Planning Application Checklist

Confirm whether your project requires planning permission or falls under Permitted Development

Check if your property is in a Conservation Area, AONB, or National Park — restrictions apply

Check if your property is Listed — Listed Building Consent required for most works

Check if an Article 4 Direction removes Permitted Development rights in your area

Speak to your local planning authority's pre-application advice service (chargeable but valuable)

Location plan (Ordnance Survey at 1:1250 or 1:2500) showing the site and surrounding area

Site plan (1:500) showing the site boundaries and proposed works

Existing floor plans and elevations (architect-drawn)

Proposed floor plans and elevations showing all changes

Design and Access Statement (required for some applications)

Heritage Statement (if in a Conservation Area or near Listed Buildings)

Submit via the Planning Portal (www.planningportal.co.uk) or your local authority website

Pay the planning fee (currently £258 for most householder applications in England — check current fee)

Note the 8-week statutory determination period (13 weeks for major applications)

Respond promptly to any requests for additional information from the planning officer

Monitor the application on the local authority's public website

Check all planning conditions — some must be discharged before works begin

Note the expiry date — planning permission typically lasts 3 years

Apply for discharge of pre-commencement conditions before starting

Keep a copy of the decision notice and approved drawings on site

Notify Building Control before starting — planning approval ≠ building regulations approval