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Householder Planning Application

Householder planning applications are a simplified processes for obtaining planning consent for house extensions

What is a Householder Planning Application?

This is a specific type of application covering works or extensions to dwellings including those within gardens. More than half of all planning 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 appeal, the cost and time involved could have been avoided with the appointment of an expert consultant, to guide the applicant through the process.

A householder application can include one or more alterations or additions to a single dwellinghouse including (but not limited to):

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

For more detailed information on house extensions, including case studies please click here.  It should also be noted that not all works or extensions require the submission of a householder planning application, as many properties benefit from permitted development rights.

Householder planning applications can be used in Conservation Areas and for Listed Buildings, however separate consents including Listed Building Consent could 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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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

Get Expert Help With a Householder Planning Application

Achieving a successful outcome for householder planning requires a wide range of skills and creative problem solving to overcome the obstacles. Plande has been submitting applications for more than 15 years, achieving great success. This includes appeals and where the Council stated that designs were unacceptable.

How to Succeed With a 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. Unfortunately, while design services companies can submit householder planning applications, they are not always skilled in navigating the planning maze. This becomes apparent 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 the experts at Plande come in. We will work with your chosen designer to help develop the application, and guide the project through the planning process.

There are other aspects that can improve the chances of success. These include:

  • Ensure designs are well-considered
  • Submit clear and accurate drawings
  • Provide the Planning Officer with all the relevant information and justifications

What if my Householder Planning Application is refused?

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 which have been declined. Please see here for more detailed information. If your application has been refused or if your Planning Officer has indicated such a refusal is likely, contact our experts to discuss the best way of achieving householder planning consent. 

While an appeal can be submitted, it is important to understand the reasons for refusal and whether this is the best way to forward. A redesign or resubmission could be a better way of achieving approval, particularly where key technical or detailed design issues can be overcome.

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

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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.