The Planning Application Stage Through The Council - How To Plan For The Design Process Of Your Home Extension - A clients guide.

The formal Planning application period usually takes 8 weeks through the council.  Even if a scheme falls under the sites Permitted Development allowances or PD (no formal Planning Permission required) you would still be advised to apply and obtain a Certificate of Lawful Development from the Planners to be sure.

Both applications usually take 8 weeks.  Whether or not during this time you engage your home extension architect or designer to start the full construction scheme plans and specifications remains up to you and your attitude to risk of not obtaining planning consent.

I tend to advise waiting for formal Planning Permission first before moving on to the full construction scheme simply to give yourself time for some 'reflective thought' on what you are embarking on and to reduce your exposure to abortive fees.

However, if speed is more important for you then start the construction scheme during the planning application period.

You should allow between 8 and 12 weeks for this process.