When starting a property renovation or building project, one of the questions you may have is where to get planning advice. This is also called pre-planning advice and should be one of the first steps in determining whether your project needs planning permission.
The advice is always to speak to the professionals who deal with planning. Here are some of these that can help you.
1. Your Local Planning Authority
Your Local Planning Authority is the primary source for planning enquiries. Every council in the UK has a planning department responsible for advising on applications and confirming whether Permitted Development (PD) rights apply to your property.
Your local Planning Authority is typically contactable by email and most councils have a planning area on their website as well. Usually you will have to pay a pre-application fee if you need written advice.
If you are simply not sure, your first course of actions should be your Local Planning Authority to get planning advice.
2. The Planning Portal
The Planning Portal is the official UK Government website for planning and building control. Planning Portal is an excellent resource you at any stage of your project, whether you’re researching or ready to submit an application.
On the Planning Portal, you will find:
- Step-by-step guidance for different project types
- Interactive tools to check Permitted Development rules
- Links to apply for planning permission online
- Guidance on building regulations and appeals
3. Chartered Town Planners (RTPI)
For complex projects or listed buildings, you may benefit from the advice of a Chartered Town Planner. These professionals understand the planning system in detail and can help with:
- Site assessments
- Submitting or managing planning applications
- Appeals or negotiations with local authorities
You can find a qualified planner via the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) website. All members are professionally accredited and follow a strict code of conduct.
4. Architectural Designers and Installers
Two professionals who will have dealt routinely with door and window projects and help customers get planning advice are architects, designers, and professional window and door installers. Those double glazing firms dealing with high-end or complex projects will have a good working knowledge of the various processes. Some architects even offer in-house planning support as part of their service.
Bear in mind that architects, designers, and door and window installers are unable to make final decisions. But what they can do is give you the correct information to help you understand whether your project is likely to be approved and how to stay within permitted development limits.
We can help you get the right windows and doors from reputable double glazing and home improvement companies if you get in touch with us.
5. Conservation Officers and Local Heritage Teams
If your property is listed or located in a Conservation Area, speak to your council’s conservation officer before making changes to windows, doors, or extensions. These specialists can advise on:
- Acceptable materials and designs
- What requires Listed Building Consent
- How to maintain the character of the building
They can also help ensure that any proposed works meet heritage guidelines, which may differ significantly from standard planning rules. At this stage, it is also worth speaking with professional door and window installers who have installed suitable products in conservation areas. Examples include:
More information on how to get planning advice
Good planning advice at the start of your project can help you save time, reduce your costs, ensure you don’t make mistakes, and avoid delays. There is a lot of advice and information, as well as a network of professionals to help you. It is also worth asking them how familiar they are with planning policy, given their previous projects – this advice can prove invaluable to you.
The best place to start is with your Local Planning Authority and use resources like the Planning Portal. Contact us for details of reputable door and window companies with the skills and expertise to help with the glazing on your project as well. And if you’re working with professionals, don’t hesitate to ask how familiar they are with planning policy — their expertise could prove invaluable.
For more independent advice on windows, doors, and home improvement projects, contact us to discuss your project.
