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Householder Planning - Permission, Application, Consent & Appeals

A householder planning application is a simplified process for obtaining planning permission

What is a Householder Planning Application?

This is a specific type of application to obtain householder planning permission for works or extensions to dwellings, including those within gardens. More than half of all applications submitted to Councils each year are householder planning, however around 10% are refused. This amounts to more than 20,000 unsuccessful applications. While these may be approved at a later date after a resubmission or householder planning appeal, the cost and time involved can be avoided by appointing of an expert consultant, to guide you through the process.

A householder application includes alterations or additions to a single dwellinghouse including:

  • Extensions
  • Conservatories
  • Loft conversions
  • Dormer windows
  • Garages
  • Outbuildings

Look at our page for specific information on house extension planning. It should also be noted that not all work requires the submission of a householder planning application, as many properties benefit from permitted development rights.

These applications can be used in Conservation Areas and for Listed Buildings, however separate consents including Listed Building Consent may also be required.

An application cannot be used for:

  • Flats and Maisonettes
  • Converting houses into more than one dwelling
  • Development outside of the property’s garden.
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Householder Planning Applications

Contact our Applications team by completing the form or by using the details below:

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Services offered

Pre-planning

including helping to compile the application package and developing the planning strategy. Reviewing drawings and proposals against local policies and supplementary planning guidelines.

Planning Statements

Drafting a design and access or planning statement to support the proposals

Submission & Monitoring

Submission and monitoring your planning or LDC application (including completing the relevant forms)

Appealing

Appealing against the Council’s decision to refuse planning permission

Acting as Agents

Acting as Planning Agents for the application

Queries & objections

Dealing with queries and resolving issues, including neighbour objections, during your planning application – as a stand-alone service or as part of a wider Planning consultancy role

Conditions

Varying or discharging conditions or making amendments to the scheme post planning approval

Retrospective etc

Submitting for retrospective planning permission or lawful development certificate or dealing with Planning Enforcement where works have been completed without the relevant permissions

How to Submit a Successful Householder Planning Application

There are many aspects that can improve the chances of your application being accepted.

Appointing qualified professionals who understand the planning process helps ensure schemes are developed to satisfy the Council and their local planning policies. Design service companies can submit householder planning applications but they are not always skilled in navigating the planning maze where there are unique issues, or the context varies from what they are used to. For example in Green Belt or where proposals do not comply with supplementary planning guidance.

This is where Plande comes in. We work with your designer to help develop the application and guide the project through the planning process.

Other aspects that can improve the chance of success include:

  • Submitting clear and accurate drawings
  • Providing the Planning Officer with all the relevant information and justifications

Can Householder Planning Permission be refused?

There are many reasons why an application may fail and your householder planning permission is refused. This is why having an expert on your side like Plande is so important. Your building plans may not align with local planning or building regulations. There may be objections from neighbouring properties due to the building work overlooking or overshadowing their property.

Other reasons for refusal may be:

  • Loss of privacy – Where windows may overlook a neighbouring property
  • Loss of sunlight – Where a shadow is cast on a neighbouring property resulting in a loss of light.
  • Design – The design of the works may be at odds with neighbouring properties, making them look out of character
  • Overdevelopment – The proposed development may be too large for the plot it is designed for

Other reasons can be the impact on local traffic and highway safety, and a failure to comply with local planning conditions.

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Why Might a Householder Planning Appeal be Necessary?

If your householder planning application is refused, an appeal can be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate to challenge the decision. At plande, we have great success in challenging applications where consent has been declined. If your householder planning permission has been refused or if the Planning Officer has indicated a refusal is likely, contact our experts to discuss the best way of achieving householder planning consent. The appeal is quicker & simpler process than a full appeal and there is a dedicated householder appeal service to handle it.

It is important to understand the reasons for refusal and whether an appeal is the best way to forward. A redesign or resubmission may be a better way of achieving permission, particularly where key technical or detailed design issues can be overcome.

FAQ’s

How Quickly Must I Submit a Householder Planning Appeal?

Householder planning appeals must be submitted within 12 weeks from the date of the planning decision.

How Long Does it Take For an Appeal to Be Decided?

80% of householder appeals are targeted to be determined within 8 weeks. However in recent times these times have been stretched. Note: There is no third party right to comment on the appeal (i.e. Neighbours).

Tips For a Successful Householder Planning Appeal

A statement of case should address the planning merits and set out clearly and concisely, in planning terms, why an appeal should be allowed.

Consider and justify how the proposals comply with local or national policies

Include house extension supplementary planning guidelines. These can improve the chances of a householder planning appeal being allowed.

Householder appeals are notoriously tricky, so appointing an experienced and qualified planning expert like Plande improves your chances of success. It’s not simply a case of filling in a form.

Contact us to discuss your issues and how we can assist in obtaining approval!

Please see here for more detailed information.

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What our clients say...

“I first came across your company via the internet. I was very happy with the speed of service and getting the case together before submitting for my appeal.

I found that the contents of the statement to be very compelling and had substance. I was also pleased that you included examples of other schemes that the council approved of before you submitted the statement. I was also pleased that you asked me if I wanted to make any amendments before finally submitting.

I was happy with your fee and found this to be very competitive.

I would recommend your services to others who may benefit from what you offer.”

“Grounds of appeal statement’ is excellent, you have obviously done a lot of research.
I want to thank you very much for all the effort and hard work you put into it, all the research carried out and the very comprehensive appeal documents you submitted.

A very thorough job.

We feel that the service we received from you was outstanding. Very professional and structured.

Communication was always quick and responsive.”

“A very helpful service, with the fastest possible turnaround and at the best price quoted- I’ll use again!

An excellent service handled with supreme attention to detail leading to a positive outcome.
Nothing to be improved upon – service was excellent and friendly throughout, from initial consultation to planning approval. thank you.

We would not hesitate to recommend you to other prospective clients. It was always easy to contact you and you kept us informed of progress. Everything was handled efficiently and professionally”

“"We have been extremely happy with the service you provided. We feel, communication was honest and excellent at all times. We were kept up to date throughout the whole process.

Having previously used another company we definitely feel you offered a far more professional service for a far more reasonable price. We would reccomend you to anyone in our position, who is unsure how to go about an appeal.

We cant thank you enough for your help."”

Disclaimer: This page provides an introduction only and is not a definitive statement of the law and should therefore not be relied upon. The information above relates to England only. Policies across the rest of the UK may differ. Contact your Local Planning Authority for advice and confirmation before any works are carried out. All images used are for illustrative purposes only. Read the full disclaimer here.

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Whether you need an expert on your team to secure permission for a major mixed-use scheme or a unique self-build home, our fresh planning insights will help you achieve your goal.