How to Apply for Planning Permission for a New Build 

Assuming your development is feasible there are several types of planning application that could be suitable as a starting point including pre-application, outline planning application and full planning application. Which application is right for your project as a starting point will depend entirely on the outcome of your planning appraisal?

For instance, if your project has a very high likelihood of success and no major constraints it may be the case that we recommend going straight in with a full planning application. This means you could save time and money by not submitting a pre-app and then an application for outline planning permission.

However, if your project is very large and complex or has lots of constraints which may make it difficult to secure planning approval then we may advise a formal pre-application and or an application for outline planning permission before going ahead with a full planning application to give you the best chance of success.

Every application requires a variety of supporting evidence to justify why it should be approved, architectural drawings, maps, block plans and of course the correct application to be completed. There may also be additional supporting documents or specialist reports required depending what exactly you wish to change and where the site is located.

Once an application is submitted the planning authority first needs to validate it, this can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. If there is anything missing or incorrect the planning officer may invalidate the application and until the missing info is added or mistakes corrected.

From the day the application is validated they then have 8 to 13 weeks to process the application and reach a decision. It is however common for planning authorities to request additional information or minor design alterations which can delay the process further. For example, they might find something unacceptable but suggest a compromise that they would approve. Many people who try themselves are unaware of this so subsequently are rejected unnecessarily.

It is recommended that you allow as much time as possible when considering submitting a planning application for a new build, at least 3 months and up to 12 months ahead is ideal. Once planning is approved you generally have 3 years to start work and 5 years to complete the work.

In theory anyone can submit an application although other than industry professionals those who try are often rejected unnecessarily due to missing information or mistakes. Even architects are generally only qualified in design but not planning so, while they can draw anything, this does not mean that it meets all of the necessary planning criteria. In fact, lots of clients come to us having been rejected with an architect because the application did not meet the necessary planning criteria.

At Studio Charrette, we have a team of inhouse architects and planners who work together on every application. This ensures the design meets both our client’s expectation and also the expectations of the planning authority to give every application the best chance of success.

If you would like to find out what is required for your new build development, the likelihood of success or the costs associated with applying for planning permission please contact us to speak with one of our expert planning consultants today.

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