Everything you need to produce your own householder planning application
Welcome to Architecture DIY
Architecture you do yourself!
Working with Architecture DIY means you’re in control. We give you the skills, knowledge and support so that you can produce and submit your own application for planning permission
Our training videos, and architectural support team, will provide you with everything you need to understand, prepare, and submit your own planning application.
With Architecture DIY on your team, you will have everything you need to progress through planning and beyond.
But first things first. You’re here because you want to extend your home, and you think you need
planning permission, so let’s just clarify a couple of points…
What is Planning Permission & Do I need it?
What is Planning Permission?
There are rules that govern what we can build and where we can build it. This is called Town Planning and, in most cases, if you want to undertake construction work you need to apply to your local authority for Planning Permission before you do it. If you build something without Planning Permission, your local authority has the power to make you pull it down. That can be a very expensive mistake!
There are of course exceptions to this law and some small works can be undertaken without Planning Permission, this is called Permitted Development. More on that in the next section, but, if you already know you do need Planning Permission then we can help you with that. Click the link below to view our training and support packs.
What is Permitted Development?
The Permitted Development Act allows some minor construction work to be undertaken on your home without the need to make a planning application.
Simple works like single-story extensions, to the side or rear of your house may well be permitted development, but it’s important to be sure as, if you build it and the local authority doesn’t agree it’s a permitted development then things can get difficult.
If you’re unsure, then click the button below to see our Permitted Development Assessor Tool. This will give you more information and the option to download our FREE Permitted Development enquiry template showing you how to get confirmation from your local planning office.
Require More Information?
We know this can be a daunting prospect but we’re here to help. If you’re still unsure scroll down to our key facts section which outlines what we consider to be the main issues people face when considering extending their homes.
In addition to this, you can visit our Resource Centre for more information and relevant news on what’s happening in the world of planning and residential development.
Key Information Summaries
Understanding Planning Permission
If you want to undertake construction work, that alters the appearance or size of your home, then you’ll probably need Planning Permission. This is permission, granted by your Local Planning Authority (LPA), which is issued after they’ve reviewed the details of what you propose to build.
There are different forms of application, which require different levels of information, but for work to a private home then a Householder Planning Application is the simplest way to secure Planning Permission. This form of application requires simple plans and elevations of what currently exists and what changes you propose to make.
The LPA then assesses the proposed changes to ensure they don’t have a negative impact on neighbouring properties (loss of privacy or too overbearing), the street scene, highways, and several other considerations.
Assuming they’re happy with what you’re proposing, Planning Permission will be issued. If they’re not, the reasons for refusal will be provided and this may give you a guide on how to amend your proposals to secure Planning Permission through a re-submission. There is no limit on the number of applications you can make.
Permitted Development
Permitted Development (The General Permitted Development Order) allows some smaller works, considered to be of minimal impact, without the need for a planning application.
These are restricted but if you want a modest single-story extension, on the side or rear of your home, or you want to convert an existing roof space, then Permitted Development may apply to your project.
There are also restrictions to Permitted Development beyond what you propose to build as permitted development does not apply to flats, listed buildings, conservation areas, or other protected environments like national parks. Some local authorities also impose what are called ‘Article 41 Areas’ where permitted development rights are removed.
We’ve created a Permitted Development assessor tool which you can access Here but even if you believe your projects fall under the Permitted Development rules, we always advise getting confirmation from your LPA. Written confirmation can be useful for those challenging neighbours and in the future if you come to sell your home.
When Planning Permission is Required
If you want to extend or change the external appearance of, your home then it’s likely you will require planning permission. Equally, if you want to change the planning class of a property then planning permission will often be required.
Different property uses have different planning classes. Residential property, for example, is generally planning class ‘C’ with sub-categories for hotels, private homes, HMOs etc. Offices, shops, warehouses, etc all have different use classes, and if you want to change the use of a building you will need some form of Planning Permission.
There are, of course, different forms of a planning application that apply to the nature of your project and property. If you simply want to undertake work on your home, then a Householder Application is the way to go. If you want to change the use that’s generally a full plans application is the right route though, for certain use classes and changes, a prior approval application could be a simple solution.
Why not check out our Resource Centre for more information?
Guidance on Submitting a Planning Application
If your project does require Planning Permission then you’ll need to make a planning application to your LPA. The planning application will need to include certain information such as scaled drawings of your home, as is, and as proposed, plus a scaled site location plan with your property identified by a red outline. You’ll also need to complete the application forms providing additional information.
This may sound like a daunting prospect, but that’s why Architecture DIY was created. We’ve created videos and written guides to take you step-by-step through the application process. We can provide face-to-face meetings to talk through your project and give you specific guidance.
With Architecture DIY you’ll have everything you need to make your own Planning Application and save thousands of pounds on professional fees. Click on the button below to see our ‘Training & Support Packages‘ that will take you through this process step-by-step.
FAQs
Do you need more information? Why not check out our Resource Centre or our FAQ pages? Here you’ll find information and answers to some common questions that people often ask. We’ll provide clear and simple explanations to help you understand things like why Planning Permission is necessary, what you can do under Permitted Development, and how long the process usually takes.
Let Architecture DIY help you to prepare and submit your own Planning Application
Start saving money and take the first step by clicking the button below to view our Training and Support Packages
Permitted Development – Does your project qualify?
Some minor works are allowed under the Permitted Development regulations, so you don’t require a planning application. Use Architecture DIY‘s assessor tool to help you understand more, click the button below to find out more.
Resources Centre
We have a wealth of other information in our Resources and Information Centre
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