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With the planning process becoming more complicated, navigating planning legislation and gaining local authority permission for a house extension, refurbishment, or new build, is often the most difficult and frustrating part of the process for homeowners and developers

With extensive experience dealing with local authorities across London, we take a proactive approach to anticipating potential issues and incorporating a planning strategy into the design from the outset, to give your plans the best chance of being approved.

With a deep knowledge and understanding of planning policy, our team can process the application on your behalf if you wish, submitting the drawings and documentation required to complete the application.   

LISTED BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION AREAS

We are also highly experienced dealing with conservation areas and listed buildings and are happy to negotiate with local authority planners to resolve any difficulties or concerns that are raised about your plans.

PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPERS

Our planning experience makes us skilled at spotting potential development opportunities in the local area, and if you are a developer, we are happy to consult with you about the best strategies to capitalise on your investment while cutting your development timeframes.

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HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO OBTAIN PLANNING PERMISSION?

In England, ‘non-major developments’ (involving construction or alterations to up to nine properties) can take up to 8 weeks before you receive written approval. The process can sometimes take longer if additional information is required, or the local authority requests an Environmental Impact Assessment or other site survey. Working with an experienced architect, such as DS Squared Architects, can offset any potential issues, and ensure the process is completed as quickly as possible.

WHAT IF YOUR PLANNING APPLICATION IS REJECTED?

On average, 86% of planning applications are accepted in England and Wales, but some local authorities have a lower approval rate than others. In London, for instance, Bromley has an approval rate of less than 76%, Hounslow and Greenwich hover around 71%, while Enfield approves, on average only 65% of applications .

There are always reasons for a planning application being rejected, and in many cases the plans are approved upon resubmission, after the issues are addressed. We can help you avoid the common reasons why applications fail and increase your chances of obtaining planning permission first time. We can also work with your local authority to resolve any issues with your application to secure eventual acceptance.

FIND OUT MORE

To find out more about the planning application process and how we can help you navigate the complexities of approval, please call 020 8732 5620 today, or click here to email us your enquiries.

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