Obtaining Planning Permission is a legal requirement for most development work in North Essex and South Suffolk. The process can be complex and time-consuming, so it’s important to get professional advice from professionals who understand the local planning regulations.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of obtaining planning permission, from understanding the different types of permission available to submitting your application. We’ll also provide tips on how to increase your chances of success.

Whether you’re planning to build a new house or extend your home, we can help you get the planning permission you need.

There are different types of planning permission available, depending on the scale and nature of the development. The most common types are:

• Full planning permission: This is required for major developments, such as new houses or extensions

• Outline planning permission: This is granted for the principle of a development, but the details are left to be decided later

• Permission in principle: This is a new type of planning permission that is being introduced in England. It is similar to outline planning permission, but it is more flexible and can be granted for a wider range of developments

• Neighbourhood planning: This is a process by which local communities can develop their own planning policies. If your development is in line with a neighbourhood plan, you are more likely to get planning permission

In addition to these forms of planning permission, your scheme may actually not require planning permission under the rights of permitted development, which allow improvement and extension of homes without the need to make a planning application.

To find out if you need planning permission, you can check the government’s planning portal or speak to your local planning authority for advice. Of course, Infinity Planning would be happy to advise, and you can simply contact us to find out more.

The timescale for obtaining planning permission in Essex and Suffolk is typically around 8 weeks for a standard application. Naturally, this can take longer for more complex applications.

Any objections by neighbours or other agencies may slow down the process as well.

The cost of planning permission varies depending on the type of development and the size of the site. Across England, the fees for planning applications are set centrally in London.

Householder Planning Application

These cover a wide range of works that you might wish to do to your home (or within the curtilage of your home) – including, but not limited to:

• Extensions
• Loft conversions
• New fencing
• Garden studios etc.
• Anything not covered under permitted development

You would expect to pay £206 to apply for a Householder Planning Application.

New Home Planning Application

Planning applications to build entirely new homes attract a more significant fee of £462 per property or per 0.1 hectare. This applies to schemes of up to 50 dwellings, after which additional costs are introduced.

In the case of new homes, if outline planning permission is sought (maybe to test the water of your design), a secondary charge for obtaining full planning permission will be chargeable.

As you’ve probably gathered, the process of obtaining Planning Permission is not always straightforward. However, in working with professionals such as Infinity Planning, all of the necessary steps, and juggling and preparation of the myriad information that is required can be managed on your behalf. 

These are the key steps involved in obtaining planning permission:

1. Gather information and evidence. This will include things like site plans, architectural drawings, and environmental impact assessments

2. Submit a planning application to your local planning authority

3. The planning authority will assess your application and decide whether to grant permission

4. If your application is granted, you will be issued with a planning permission certificate

5. You can then start work on your development

If your application is refused, you have the right to appeal the decision, which might involve attending additional meetings with the planning authority, other interested parties and undertaking additional work or investigations (which may also attract additional costs).

Employing the services of a planning professional such as Infinity Planning will undoubtedly help you increase your chances of getting planning permission by. There a numerous reasons for this, including:

• We understand the local planning policies and will make sure your designs are in line with them

• We will work with you to ensure that your plans are realistic and achievable

• We will help you consult appropriately with neighbours and other agencies

• We will prepare a clear and concise planning application that includes all the necessary information

• We will liaise with the local planning authority throughout the process on your behalf alleviating the stresses associated with planning applications.

By working collaboratively with you, providing professional advice and support, we can help you efficiently navigate the planning process and get the permission you need.

Obtaining planning permission can be a complex process, but it is essential if you want to carry out more significant building work or even build a new home. By following these tips, and employing a professional company such as Infinity Planning, you can dramatically increase your chances of getting the permission you need.

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