Planning Permission
Everything you need to know about applying for planning permission in the UK
Browse our free UK planning guides on planning permission below. Written in plain English for homeowners, self-builders, developers and planning professionals.
Modular Homes Planning & Approval: How Prefab Projects Move Through the UK System
Planning permission for modular and manufactured homes in the UK, what councils assess, and how modular construction affects your application.
Basement Planning Applications: Design, Approval and Delivery in the UK
Planning permission for basement conversions and new basement excavations in the UK, including when permitted development applies and what makes applications fail.
Timber Frame Planning & Offsite Construction: How Projects Move from Planning to Build
What timber frame construction means for planning permission in the UK, why it rarely raises planning issues, and when it becomes relevant to your application.
How Glamping Planning Applications Drive Real Leads: A Guide for Suppliers & Contractors
Planning permission for glamping sites and holiday accommodation pods in the UK, including when temporary use applies and what councils look for.
Student Accommodation Planning Applications: A Guide to PBSA Projects, Design and Approval
How UK Warehouse Planning Applications Drive Industrial Development: A Guide for Architects, Contractors & Suppliers
Annexe Planning & Design: A Complete Guide to Granny Annexes, Garden Annexes & Ancillary Accommodation
When an annexe or granny flat needs planning permission, what the rules say about independent occupation, and how to apply successfully.
New Dwelling Planning Applications: How Residential Development Projects Move from Planning to Construction
How planning permission for new dwellings works in the UK, what sites are most likely to succeed, and what the assessment process involves.
Replacement Dwelling Planning Applications: A Complete Guide for Suppliers and Contractors
When you can replace an existing house with a new one under UK planning rules, what councils look for, and how replacement dwelling applications differ from new builds.
Passivhaus Planning & Design: How Ultra-Low Energy Homes Are Approved & Built in the UK
How Passivhaus design interacts with UK planning permission, when energy standards become planning conditions, and what to expect from the application process.
Self Build Planning Applications: How Projects Move from Permission to Construction
A practical guide to planning permission for self-build homes in the UK, covering the application process, Right to Build registers, and what affects decisions.
Oak Frame Planning Applications: A Guide to Finding and Winning Projects Early
Oak frame construction and planning permission in the UK, including what councils look for, when it raises heritage or character issues, and how oak frame projects differ from standard new builds.
How EV Charging Projects Move Through UK Planning: A Guide for Suppliers & Contractors
Planning permission for EV charging points in the UK, when permitted development applies, and what conditions apply for commercial and residential installations.
Battery Storage Planning & BESS Projects: How UK Grid Storage Infrastructure Gets Approved
Wind Turbine Planning Applications in the UK: How Projects Move from Consent to Construction
Solar Farm Planning & Development: How Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic Projects Move Through the UK Planning System
Office to Residential Conversions: Planning, Design and Delivery in the UK
Agricultural to Residential Planning Applications: A Complete Guide to Farm Conversions in the UK
Barn Conversions in the UK: Planning, Design & Build—A Complete Guide for Suppliers & Contractors
What planning permission you need for a barn conversion in the UK, when permitted development applies, and what affects approval.
HMO Planning Applications: How Shared Housing Projects Are Designed, Approved and Built
Planning permission for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in England, including when Article 4 directions apply and what councils assess.
Holiday Let Planning Applications: A Guide to the UK Planning Process and Project Opportunities
When changing a property to a holiday let requires planning permission, how councils assess it, and what the short-term lets regulations mean for your application.
Care Home Planning & Development: How Projects Are Approved and Built in the UK
Outline vs Full Planning Permission
Outline permission establishes the principle of development, while full permission approves all the details of a specific scheme.
3 min readWhat Happens If Planning Permission Is Refused?
If your planning application is refused, you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, resubmit an amended scheme, or try to negotiate with the council.
3 min readWhat Is Permitted Development?
Permitted development rights allow certain building works and changes of use without the need to apply for planning permission.
3 min readWhat Is Planning Permission in the UK?
Planning permission is the formal approval you need from your local council before making certain changes to a building or piece of land.
3 min readDo I Need Planning Permission?
A clear guide to when you need planning permission in England and Wales, and when your project might fall under permitted development.
3 min readHow to Apply for Planning Permission in the UK
A step-by-step guide to submitting a planning application in England, from preparing your documents to receiving a decision.
3 min readHow Long Does Planning Permission Take?
Typical timelines for planning permission decisions in the UK, from submission to approval, and what can cause delays.
3 min readHow Much Does Planning Permission Cost?
A breakdown of planning application fees in England, plus the additional costs you should budget for.
3 min readWhat Happens If You Build Without Planning Permission?
The risks and consequences of carrying out development without the required planning permission, and how to regularise unauthorised work.
4 min readHMO Planning Permission: The Complete UK Guide
Everything you need to know about planning permission for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in the UK, including when you need it and how to apply.
4 min readWhat Is an HMO? Rules, Licensing and Planning Requirements
An overview of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in the UK - what qualifies, who needs a licence, and when planning permission is required.
4 min readHMO Licence: How to Apply, Costs and Requirements
A practical guide to applying for an HMO licence in the UK - what you need, how much it costs, and how long it takes.
4 min readBuilding Regulations Explained: What You Need to Know
A clear guide to building regulations in the UK - what they are, when they apply, and how they differ from planning permission.
4 min readChange of Use: Converting Commercial Property to Residential
How to convert offices, shops, and other commercial buildings to residential use - prior approval routes, full planning, and the rules for each use class.
5 min readPlanning Permission for Shop Fronts and Signage
When you need planning permission or advertisement consent for shop fronts, signage, and external alterations to commercial premises.
4 min readWorking from Home: Do You Need Planning Permission?
When working from home crosses the line from incidental use to a material change of use, and what planning rules apply to home businesses in the UK.
3 min readAirbnb Planning Permission: Do You Need It?
When letting your property on Airbnb or other short-let platforms requires planning permission, and what the new rules mean for hosts in the UK.
2 min readPlanning Permission for Loft Conversions
Most loft conversions do not need planning permission under permitted development rights. Learn the rules, volume limits, costs, and when you do need to apply.
8 min readPlanning Permission for House Extensions
Learn which house extensions need planning permission and which are permitted development. Covers rear, side, front, and two-storey extensions with size limits and costs.
9 min read