts
Friendly team focused on minimising delays and risk

Planning FAQs

How long does planning permission take in the UK?

Most local authorities aim to decide householder applications within 8 weeks, though timescales vary by council and complexity. Larger or more sensitive proposals can take 13 weeks or more. We plan your project programme around realistic local decision times.

What happens if my application is refused?

If planning permission is refused, the council will issue written reasons. We review these carefully and advise whether to submit a revised scheme, negotiate changes, or in some cases pursue an appeal. Our goal is always to secure an approval that still meets your key objectives.

Do I still need building regulations if I have planning?

Yes. Planning permission and building regulations approval are separate. Planning focuses on appearance, use and local impact, while building regulations deal with structure, fire, insulation, ventilation, drainage and safety. We help you obtain both approvals before work starts on site.

Can you help with listed buildings and conservation areas?

We regularly deal with sensitive locations including listed buildings, conservation areas and green belt sites. These projects usually require additional specialist input and a more tailored design approach. We assemble the right team and prepare the detailed statements your council will expect.

Planning Permission & Building Control in the UK

Complete Planning Support for UK Homeowners

Our Planning Services

1. Feasibility & Initial Advice

2. Measured Surveys & Existing Drawings

3. Concept & Planning Drawings

4. Planning Applications

5. Building Regulations & Technical Packs

6. Post-Approval Changes & Discharge of Conditions

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Home Extensions

Loft Conversions

Garage & Outbuilding Conversions

New Build Homes & Major Renovations

Our Planning Process

1. Free Initial Consultation

2. Site Visit & Survey

3. Concept Design & Feedback

4. Final Planning Drawings

5. Submission & Management

6. Decision & Next Steps

Why Use Best Builders for Planning?

Planning FAQs

How long does planning permission take in the UK?

What happens if my application is refused?

Do I still need building regulations if I have planning?

Can you help with listed buildings and conservation areas?

Start Your Planning Application Today

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