Our Process
A clear, transparent journey from initial consultation to planning approval
How We Get Your Planning Permission Approved
Getting planning permission in London doesn’t have to be complicated. Our proven 6-step process has helped over 500 homeowners secure approval with a 92% first-time success rate.
We handle everything from initial site surveys to final submission, keeping you informed at every stage and responding quickly to any council queries.
Free Consultation & Quote
⏱️ 30-60 minutes | Same day quoteWe start with a no-obligation consultation to understand your project goals, budget, and timeline. We’ll discuss your property, what you want to achieve, and provide honest advice on feasibility.
What happens in this stage:
- Initial phone or video call to discuss your project
- Review of your property location and planning constraints
- Discussion of your budget and timeline expectations
- Assessment of Permitted Development eligibility (if applicable)
- Honest advice on likelihood of approval in your borough
- Fixed-fee quote provided within 24 hours
Site Survey & Measurements
⏱️ 1-2 hours on-site | Week 1Once you approve our quote, we arrange a professional site visit to take accurate measurements and photographs. This is essential for creating precise architectural drawings.
What we do:
- Complete measured survey of your property
- Photographic record of existing building and surrounding area
- Boundary and site constraint checks
- Assessment of neighboring properties (for impact analysis)
- Review of any existing drawings or documents you have
- Discussion of design preferences and requirements
Design & Architectural Drawings
⏱️ 7-10 working daysOur team creates detailed architectural drawings to planning standards. We’ll send you drafts for review and make any necessary revisions before finalizing the drawings.
Drawings included:
- Existing floor plans, elevations, and sections
- Proposed floor plans, elevations, and sections
- Site location plan (1:1250 or 1:2500 scale)
- Site/block plan showing proposed works (1:200 or 1:500)
- Roof plans (where applicable)
- Design & Access Statement (for larger projects)
- One round of revisions included
Pre-Application Checks & Review
⏱️ 2-3 daysBefore submission, we conduct thorough checks to ensure everything meets your local authority’s requirements. This stage significantly reduces the chance of rejection.
Quality checks include:
- Review against local planning policies and guidelines
- Check compliance with Conservation Area/Article 4 restrictions
- Verification all drawings meet council standards
- Preparation of supporting documents and statements
- Final review with you before submission
- Calculation and disclosure of all council fees
Planning Application Submission
⏱️ 1 day | Week 3We submit your complete application to the Planning Portal and your local council. You’ll receive confirmation and a reference number within 48 hours.
Submission includes:
- Complete online submission via Planning Portal
- All required drawings and supporting documents
- Payment of council planning fees (paid by you directly or via us)
- Formal validation by the local planning authority
- Confirmation email with application reference number
- Notification of site notice posting (if applicable)
Council Review & Approval
⏱️ 8 weeks (or 13 weeks for major applications)The council reviews your application. We monitor progress daily, respond to any queries, and keep you informed throughout the determination period.
During this stage:
- Regular updates on application progress (weekly minimum)
- Immediate notification of any council queries or concerns
- Preparation and submission of any additional information requested
- Response to neighbour objections (if any)
- Liaison with planning officer regarding any issues
- Notification when decision is issued
- Delivery of approved planning permission documents
- Explanation of any planning conditions attached
Total Timeline: 11-14 Weeks from Start to Approval
From your initial consultation to receiving planning permission typically takes 11-14 weeks for standard applications. Larger or more complex projects may take 16-18 weeks. We’ll give you a realistic timeline specific to your project and borough during your consultation.
What Makes Our Process Different
92% First-Time Approval Rate
Our thorough pre-submission checks mean 92 out of 100 applications get approved first time.
Fast Turnaround
Drawings completed in 7-10 days. Most applications submitted within 3 weeks of starting.
Regular Updates
Weekly progress reports minimum. Immediate notification of any issues or queries from the council.
Fixed Fees
No hidden costs. The price we quote is the price you pay. Council fees disclosed upfront.
Dedicated Team Member
One point of contact throughout. No call centers, no confusion about who you’re dealing with.
Resubmission Support
If refused (rare), we provide free advice on amendments and can handle resubmission at reduced cost.
Common Questions About Our Process
What do I need to provide to get started?
Very little initially! We just need your property address, a brief description of what you want to do, and your contact details. During the site survey, having any existing plans or deeds can be helpful but not essential.
Do I need to be present for the site survey?
Ideally yes, but it’s not essential. We need access to measure the property, but if you can’t be there, we can arrange access with a neighbor, family member, or tenant. The survey typically takes 1-2 hours.
Can I make changes to the drawings once they’re done?
Yes, one round of revisions is included in our fee. If you want significant design changes after that, there may be an additional charge depending on the extent of the changes required.
What happens if my application is refused?
While rare with our 92% approval rate, if your application is refused we provide free consultation on the reasons and potential amendments. We can also handle resubmissions at a reduced cost, or assist with planning appeals if appropriate.
How do I pay council fees?
Council planning fees are separate from our service fees. We’ll calculate the exact amount and you can either pay the council directly when we submit, or we can pay on your behalf and invoice you (whichever you prefer).
Will you help with Building Regulations after approval?
Yes! While our core service is planning permission, we can also provide Building Regulations drawings and coordinate with structural engineers as an additional service. Many clients use us for both.
Ready to Get Started?
Book your free consultation today and let’s discuss your project
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