Navigating Planning Permission with ZAHN

Work with the UK’s trusted experts in Planning & Architecture. Navigate your planning application with ease, backed by professional guidance that ensures clarity, efficiency, and a strong case for approval. Our team simplifies the process, providing expert insights into feasibility, constraints, approval likelihood, and costs—so you can plan with confidence.

Guiding You Through the Planning Process

Securing planning approval can be a complex journey, but with ZAHN, you have an expert team to guide you every step of the way. From feasibility studies to final approvals, we ensure a smooth and efficient process, helping you navigate regulations, design requirements, and local authority expectations. With a deep understanding of planning policies, a strong architectural vision, and experience handling complex applications, ZAHN ensures your project moves forward with clarity and confidence.

Need expert guidance for your planning application? Let’s get started.

What is
planning permission?

Planning permission, also known as planning consent, is the official approval granted by local authorities under the authority of the 1948 Town and Country Planning Act. It regulates new developments and modifications to existing structures, ensuring they align with local planning policies, respect the surrounding environment, and comply with design and safety standards.

The Process

Planning applications can be complex, but Esture streamlines the process for you. Avoid the hassle of navigating the system alone—reach out to Zahn today for expert guidance and seamless support.

Contact your Local authority

Before submitting a planning application, it’s always best to consult your local planning department, as they will be responsible for reviewing it. Not all building work, extensions, or home alterations require planning permission—some projects may fall under permitted development rights.

Submit your plans

Planning applications are submitted and managed through an online planning portal, which varies depending on your location within the UK.

Your application is assessed

Your local authority will review your application and gather public feedback from your neighbors before making a decision. Feedback will be provided through the planning portal, and you may need to amend and resubmit your plans if required. Depending on the project, both planning permission and building regulations approval may be necessary.

The guidelines for:

In the case of complete new builds, some larger extensions, and conversions (eg changing the use of a building from a barn to a house) planning permission will almost always be required, and if you live in a listed building you will need Listed Building Consent.

In many cases, small extensions might qualify for permitted development, meaning you don't need formal planning permission. However, specific size and design limitations apply, for example:

Extensions exceeding 50% of the original house area (as built or existing on July 1st, 1948).

Extensions exceeding a certain height or depth (this varies depending on the type of house and land around it).

Extensions built to the front of the house facing a road.

Local restrictions and different rules for listed buildings may apply – see below.
Some renovation work, including most conversions (such as changing a barn into a house), requires planning permission. While not all projects need approval, it's always best to check with your local planning department if you're unsure. Minor alterations may fall under Permitted Development and may not require planning permission.
Building a new house always requires full planning permission, allowing the local authority to assess the project's impact on the surrounding area and ensure it complies with planning policies. They will evaluate:

Impact on surroundings: Ensuring the new structure harmonizes with the existing neighborhood in terms of size, style, and intended use.

Environmental considerations: Assessing potential impacts on the environment, including drainage, ecology, and traffic.

Infrastructure and services: Confirming the area can support the new home with adequate roads, utilities, and local services like schools and healthcare.

Planning policies: Ensuring the new home aligns with both local and national planning policies that guide the area’s long-term development.
In the case of complete new builds, some larger extensions, and conversions (eg changing the use of a building from a barn to a house) planning permission will almost always be required, and if you live in a listed building you will need Listed Building Consent.

In many cases, small extensions might qualify for permitted development, meaning you don't need formal planning permission. However, specific size and design limitations apply, for example:

Extensions exceeding 50% of the original house area (as built or existing on July 1st, 1948).

Extensions exceeding a certain height or depth (this varies depending on the type of house and land around it).

Extensions built to the front of the house facing a road.

Local restrictions and different rules for listed buildings may apply – see below.
If your property is in a Conservation Area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or National Park, renovation and extension work faces stricter regulations. Permitted development rights are more limited, so you may need planning permission for work that wouldn’t usually require it.

One key restriction in Conservation Areas is demolition. You’ll need planning permission unless:

The structure (e.g., garage or outbuilding) is under 115m³ (externally measured).

The building was built after 1914 and used for agriculture or forestry.

You’re demolishing a gate, wall, or fence under 1m high by a highway or 2m high elsewhere.

To confirm what applies to your project, contact your local planning authority for guidance.

What should be included in a planning application?

This may vary depending on the type of consent being sought but, generally speaking, your application should include the following:

Application Forms & Fees

Site Location Plan & Block Plan

Existing & Proposed Drawings

Design & Access Statement (DAS) – If Required

Planning & Heritage Statements (if applicable)

Supporting Reports & Assessments (Depending on the Project)

Ownership Certificates & Notices

Community Consultation (if required)

Submitting Your Application

When do I need Planning permission?

Planning rules have changed over the years, making it tricky to know when permission is required. While regulations may shift again, here are some general guidelines:

New Homes: Whether building from scratch or transforming an existing property, planning permission is usually required before work begins.
Large Extensions & Outbuildings: Significant home improvements typically require planning permission.
Designated Land & Conservation Areas: If your property is in a Conservation Area or on Designated Land, you must consult your local authority before making changes.
Small Alterations: Many minor home improvements fall under Permitted Development Rights (since May 2019) and may not require permission.

For certainty, always check with your local planning authority.

When can I begin building after being granted planning permission?

Congratulations! With planning approval secured, you can begin your project as soon as you're ready.

If you're not starting immediately, it's important to know how long your permission remains valid—read on to ensure you don’t miss key deadlines.

Can I alter my plans after planning permission has been granted?

Yes and no.

Minor alterations to the approved plans are usually allowed.
Major changes often require submitting a new planning application for approval.

Always check with your local planning authority before making modifications.

Typically, you have three years from the date planning permission is granted to begin work.

If you haven’t started by the deadline, you’ll need to reapply for permission.
In some cases, extensions may be possible—check with your local planning authority.

How long does planning permission last?

Your local authority may require demolition of the work.
You might have to submit a retrospective planning application, but approval is not guaranteed.
If the application is refused, an enforcement notice could force you to reverse the changes.
Properties with unauthorized work are unmortgageable, which can cause major issues if you decide to sell.

What happens if I build without permission?