Planning advice for extensions & conversions
House extensions and conversions often appear straightforward, but planning outcomes are rarely determined by size alone. Design approach, site context, neighbouring impact, policy interpretation, and planning history all play a significant role in whether proposals are supported or resisted.
This service provides professional, paid planning advice for homeowners considering extensions or conversions who want clarity before progressing to drawings or formal submission. It is intended for projects where permitted development may not apply, or where reliance on PD alone does not provide sufficient certainty.
The advice focuses on planning viability and risk, setting out how proposals are likely to be viewed in principle, where sensitivities exist, and how an approach may need to be adjusted to improve prospects of approval. It allows informed decisions to be made early, before time and fees are committed elsewhere.
This is an advisory service and does not include design work or applications.
When this service is appropriate
Planning advice for extensions and conversions is particularly useful if you are:
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Considering a rear, side, or wrap-around extension
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Planning a loft, garage, or internal conversion
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Unsure whether permitted development applies or is sufficient
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Concerned about neighbour impact, overlooking, or scale
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Looking to avoid refusal or repeated design revisions
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Assessing whether a project is worth progressing at all
Planning advice services for extensions & conversions
Tier 1 — Permitted Development Initial Review
A focused planning-led review to assess whether an extension or conversion is likely to be supported in principle.
This service is intended for homeowners who want an early professional view before commissioning design work or surveys.
The review typically includes:
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Desktop assessment of the proposed works against local planning policy
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Consideration of site context, neighbours, and common refusal risks
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Identification of key constraints and sensitivities
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Clear written advice on:
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overall planning viability
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key risks and policy issues
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whether further planning work is recommended
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This service provides early clarity, not a guarantee of approval.
Fees: £595 + VAT
Timescale: 3–5 working days
How To Proceed
This service can be requested via the Start a project section below.
Tier 2 — Detailed Planning Assessment
A more detailed planning review where greater certainty is required before progressing further.
This service is appropriate where scale, impact, or site constraints introduce higher planning risk.
The assessment typically includes:
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Detailed review of planning policy relevant to the proposal
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Assessment of scale, massing, overlooking, and neighbour impact
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Review of planning history and comparable decisions
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Clear written professional opinion setting out:
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likelihood of planning support
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key risks and mitigation strategies
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recommended planning approach
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This service provides a robust advisory position to inform design direction or pre-application strategy.
Fees: £895 + VAT
Timescale: 5–7 working days
How To Proceed
This service can be requested via the Start a project section below.
Important notes
These services are advisory only and do not include drawings, measured surveys, planning submissions, or local authority fees.
Design, surveys, and application services can be appointed separately once the planning route is clearly established.
How this fits with other services
Where permitted development may apply, you may wish to start with Permitted Development Advice to confirm whether a planning application can be avoided.
Where proposals involve greater complexity or would benefit from early local authority input, a Pre-Planning Report may be appropriate before submission.
Each service is standalone, allowing the correct planning route to be established before further commitments are made.
Start with clarity
If you are considering an extension or conversion and want professional clarity on planning viability before progressing further, you can request a fixed-fee planning review below.
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