Planning Applications
How to find, track, and comment on planning applications
Browse our free UK planning guides on planning applications below. Written in plain English for homeowners, self-builders, developers and planning professionals.
Environmental Impact Assessments in Planning
Large developments may need an Environmental Impact Assessment. Here's when EIA applies and what it involves.
2 min readHow to Object to a Planning Application
Anyone can object to a planning application by submitting comments to the council during the consultation period.
3 min readWhat Is a Householder Planning Application?
A householder planning application is for works to an existing house - extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings, and other alterations.
2 min readHow to Find Planning Applications Near Me
You can search for planning applications by postcode, town, or council to see what's being proposed in your area.
2 min readWhat Do Planning Application Status Codes Mean?
A guide to the status codes used in the UK planning system, from pending validation to approval, refusal and appeal.
4 min readPlanning Application Timelines: What to Expect
A detailed guide to how long each stage of a planning application takes, from pre-application to decision and beyond.
5 min readFull Planning Permission vs Householder Application
The key differences between full planning permission and a householder planning application, including when each is needed and what they cost.
5 min readPre-Application Advice: Is It Worth It?
What pre-application advice is, how much it costs, and whether it is worth the investment before submitting a planning application.
5 min readHow to Track Your Neighbour's Planning Application
How to find, monitor and respond to a planning application near your home, including how to comment or object.
4 min readPlanning Enforcement: What Councils Can Do About Unauthorised Development
What happens when someone builds without planning permission - how enforcement works, time limits, and what you can do if you're affected.
4 min readHow to Object to a Neighbour's Planning Application
A practical guide to writing an effective planning objection - what counts as a valid reason, how to structure your letter, and what happens next.
4 min readRetrospective Planning Permission: Can You Apply After Building?
What is retrospective planning permission, when can you apply, and what are the risks of building first and applying later?
4 min readFlood Risk Assessment: When You Need One and How to Get It
When a flood risk assessment is required for a planning application - what it involves, who can prepare one, and how flood zones affect your proposal.
4 min readCertificate of Lawfulness: Proving Your Build Is Legal
What is a Certificate of Lawfulness and when do you need one? How to prove that existing or proposed development is lawful.
4 min readMinor and Non-Material Amendments to Planning Permission
How to make changes to an existing planning permission without submitting a full new application, covering Section 73 and Section 96A amendments.
2 min readPlanning Permission Renewal and Extension of Time
What to do when your planning permission is about to expire, how to apply for an extension of time, and the rules around renewing lapsed permissions.
3 min read