Unique Design Creations Ltd

Useful Information

Timescales

Pre-Application Advice

Pre-Application Advice is a valuable step in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of obtaining a planning decision. It also increases the quality of your planning submission and the likelihood of a successful outcome.

What to expect…

The Pre-Application process typically takes approximately 4-6 weeks from instruction to submission to the Local Planning Authority (LPA). If a site visit is required, this may add additional time.

This step allows us to:

  • Understand any concerns from the local authority in advance
  • Identify potential design or planning issues early
  • Refine proposals based on professional feedback
  • Increase the chances of approval when a full application is submitted

More guidance from the government can be found here.

Permitted Development Projects

If your proposed project falls under Permitted Development (PD) rights—particularly single-storey extensions—the process can be significantly faster and more straightforward.

We strongly recommend applying for a Certificate of Lawful Development even for PD projects. This certificate acts as formal evidence from the council that your project meets all relevant criteria. Helping to avoid potential issues later (e.g., during property sale or enforcement checks).

Important considerations.

Please note:

  • In some areas, or where Permitted Development Rights have been removed, full Planning Permission may still be required.
  • For example, you may need planning permission if you’re extending beyond the rear wall by more than:
    • 3 metres (terraced or semi-detached)
    • 4 metres (detached)

A Certificate of Lawful Development typically take 8 weeks for a decision. Planning Application typically takes up to 10 weeks for a decision. Some projects may require additional specialist reports before or during this process, such as:

  • Arboricultural (Tree) Reports
  • Highways Assessments
  • Ecological Surveys

We can coordinate these third-party reports as part of our comprehensive service.

Building Control Approval

Regardless of whether your project qualifies under Permitted Development or requires Planning Permission, Building Regulations Approval is always required.

  • A Building Control Application must be submitted along with drawings prior to starting construction on site. They will assess the drawings and carry out a plan check prior to starting on site.
  • The project will be assessed at regular intervals throughout the construction process.
  • This process usually involves a Structural Engineer.
  • Approval can take 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the local Building Control team.

Note: In some cases, you may be able to start work while the application is being reviewed. The client or contractor must have this confirmed with Building Control beforehand.

How we support you:

We offer a fixed-fee pricing structure that includes:

  • Liaison with the council for planning submissions
  • Advice on PD or Planning Permission routes
  • Coordination of required third-party reports
  • Structural engineering support
  • Full preparation of documents for Building Regulations/ BC Inspector to get the drawings signed off.

Need help determining whether your project qualifies under Permitted Development?
We can assess your property and advise on the best route forward.