Planning & Approvals
Planning permission, building regulations and approvals
Knowing the planning position before you commit to a design.
We advise on the planning position of a property before detailed design begins and prepare planning applications for residential and commercial projects across London, from householder extensions to change of use and new homes.
Planning is one approval among several. We also carry projects through building regulations and, for commercial premises, landlord approval, so one team manages the route from first drawings to consent.
Planning advice and applications for homes and commercial property across London.
Planning services
Planning feasibility
An early view of what the site or building can become, the policies that apply and the likely route to approval.
Pre-application advice
Preparing pre-application requests and meeting planning officers before a full application is submitted.
Planning applications
Householder, full planning, listed building consent and advertisement consent applications, with the drawings and statements the council needs.
Permitted development and prior approval
Checking what can be built without an application, prior approval submissions and Lawful Development Certificates.
Change of use
Applications for changes of use, including commercial premises and conversions to homes.
Conditions and amendments
Discharging planning conditions and preparing amendments if the design changes after approval.
Building regulations & building control
Planning approval is only one part of the process. A design also has to be buildable and compliant.
We develop the approved design through technical design so that it meets the building regulations, and prepare and coordinate the information building control needs, working with structural engineers and other specialists. At completion we help you obtain the certificates you will need when you sell, let or refinance.
Planning in London
Conservation areas and listed buildings
Much of central and west London is protected. We design with the conservation officer in mind and prepare the heritage information that supports an application.
Article 4 directions
Many London boroughs have removed some permitted development rights in particular areas. We check before assuming a project can go ahead without an application.
Neighbours and party walls
We plan the design with neighbours in mind and coordinate with party wall surveyors where the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies.
Planning questions
It depends on the property and the work. Some extensions fall under permitted development, but flats, listed buildings and homes in conservation areas usually need permission. We confirm the position at the start, before you spend money on detailed design.
Councils aim to decide most householder and minor applications within eight weeks of a valid application, and major applications within thirteen weeks. Preparing the application, and any pre-application advice, comes before that.
No one can. The decision rests with the council. We give you an honest view of the planning position at the start and design the proposal around the relevant policies.
Yes. We submit and manage applications on your behalf and respond to the planning officer’s questions through to a decision.
Further reading
Guides from our journal on the questions that come up most at this stage.
Start your project
Tell us about the property and what you would like to do.
We will come back to you with the likely planning position and the approvals your project needs.
205 Regent Street, London W1B 4HB · Registered in England, company no. 08259165