Householder Planning Application: The Process Explained

Householder Planning Application: The Process Explained

A Householder Planning Application is the most common way that people in the UK encounter the planning system. 

It is the sort of planning application that you would use if you were thinking about altering or enlarging your house (for instance, by building an extension to your kitchen). It also generally covers any work that you might be considering doing in your garden – such as building a garage or carport.

The sorts of alterations where you would require a Householder Planning Application includes extensions, conservatories, loft conversions, dormer windows, garages, car ports or outbuildings, porches, walls, fences, or improving vehicle access including footway crossovers

And if you are lucky enough to be planning to build a swimming pool, then that would be something you would need a Householder Planning Application for as well!

The good news is that this type of application is usually relatively straightforward. You, or your agent, can apply online through the government’s Planning Portal. 

Remember too, that this is a specific route for minor alterations to your home. If you are making more major changes, then a Householder Planning Application would not be suitable. For instance, if you wanted to convert an existing house into a number of flats, then that would be something that you would need to do via a ‘Full Planning’ application. Similarly, if the building you are in is listed, then there will be other requirements that you will need to meet – though a Householder Planning Application can still be a useful starting point. 

The number of people submitting a Householder Planning Application is steadily increasing – this year (2020), numbers are up around 43 percent compared with last year. Maybe the recent pandemic, where people have spent more time working in their homes, has forced people to wonder if they are using the space as effectively as they could – particularly, if they are thinking about incorporating a home office?

Okay, so once you are clear that your proposed changes fit within the criteria above, what is the next step in gaining the permission that you need?

Well, firstly you need to decide if this is something you are going to do yourself, or if you will use a planning consultant. Although the process is more straightforward than applying for full permission, there are always advantages to using someone who knows there way around the system. Many householder planning applications are rejected or referred back, not because they are ineligible, but because the information is incomplete, or not presented in the right way.

Once you have made that decision, the next step is to pull together the information that you need. Apart from the basic information about name and address, the first thing that you will need to do is describe your proposed works. This should be brief and concise – but should always state the position of the change and the number of storeys. This could be as simple as “Two storey rear extension”. 

You also need address information, including a location plan showing at least two named roads and surrounding buildings. These need to be numbered. The site where you are planning to make alterations should be indicated with a red boundary. The Planning Authority will also ask for information about any changes to vehicle access, and pedestrian access. You will also have to indicate which direction north is – so time to dig out those compasses! 

You will also be asked whether you have sought what is known as ‘Pre Planning Application Advice’. This is a relatively informal meeting with a planning officer before you submit your application. Most Local Authorities charge for this service, but it can be a useful way to understand the local requirements that you have to meet. 

Seeking Pre Planning Application Advice also reduces the chances of your application being invalid. Generally, the main reasons that an application is rejected as invalid are that drawings are not labelled clearly or correctly, information or plans are missing, drawings are not to scale, the fee is incorrect, or there is no red line drawn around your site plan. This is where seeking professional planning support can really pay off. 

If you meet the criteria, submit all of the information needed accurately, and engage with a planning officer, then hopefully planning permission will be granted and you can begin your works. You can do all of this yourself, but engaging with a planning professional to help you can make the process much more straightforward and save time, and money in the long run. 

At UK Planning Consultants, we offer Householder Planning Permission in the following locations: Householder Planning Permission Bristol, Householder Planning Permission London, Householder Planning Permission Manchester.