top of page

The First Stage of the Planning Process

Updated: Nov 16, 2023

In this post we aim to guide you through the minefield we call planning!


We will explain the first steps in the planning process; the consultation, fee proposal and instruction.


What is Planning Permission, and do I need it?


The meaning of planning permission refers to the consent given by the local council or authority to build a new build or to make a major change or changes to your existing building.


You will need to find out who your local authority is. This can be done on the Government website:

To determine whether or not you need planning permission, to carry out the works you are hoping to do, it could be a good idea to first check the planning portal on the GOV website for England and Wales.


You can also check the planning portals list of 50 common home building projects. These may help as they will give you an idea on planning rules, permitted development limits and building regulations for each project.


One of our team will also be able to tell you whether you are required to submit a planning application, or some other application, or none at all! We go through this during out consultations, or you can give us a call for a quick discussion.


Do you charge for your consultations?


We don’t. All of our consultations are free. The consultation takes around an hour and it allows us to meet you, go through your project in detail and find out what your ideas are.


At the consultation, we will be also able to give you advice on which route you would need to take to have the best chance of achieving planning. We would then go back to the office, review our notes and draft up a free fee proposal.

What is included in a fee proposal?


A Fee proposal is our quote to you for the works required for the planning process that we have advised.


Is the fee proposal broken down?


Yes we would break down the fee proposal so that it is easy to digest it could be made up of, but not limited, to the below:


· Site Survey – survey the existing house to obtain precise measurements

· Draw up existing floor plans and elevations

· Draw up proposed floor plans and elevations

· Site Location Plan

· Block Plan

· Submitting your application as your agent and handling all correspondence


The above drawings are the Architectural Drawings required by the council for most planning related applications.


Extension prices start at just £800 plus VAT. Pricing is subject to the size and complexity of your project.


Our fee also includes submitting your proposal to the council and managing all correspondence as your agent.


If you are happy with our proposal, the next step would be Instruction.


This is confirmation for you to read and that you would like to proceed. We will then send out our formal Ts&Cs, once your first invoice for 50% is paid. We will then start the works on your planning application.


Extension prices start at just £800 plus VAT. Pricing is subject to the size and complexity of your project.


Get in touch today to book your free consultation!


11 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page