The Guide to Getting Planning Permission

Securing planning permission in the UK can feel overwhelming—especially when you're navigating a web of policies, technical documents, and council procedures. At Bashkal, we believe that with the right strategy and structure, you can dramatically improve your chances of success.

This guide breaks the process down into five clear phases, offering expert tips at each stage to help you plan, prepare, and secure planning permission for your project.

PHASE ONE: Research & Feasibility

Laying the Groundwork for Success

1. Understand Local Planning Policies

Before anything else, read your council’s Local Plan and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs). This sets out what developments are allowed and under what conditions.

Tip: Look for restrictions on extensions, minimum garden sizes, parking requirements, or architectural materials.

2. Check for Designations and Constraints

Identify whether your property lies in a conservation area, flood zone, green belt, or near protected trees. Each designation introduces its own set of rules and obligations.

Tools to use: Policy maps, Flood Map for Planning, Historic England, Tree Preservation Orders register.

3. Review Past Applications

Use your council’s planning portal to examine similar local projects. Read officers’ reports to understand what was approved or refused—and why.

4. Plan for Material Considerations

Beyond policy, planning officers must consider the specific context of your site. If similar changes have already been made nearby, it could strengthen your case—even if your proposal slightly deviates from policy.

Phase 2: Design & Strategy

Shaping a Proposal That’s Likely to Succeed

5. Appoint the Right Designer

Choose an architect or designer with proven success in your local area. Familiarity with borough-specific policies and officers is crucial.

6. Use a planning consultant for complex cases

For listed buildings, large extensions, or contemporary designs, involve a planning consultant who understands how to “make the case” to planning officers.

7. Incorporate sustainability from the start

Even small details—like low-carbon materials, solar panels, or rainwater harvesting—can help sway marginal decisions and support your application narrative.

8. Assess Permitted Development (PD) options

Explore what you can do without full planning permission. You may be able to use PD rights to build a baseline scheme or create leverage for a better-designed alternative.

Pro tip: Apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness to secure this fallback formally.

9. Minimise neighbour impact

Design with your neighbours in mind. Avoid blocking light, overlooking windows, or creating bulk that affects their enjoyment of their property. Creative solutions like angled walls or obscure glazing can help.

10. Sequence your applications tactically

Break larger projects into phased applications. Start with elements more likely to be approved before submitting more ambitious follow-ons.

PHASE 3: Technical Preparation

Getting Your Documents and Drawings in Order

11. Prepare high-quality drawings

Ensure drawings are to scale, with a north point and scale bar. Include site details like bin stores, car parking, materials, and boundary treatments.

12. Submit the right reports

Check your local authority’s validation checklist. You may need:

• Flood Risk Assessments (Flood Zones 2 or 3)

• Highways assessments

• Contaminated land studies

• Ecology surveys (bats, newts, owls)

13. Highlight your sustainability credentials

Even if they’re not mandatory, including a short Design & Access Statement with green features can strengthen your proposal.

PHASE 4: Engagement & Submission

How to Influence the Process

14. Engage with neighbours (at the right time)

Speak to neighbours just before submission—not too early. This lets you explain your plans without being pressured to change them unnecessarily.

15. Consider Pre-Application Advice strategically

Pre-app meetings can be useful for sensitive sites. Bring 3D visuals and photographs to communicate your ideas. But for smaller or straightforward applications, a direct submission may be faster and more cost-effective.

16. Talk to Internal Council Specialists

Reach out to tree officers, conservation officers, or highways engineers directly. Their informal guidance can be valuable—and it's often free.

PHASE 5: During & After Submission

How to Maximise Your Chances Once the Application is In

17. Be present at the site visit

If the planning officer visits your home, meet them. Offer a cup of tea and explain the practical reasons for your project. This human touch often goes a long way.

18. Speak to councillors if needed

If your application is likely to go to committee—or has been delayed—your local councillor can advocate on your behalf. A well-timed intervention could tip the balance.

19. Use a fallback scheme as leverage

Remind officers that you have a permitted development fallback. Use this to negotiate approval for a better-designed scheme.

20. Be prepared to revise and resubmit

Even well-designed projects can face initial resistance. Sometimes, the smartest move is to tweak the proposal and reapply quickly—armed with better context and officer feedback.

Final Word

Gaining planning permission isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about understanding your local planning culture, designing intelligently, and communicating strategically.

If you’d like professional guidance at any stage of the process—from feasibility to appeal—get in touch. We’re here to make your vision buildable, compliant, and achievable.