🏛️ How Planning Permission Works
A complete visual guide to the UK planning application process — from submission to decision, week by week.
📋 Types of Planning Application
🏠
Householder
8 weeks
£258
🏗️
Full Planning
8 weeks (minor) / 13 weeks (major)
From £578
📜
Outline
8-13 weeks
From £578
🏰
Listed Building
8 weeks
Free
📄
Prior Approval
56 days
From £120
✅
LDC
8 weeks
Half normal fee
📅 What Happens After You Submit
Week 0 — Submission
📨 You Submit Your Application
Submit via the Planning Portal or directly to the council. Pay the fee. Upload all drawings, statements, and supporting documents.
💡 Submit Mon-Wed to avoid weekend validation delays
Week 1-2 — Validation
✅ Council Validates Your Application
The council checks your application has everything it needs — correct forms, fee paid, all required documents, red line boundary correct. If something's missing, they'll ask for it (this delays the clock).
⚠️ Common validation failures: wrong fee, missing ownership certificate, red line doesn't match description
Week 2 — Registration
📋 Application Registered & Reference Issued
Once validated, you get an LPA reference number (e.g. 2026/01234/FUL). The application appears on the council's public register. The 8-week clock starts NOW.
Week 2-5 — Consultation
📬 Neighbours & Consultees Notified
The council notifies neighbours by letter, posts a site notice, and consults statutory bodies (highways, drainage, conservation officer, etc.). Anyone can comment — for or against — for 21 days.
💡 Check the council website for comments. If objections appear, consider whether you need to respond
Week 4-6 — Officer Assessment
🔍 Case Officer Reviews Your Application
A planning officer is assigned to your case. They visit the site, read consultation responses, assess against policy, and may contact you with questions or requests for amendments.
💡 Call the case officer to introduce yourself. A good relationship helps
Week 5-7 — Negotiation (if needed)
🤝 Officer May Request Changes
If the officer has concerns, they may suggest amendments to make the scheme acceptable. This is normal — it's better to amend than get refused. You may need to submit revised drawings.
⚠️ Amended plans trigger re-consultation (14 days) which can push past the 8-week target
Week 7-8 — Recommendation
📝 Officer Writes Their Report
The officer writes a report recommending approval or refusal. Most applications are decided by the officer under delegated powers. Complex or controversial cases go to planning committee.
Week 8 — Decision
⚖️ Decision Issued
You receive the Decision Notice — either Approval (with conditions) or Refusal (with reasons). If approved, check the conditions carefully — some must be discharged before starting work.
If Refused
❌ Refused? You Have Options
Appeal to a government inspector (6 months for full, 12 weeks for householder). Resubmit a revised scheme (free within 12 months for one attempt). Negotiate with the officer about what would be acceptable.
💡 Use PlanningCore's Inspector View and Appeal Timeline tools
After Approval
✅ Approved? Next Steps
Discharge conditions — some must be done before building starts. Building Regulations — submit separately. Start within 3 years — or the permission expires. Notify the council when starting.
💡 Use the Condition Tracker to manage your conditions
Ready to Start?
PlanningCore guides you through every step — from first idea to permission.