What Is A Household Planning Application And When Do You Need One?

Most homeowners only realise they need planning approval when a builder asks for it, a neighbour raises concern, or the council gets involved. By that point, changes become slower, more expensive, and harder to reverse.

A household planning application is one of the simplest ways to protect your project before you commit. It helps you confirm what you are allowed to build, how your proposal will be assessed, and what the local planning authority is likely to accept. It also reduces the risk of delays, objections, or having to redesign after money has already been spent.

Types Of Household Planning Applications

There are two main types of planning applications that we submit for homeowners:

1. Full Planning Application

This is the most comprehensive type of application and is required for larger or more complex developments. It involves submitting detailed plans of the proposed development, including the design, layout, and impact on the surrounding area.

It may require additional documents like a design and access statement, planning statement, heritage statement and an environmental impact assessment, depending on the scope of the project.

The planning authority will review the application, consider comments from neighbours and other stakeholders and assess whether the proposal aligns with national and local planning policies and associated regulations.

2. Household Planning Application

This is a simplified application specifically for homeowners wishing to make changes to their homes, such as extensions, loft conversions or changes to the exterior of a property.

A householder application typically requires less paperwork than a full application, but it still requires detailed plans of the proposed work, including plans and elevations which detail any changes.

The application process is generally faster, and the LPA assesses whether the proposed work will affect the appearance of the property and its relationship with neighbouring properties, as well as the overall character of the area.

3. Permitted Development (PD)

Some changes to a property do not require a household planning application because they fall within the permitted development rights (PD). These rights allow homeowners to make certain changes without needing further approval as long as the changes meet specific criteria set by national and local regulations.

However, for certain developments or if a property is in a conservation area, a listed building or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), even minor changes are likely to require a more detailed application.

In some cases, homeowners must apply for Prior Approval if their development falls within PD rights, such as for larger extensions or changes to the use of the property.

Steps to Apply for Planning Permission

1. Check The Planning Regulations

Before starting the application, it's important to check whether the proposed work requires planning permission. Some minor changes may not need approval due to the permitted development rights, but others will.

The local council’s planning website is a good place to start, as it often includes detailed guidance on what is and isn’t allowed.

2. Prepare The Necessary Documents

Depending on the proposal, you may need:

•    Application form completed with details about the applicant and the proposed work
•    Design and access statement explaining the design rationale (usually required for larger or more complex applications)
•    Site plan and elevations showing existing and proposed layouts and changes
•    Supporting documents where required, such as a flood risk assessment, transport statement or ecological surveys

3. Submit The Application

Homeowners can submit the application online through their local council's planning portal or submit a paper application, although online submissions are quicker and more efficient.

There is typically an application fee, which varies depending on the scale and nature of the development.

4. Wait For The Decision

The planning authority will assess the application typically within 8 weeks for householder applications. During this period, they review the proposal, check compliance with relevant planning policies and consider feedback from neighbours or statutory consultees like heritage or environmental agencies.

Neighbours and others may be notified of the application and have a chance to object or comment.

5. Receive The Decision

The local planning authority will either approve or reject the application. If approved, they may impose conditions such as requirements for materials or limitations on working hours.

If rejected, the homeowner can appeal the decision or modify the proposal and resubmit.

6. Start The Work

Once planning permission is granted, homeowners can proceed with the project. However, they must comply with any conditions attached to the permission and may need to seek other permits, like building regulations approval, before beginning work.

Key Considerations For Homeowners

•    Compliance with local policies: Local policies relating to conservation areas, green belts or listed buildings may impose additional restrictions on what can and cannot be done.
•    Neighbour impact: Consider how the changes may affect neighbours, as objections or complaints can influence the application outcome.
•    Building regulations: Even if planning permission is not required, building regulations may still apply for safety, structural integrity, energy efficiency and other standards.

Costs

The cost of applying for planning permission can vary depending on the size and complexity of the proposal. For a standard household planning application, fees typically amount to about £600, but more significant projects (like new builds or large extensions) may cost significantly more.

Additional costs can include fees for professional services like architects and consulting surveyors that might be required.

Appeals

If an application is refused or if there are disagreements over conditions, homeowners have the right to appeal the decision. This is usually done through the Planning Inspectorate in the UK, which can overturn a local authority’s decision if it is deemed unreasonable.

A household planning application is an essential process for making significant changes to a property. It involves submitting detailed proposals to the local planning authority, which then evaluates the impact of the changes in relation to planning policies. The process ensures that developments are compatible with the surrounding area and comply with local and national regulations.

If you are planning changes to your home and want clarity on what type of application applies to your project, you can contact us to discuss your options and understand what is likely to be required before you move forward.