Do you need planning permission?

Not all building work needs planning permission. Many common improvements — rear extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions — fall under Permitted Development (PD) and can proceed without a planning application. However, PD rights can be restricted by conservation area designations, Article 4 Directions, and conditions on previous permissions.

Our planning drawing service starts from £840 and includes a PD assessment at survey stage.

Permitted Development explained

PD rights are set out in the GPDO 2015 (as amended). Key household PD rights:

  • Rear extensions: up to 6m (semi/terrace) or 8m (detached) single-storey
  • Loft conversions: up to 40m³ (terrace) or 50m³ (semi/detached), rear dormers only
  • Outbuildings: within defined size and height limits
  • Garage conversions: generally PD (no external alteration to footprint)

Even when PD applies, we recommend a Lawful Development Certificate (£129 council fee) for legal certainty. See our Lewisham dormer case study for a real LDC example.

Conservation areas

London has over 1,000 conservation areas. Many PD rights are restricted in these areas. You will typically need planning for dormer extensions facing the highway, cladding, satellite dishes on front elevations, and demolition. See our Camden side return case study for a conservation area example.

The application process

  1. Measured site survey (we carry this out)
  2. Preparation of drawings and supporting documents
  3. Submission via the Planning Portal (£258 council fee, 2026)
  4. Validation by council (typically 5–10 working days)
  5. 21-day neighbour consultation
  6. Case officer assessment
  7. Decision (target: 8 weeks from validation)

Our Complete package (£1,750) handles survey to submission.

What if planning is refused?

  • Amend and resubmit (free within 12 months of original decision)
  • Appeal to the Planning Inspectorate (free, 6–12 months)
  • Accept the decision and explore alternatives

Our 98% first-time approval rate means refusals are rare. If it happens, we advise on the best path forward at no extra charge.

Pre-application advice

Most London councils offer formal pre-application advice (£200–600). The council gives an informal officer opinion before you commit to a full application. We recommend pre-apps for conservation areas, large extensions, and proposals likely to generate objections.

Borough-specific planning

Every London borough has its own Local Plan and conservation area policies. Browse planning services by borough:

Need planning drawings?

Fixed-fee planning drawings from £840. MCIAT chartered. 98% first-time approval rate across all 33 London boroughs.

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