Planning applications
Planning application drawings
A planning application asks the council for permission to build. The drawings describe a loft, an extension or another alteration to a house. The council decides the application.
The usual types
- A householder application is the usual form for a loft, an extension or other work to a single house, including work in the garden. The Planning Portal explains householder consent.
- A full planning application is the usual form for a flat, work to more than one house, or a change of use. GOV.UK explains when planning permission is required in England.
- Some larger single-storey rear extensions use a neighbour-consultation prior approval. The Planning Portal extension guidance sets out when that applies.
Where the work meets the permitted development limits and the house still has those rights, a planning application may not be needed. That route, and the optional certificate, are on the permitted development and Lawful Development Certificates page.
What the council usually asks for
- A location plan and a site plan.
- Existing and proposed floor plans and elevations, enough to describe the work, including the materials.
- A roof plan where the roof changes.
- The completed application form for that type of consent.
The Planning Portal says most householder applications need a site plan and a location plan, plus drawings that describe the proposal. The council’s validation list decides the exact set.
Planning, building regulations and calculations
A planning permission answers whether the council accepts the proposal. It leaves the other two checks in place.
- This page is the planning application. Permitted development and a Lawful Development Certificate are the other planning route.
- Building regulations drawings show how the agreed loft or extension is built. They are normally still required after permission is granted. See GOV.UK.
- Structural calculations size the beams, loft floor or roof. They are a separate stage from the planning drawings.
Common questions
Is a planning application the same as permitted development?
They are different planning routes. A planning application asks the council for permission. Permitted development is work that meets the national limits for that house, so an application for permission is not the route. A Lawful Development Certificate can confirm that second route in writing.
Does planning permission let me start building?
Planning permission settles the planning question. Building regulations approval, and any structural calculations the design needs, are still separate. The builder normally needs those before the loft or extension is built.
Can you guarantee the council will approve the application?
Drawings can be prepared and the application can be submitted with them. The local authority makes the planning decision.