Planning Permission
Planning Permission Drawings and Applications
Planning permission is the formal approval required from your local authority before carrying out certain types of building work. Whether you need a full planning application, a permitted development assessment, a Lawful Development Certificate or a conservation area application depends on the type and scale of your project and the location of your property.
LCCL Construction’s in-house architects prepare all planning permission drawings and manage the entire application process on your behalf. We handle loft conversions, house extensions, renovations and new builds across London and Hertfordshire, working with local planning authorities including Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, Camden, Islington, Hertsmere, St Albans and many others.
With over 20 years of experience, more than 200 verified reviews rated 4.7 out of 5, and LABC Awards Regional Winners 2024, our team has a strong track record of achieving planning approvals for residential projects of all types.
Types of Planning Applications We Handle
Full Planning Permission: Required for mansard loft conversions, hip to gable conversions, two-storey side extensions, new builds, and any work on properties in conservation areas or on designated land. LCCL prepares all drawings, design and access statements and supporting documents and submits the application to your local authority.
Lawful Development Certificate: If your project falls under permitted development rights, we apply for a Lawful Development Certificate to confirm in writing that planning permission is not required. This is recommended for dormer loft conversions, single-storey rear extensions and other permitted development work, as it provides legal proof when you come to sell your property.
Prior Approval Notification: Required for larger single-storey rear extensions (over 4 metres for detached houses or 3 metres for all others) under the larger home extension scheme. We submit the notification and manage all correspondence with the local authority and adjoining neighbours.
Conservation Area Applications: For properties in conservation areas, additional design sensitivity is required. Our architects design schemes that respect the character of the area while achieving your project objectives.
Our Planning Permission Process
Once the measured building survey is complete and we have accurate existing drawings of your property, we begin the design and planning stage. Our architects produce proposed drawings and manage the entire application process on your behalf.
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Step 01 — Research and Design: We begin by researching your local area, studying the local authority’s planning guidelines, reviewing recent planning decisions for similar projects nearby, and assessing any constraints that may affect your application. This research informs the design to give your application the best possible chance of success.
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Step 02 — Drawing Production: We produce the full set of planning drawings required for your application. This includes a site location plan, block plan, existing and proposed floor plans, existing and proposed elevations, section drawings, a design and access statement, and outline specifications. We present the proposed designs to you for review and feedback before submission.
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Step 03 — Application and Liaison: We submit the application to your local planning authority on your behalf and manage all correspondence throughout the process. We keep you informed at every stage and respond to any queries or requests for amendments from the planning officer. With these drawings, you can submit a full planning application, a Lawful Development Certificate application, or a prior approval notification depending on your project type.
Find out more about next step of the process: Building control drawings >
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What’s Included in Our Planning Permission Service
Our planning permission service includes all drawings and documents required for your application. This covers existing floor plans and elevations from the measured building survey, proposed floor plans and elevations showing the new design, site location plan and block plan, section drawings, a design and access statement, and outline specifications. We also handle the application fee payment, online portal submission, and all correspondence with the planning authority until a decision is issued.
If your application is approved with conditions, we review the conditions and advise you on any additional steps required before construction can begin. If the application is refused, we assess the reasons for refusal and advise on whether a revised application or appeal is the best course of action.
Need Planning Permission for Your Project?
Book a free consultation call to discuss your project and find out whether you need planning permission. We will assess your property, explain the application process and provide a quote for our architecture and planning service. Call 020 8037 7332, email info@lcclconstruction.co.uk or book online.
Testimonials
From planning to completion, Alex and his team were professional, reliable and delivered an outstanding loft conversion. The whole process was stress-free and the results exceeded our expectations." — KashImaging, Trustpilot
LCCL Construction managed the entire process seamlessly. The team kept us informed at every stage and the quality of work was exceptional." — Ludovic, Reviews.io
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does a planning permission application take?
A standard householder planning application typically takes 8 weeks from submission to decision, though some local authorities may take longer. A Lawful Development Certificate usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. A prior approval notification under the larger home extension scheme takes 42 days. LCCL Construction manages the application timeline and keeps you informed throughout the process.
Q2: What drawings do I need for a planning application?
A typical planning application requires a site location plan, block plan, existing and proposed floor plans, existing and proposed elevations, section drawings, and a design and access statement. For some projects, additional documents such as tree surveys, flood risk assessments or heritage statements may be required. LCCL Construction prepares all necessary drawings and documents as part of our planning service.
Q3: Do you handle the planning application or do I need to submit it myself?
We handle the entire process. LCCL Construction submits the application to your local planning authority on your behalf through the Planning Portal. We manage all correspondence with the planning officer, respond to any queries, and keep you informed at every stage. You do not need to deal with the local authority directly unless you choose to.
Q4: What happens if my planning application is refused?
If your application is refused, we review the reasons for refusal in detail and advise on the best course of action. In many cases, the design can be amended to address the planning officer’s concerns and a revised application submitted. If the refusal is unreasonable, we can advise on the formal appeal process through the Planning Inspectorate. We discuss all options with you before proceeding.