Planning & Permissions

How to tell whether your extension needs a planning application or falls under permitted development. Covers the two routes, when PD rights don't apply, and how to check your property.

The exact PD limits for single-storey rear extensions in England. Depth, height, curtilage, materials, and how to confirm your extension qualifies with a £274 Lawful Development Certificate.

What the Planning Portal does, what it costs (£70 plus VAT service charge), and how it differs from your council's planning website.

How to find, appoint, and manage an architect for your extension. Covers fees (typically £1,500–2,500), what each stage costs, and the questions to ask before you commit.

The prior approval process for extending beyond standard PD limits (up to 6m or 8m). Covers the £249 fee, 42-day timeline, neighbour consultation, and what to do if refused.

Where to buy the Ordnance Survey maps required for your planning application, which scales to order, and how to avoid the location plan errors that invalidate 22% of submissions.

How to submit a householder planning application in England. Covers the £548 fee, required drawings, Planning Portal submission, the 8-week decision timeline, and what to do if refused.

Your structural engineer calculates the steels, foundations, and load paths that stop your extension falling down. Expect to pay £500–1,500 for initial calcs, plus £45–135 per revision.

How to discuss your extension plans with neighbours before submitting planning. Covers what to say, what not to say, and how to handle objections.

The Party Wall Act 1996 can delay your extension by months if you don't handle it early. Covers when it applies, the notice process, costs (nothing to thousands if disputed), and how to protect yourself.

Building control is separate from planning permission and costs £250–550 for the plan check alone. Here's how to apply, what the documents contain, and realistic timescales.

Your BCO checks foundations, drainage, structure, and fire safety across 5-7 visits. Know what they look for so you can hold your builder accountable.

How to appeal a refused householder planning application. Covers the 12-week deadline, written representations procedure, what the inspector looks for, realistic success rates, and when resubmitting makes more sense.