What you need to know about Planning Permission

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There are 101 things you will need to think about on your home build. From managing your budget to keep in contact with all your suppliers and contractors, there are a heap of things to keep track of. But before work can even begin, it needs to be approved through planning permission.

Urbanist Architecture have developed a name for themselves as one of London’s best planning permission architects, providing their personalised service for over 500 satisfied clients across the UK.

Getting a free feasibility assessment takes just a few minutes and with their unmatched success rate for planning permissions, you’ll know you’re in the right hands.

What is planning permission?

Urbanist Architecture: “Planning permission controls the way our towns, cities and countryside develop. The government gives Local Planning Authorities the power to manage where people build and what they do with land. The Development Management team of Local Planning Authorities handle planning permission applications.”

Planning permission is a formal document issued by your local council that turns a piece of land into a building plot. The purpose of it is to avoid inappropriate or unsuitable development that may negatively affect the area. When considering applications, the council will take into account all national and local planning policies as well as the views of the community.

When do I need planning permission?

UA: “Planning permission is needed for most types of new development or changes to the use of land. Conservation areas and listed buildings also have specific requirements.”

Most likely you’ll need planning permission if you’re building something new from scratch, changing the use of your building or making major changes such as adding an extension to your property. 


I need to apply for planning permission. Where do I start?

UA: “When making a planning application, it is important to make sure that a fully completed set of forms is submitted. Accurate scale drawings should accompany all applications. These should include:

  • A full set of planning drawings
  • Design and Access Statement Report
  • Duly Completed Application Form


When submitting your application all of your drawings should be complete, clearly showing where all of the walls, windows, rooms and doors will be. Typically a Design and Access Statement is needed for most types of new builds or for change of uses.

Applying for planning permission isn’t necessarily the hardest thing in the world but bringing in a professional architect’s insight and advice will avoid any hurdles that can delay your application (or cause it to be rejected altogether).


What is Buildings Regulation Approval?

Building Regulations establish standards for design and instruction to provide health and safety assurances. While planning permission applies primarily to how the proposed build sits within the policies of the area, Building Regulations focuses on compliance to the minimum design and construction standards.

UA: Most building work whether new, alterations or extensions or change of use require Building Regulations approval. Examples of when building control approval is required include but not limited to building extensions and loft conversions, converting garages into a habitable room, carrying out certain structural alterations, installing cavity insulation, changing the use of a property, underpinning and carrying out drainage works.

How Urbanist Architecture can help

Urbanist Architecture are no strangers to seeking out Planning Permission on behalf of their clients. With their vast amounts of experience in UK planning law as well as existing relationships with councils they are the obvious choice for anyone looking to have planning drawings created and an application submitted. As if their unmatched success rates aren’t enough they also implement their ‘proven planning permission preparation system’ to dodge the many perils of typical planning applications.

From pre-planning advice through to construction monitoring, Urbanist Architecture are an obvious choice for homeowners and property entrepreneurs looking to upgrade their assets. Get in touch today.


Want to see Urbanist Architecture’s work in action? Take a look at this London extension completed with their help…

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