Planning Law Basics: What You Need to Know
Planning law can feel like a maze, but you don’t have to be a lawyer to get through it. Whether you’re building a new home, extending a garden shed, or starting a commercial project, the rules decide what you can do and how fast you can move. This guide breaks down the core ideas, the most common hurdles, and the practical steps to keep your project on track.
Why Planning Law Matters
First off, planning law is the government’s way of balancing growth with community needs. It protects neighbours, the environment, and historic sites while still letting development happen. Ignoring the rules can lead to costly stop‑work notices, fines, or even having to demolish what you’ve built. In short, following the law saves you money, time, and headaches.
Each local council has a planning department that decides whether a proposal fits the local development plan. They look at things like building height, design, impact on traffic, and whether the site is in a protected area. The key document you’ll hear about is the Planning Permission – a formal go‑ahead that you must get before construction starts.
How to Navigate the Process
1. Check if you need permission. Not every project needs a full planning application. Small things like a single‑storey rear extension under 4 meters might be covered by permitted development rights. Use your council’s online tool to see where you stand.
2. Do a pre‑application check. Talk to the planning officers early. They can flag potential issues, suggest changes, and sometimes speed up the decision. This informal chat often saves weeks of back‑and‑forth later.
3. Prepare your application. Gather drawings, site plans, and a design and access statement. Be clear about how your project meets the local plan and any national policies, like the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The more detail you give, the fewer questions you’ll get.
4. Submit and wait. After you file, the council has 8 weeks (or 13 for major projects) to decide. They’ll publish the proposal, allowing neighbours to comment. Positive feedback helps, but even objections can be addressed with a quick response.
5. Deal with conditions. If permission is granted, it will come with conditions – things like specific materials, tree protection, or timing restrictions. Stick to them, or you risk enforcement action later.
6. Appeal if needed. If your application is refused, you have 30 days to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. Use the refusal reasons to strengthen your case; a well‑crafted appeal can overturn a bad decision.
Keeping records of every communication, submission, and decision is vital. A tidy folder makes it easier to prove compliance if an inspector knocks on your door.
Finally, consider hiring a planning consultant if the project is complex. They know the local nuances, can draft stronger statements, and often navigate the bureaucracy faster than a first‑timer.
Planning law isn’t meant to block progress – it’s there to ensure development works for everyone. By checking requirements early, engaging with the council, and submitting a thorough application, you’ll move from idea to built reality with far fewer setbacks.
Kieran Lockhart, Aug, 20 2025
A High Court judge has ordered the Bell Hotel in Epping to stop housing asylum seekers by September 2025, citing planning law breaches. The decision is fuelling debate on government housing policies and prompting other councils to consider similar action amid community unrest and legal uncertainty.
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