Six-Step Proven Method to Get Planning Permission with Ease

The English planning system might have changed entirely in four years. The government wants parliament to adopt a system that allows only a few decisions to be made on a case-by-case basis.

In theory, the new planning system would require that you follow a set number of rules. In practice, we’ll find out if it is really that simple. However, until then, getting planning permits will be about a combination of excellent research, experience, and persuasive skills. We recommend that you follow our 6-Step process to get planning permission.

This article will explain the unique nature of the English Planning System. Its purpose and function and the best ways to navigate it. These planning permission secrets are real and can be applied by property investors, developers, homeowners, etc. This article will show you how to get planning permission quickly and inspire you into action.

Let’s begin with an explanation:

How Getting Planning Permission can be so Exhausting

The most common question we hear when people initially contact us is, “Can you give me a straightforward yes/no response as to whether or not I can obtain planning permission?” We have to answer “A simple question?” …” Not because the truth is “Probably yes” …”, or “Probably not, but there may just be …”

This is according to the government. They want to start over from scratch and rip up the planning rules. We will be watching to see how this new setup works. There might be more yeses but also many harder noes.

The current planning system allows for some very patient people who can make several planning applications on the same site. Each time, they are closer to a compromise with the council.

Most people don’t have the time or the resources to fight it through multiple appeals and planning applications. They want it to be right the first time.

This means that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time. Accepting that planning systems can be inconsistent is part of the process. What works on one street may not work on another. This makes it difficult to accept that you have to learn how to work with this.

In a situation such as this, experience is invaluable. In a situation like this, anyone can quickly understand the process if there is a clearly defined structure. Planning in England is an educational process. Each application and every decision are a learning experience. You will learn more about the planning process of a particular council the more you apply to it.

Udex’s experience has helped create and refine our 6-step process to obtain planning permission.

Let’s go through the six steps.

Research

It is crucial to begin the right way. People who submit planning applications are certain to be rejected by the council waste so much time and money.

Sometimes the council blocks anything on the site. Other times they reject the proposal because it is not the right approach. It’s an unacceptable refusal that could have been avoided in any case.

Policies

What are we looking for? First, we need to research planning policies.

There is a national policy. This includes the National Planning Policy Framework and the nationally defined space standard.

In London, the London Plan is also in place. Each council then has its own policies. So, each council has its own rules, and they’re frequently in a tangle, as the government points out. It is not unusual to find a half-completed local plan and half that hasn’t. Sometimes, the document you’re looking for is the Local Plan. Other times it’s a Core Strategy.

A jumble of supplementary planning documents, or guidance, will cover a particular area or topic like design. Below this, you might find a neighbourhood plan or parish plan. If the site is located in a Conservation Area, specific local conservation area rules will be included. The conservation areas may be displayed on an interactive map or a fuzzy PDF. Sometimes there is no map at all.

Planning History

The history of the site’s planning should be the next step. Is there a similar application at the property that was rejected? Was it successful and expired?

Was it because the application was not well-constructed or in violation of policy?

Even though this information is meant to be accessible online, the information may not be accessible in the way that councils prefer. Some documents can be searched back for decades, while others are limited to the past 15 years.

Precedents

You should also look for precedents. Have similar projects been approved by the council, mainly since the current policies are in place?

This can serve as a precedent for you to argue your case. You need to be cautious with precedents. It’s easy to look at something nearby and think, “Aha! If they can do it, so can I. This is especially true where the council will likely be more protective of undeveloped land nearby.

However, a valid precedent is an excellent indicator of the council’s thoughts on the type of project you want and a good thing for them to remember. It can also be helpful if they have to appeal.

Identify

You’ve now gathered and reviewed all relevant information about the site, as well as the policies that will be used for making decisions about it. Next, you need to analyze the information and think about what you can do.

You should look for both the constraints (the things that limit your site’s potential) and the opportunities. It is easy to get caught up in the limitations and overlook the opportunities.

You might be disappointed to find out that some rear extensions were not allowed in your area if you desire more space. However, the same research could also have revealed that mansard roof conversions were becoming more popular. You could have discovered a better way to achieve your core goal: a larger house.

Formulate

You need to consider two things to obtain planning permission in England.

The first is what you would prefer as either a client or professional on behalf of your client. The second is the desired outcome by the local authority. If they match, great. If they don’t, then you need a strategy to get you as close as possible to your goals.

You can say what you like about a modern house, but the council thinks the street’s character is very Victorian.

What is your willingness to do to get them what they want?

Is there any compromise that you can make in terms of design?

Is there a planning argument that you can make based upon the council’s policies and precedents? If so, what should you expect to be accepted?

This is the task for the next step. It is crucial to think hyper-locally: The design argument (and the planning argument should) be rooted in the site and respond accordingly.

Solve

There are likely to be obstacles along the way. The sooner you anticipate them and can solve them, the better.

It’s better to have a plan in place to preserve a tree with a preservation order from the beginning than to make unwise and hasty changes to accommodate the council’s objections.

Justify

Udex offers architecture and planning services in combination. We believe that working together is the best way to get planning consent. This is done in a Design and Access statement.

Although you can submit a planning application with no access statement, most councils recommend submitting one. Some are just a few pages long and have no illustrations.

A strong Design and Access Statement must be clear and concise. It should use both images and words together. It should demonstrate that applicants have read all relevant policies and how they have integrated them into their design.

You should show familiarity with the area – where is it from schools, shops and bus stops? This will show that you understand what you’re talking about.

After reading the text and looking at the elevation drawings, floor plans, and 3D visuals, council officers or planning committees should feel that the proposed house, extension, or loft conversion is the right one. It is much easier to see a drawing than a description when you are trying to understand a building.

The words play an essential role, especially in showing that all guidelines have been followed to the letter.

 Negotiate

This isn’t a yes-or-no-based style of planning. It is possible to compromise. This is an important part of our work and the strength of the current setup.

During the planning process, important debates may occur during pre-application meetings, which may lead to a refusal of a withdrawal. These important discussions could lead to eventual success.

However, you’ll also have to accept the planning department’s recommendations. You’ll be able to pick and choose which elements of your design you have the freedom to alter.

Having productive interactions with the planning department isn’t always possible, but most will be. Even a small “no” may be changed into a “yes” if you can communicate with them in words they can understand.

The Proven 6-Step Method to Get Planning Permission in Practice

This is how we believe the best way to secure planning permission. You will have a greater chance of getting planning permission if the 6-steps are followed.

We also believe that most people can see that knowledge and experience are vital to making the 6-step system work.

A well-trained town planner will be familiar with the London and national guidelines and quickly and efficiently find relevant local policies. They will also locate meaningful information within the often confusing and difficult-to-use local planning registers.

Judgement is more important than speed. Planning-aware architects can read precedents and policies and know what planning permission will be granted. You could ask too much and get refused or ask for too little.

You will accept three of the houses you have planning permission for when you could have gotten seven houses. Or, you have consented to a Victorian pastiche instead of the Mid-century Modernist dream house you wanted.

Our 6-Step System is the most effective way to get planning permission, but experts best use it. It is more common than not that the money you invest in hiring experts will pay off in the long-term in terms of cash or in a home you will be able to enjoy for many decades.

How does Udex fit in all of this? And how can we help

Udex, is a London-based RIBA chartered architectural and planning firm. We help homeowners create a place they love living while helping landowners and developers achieve ROI-focused results.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you want our 6-Step System to obtain planning permission to build your extension, loft conversion, or new house.

Get a quote today to discover more about your project and get a Udex expert.

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