10 Common Planning Permission Questions Answered
Getting your head around UK planning rules isn’t always easy—especially if you're diving into a self-build or extension project. Whether you're eyeing up a plot or planning a big home upgrade, these answers to common planning questions will help you feel a bit more in control.
1. Should I Buy Land Without Planning Permission? ⚠️
Short answer: it’s risky. The land might sit outside development zones or have tricky issues like poor access, heritage restrictions, or ground problems. Sometimes it pays off—especially if you’ve got a solid reason like caring for family or running a rural business—but there are no guarantees. A safer move? Ask the seller to agree on a fixed price if you get planning permission. Land with expired (or “lapsed”) planning is usually a safer bet than starting from scratch.
2. Do I Need Planning Permission to Extend My House? 🏡
That depends on your location and the size of the extension. If your home’s in a national park, conservation area, or AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), you’ll need permission. Otherwise, you can often do a small rear extension without full planning—but double-check the rules on www.planningportal.co.uk
3. Should I Hire a Planning Consultant for My Self-Build? 👷
Not always—but if you’ve got a tricky site, an ambitious design, or you're building in a sensitive area, it’s worth it. A good consultant can guide your design, speak the same language as the planners, and help improve your chances of approval.
4. Can I Change the Approved Design on My Plot? ✏️
It depends what kind of planning consent it has. Full planning permission ties you to a specific design, while outline consent is more flexible. If you’ve got outline consent, you can usually design your own layout and submit it later for approval.
5. How Can I Improve My Chances Before Submitting a Planning App? 📑
Look up past applications in your area on the council website. See what’s been approved—or rejected. Make sure your design fits with local planning policies. If you've got outline consent, check what’s allowed and when it expires.
6. Is It Worth Having a Pre-App Meeting with a Planner? 🤝
Yes, especially if your plot’s unusual. Share rough sketches or early ideas with the council to get informal feedback. If you’re deep into the design and worry it won’t pass, you can withdraw and re-submit your app later—free of charge.
7. Who Might Object to My Planning Application? 😬
Neighbours are notified automatically—so it's wise to keep them in the loop early. Other potential objections might come from departments like Highways (for access/parking), Conservation (if you're near protected buildings), Ecology (for bats and newts), and Environment (for flood risks).
8. How Can I Reduce the Chances of Objections? 🌳
Check if trees on the land are protected with a Tree Preservation Order (ask your council). Suspect bats or badgers? Book an ecology survey. Building in a flood zone? Use the Environment Agency’s map and be ready to provide a flood risk assessment.
9. Is Permitted Development Quicker Than Full Planning? ⏱️
Yes—if your project qualifies. You can usually start straight away after notifying Building Control. But remember: building regs still apply. Full planning applications typically take 8 weeks (or up to 13 for larger projects). If there’s a delay, you can appeal.
10. What’s Prior Approval or a Lawful Development Certificate? 🧾
Prior approval lets you do bigger works (like taller extensions) under permitted development. A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) proves your project is legally allowed—it’s great to have on record, especially if you plan to sell later.
✅ Final Word
Planning permission can be a bit of a maze—but with a bit of research and the right support, it’s totally doable. Whether you're building from scratch or adding space to your existing home, knowing what you're dealing with from the start helps avoid delays and costly mistakes.