Planning Application Types

©APN Home | apnextensions.co.uk

Understand which type of planning application your project may need before you start preparing drawings or submitting to the council.

Planning Application Services (PAS) helps homeowners, landlords, developers and property owners understand the different planning routes available for residential and small property projects.

Not every project needs a full planning application. Some works may fall under permitted development, some may need a Lawful Development Certificate, while others require a householder application, change of use application, Section 73 variation, non-material amendment or specialist consent.

Choosing the correct application type at the start can save time, reduce confusion and help avoid unnecessary delays with the local planning authority.

Common Planning Application Types

Explore the main planning application types below. Each card gives a simple explanation of what the application is used for, when it may be needed and what kind of planning support PAS can provide.

These application types cover many of the most common homeowner and property improvement projects, from extensions, loft conversions and garden buildings through to HMOs, short-let use, tree works, driveways, dropped kerbs and amendments to existing planning approvals.

Pre-Planning Advice

Clear early advice on whether your project needs planning permission and the best route before you submit.

House Extension Planning

Planning support for rear, side, wraparound and larger home extension projects.

Loft Conversion Planning

Help with loft planning rules, dormers, roof alterations, Article 4 areas and applications.

Garage Conversion Planning

Check whether planning is needed and get support for converting garage space properly.

Garden Building Planning

Advice and applications for garden rooms, studios, outbuildings and other garden structures.

Tree Works Applications

Support for tree works involving TPO trees, conservation areas and formal council notices.

Solar Panel Planning

Planning advice for solar panels, including listed buildings, flats and conservation areas.

Replacement Windows

Help with planning rules for window changes, especially in flats, listed and conservation areas.

Lawful Development Certificate

Formal confirmation that proposed works, existing works is lawful.

Retrospective Planning

Support when building work or a change of use has already been carried out.

Change of Use

Practical planning support where a property or building needs a new lawful use, from initial advice through to clear submission.

Carports

Advice and planning support for covered parking structures, helping you understand what can be built and when approval may be needed.

Airbnb Planning Permission

Guidance for short-let and Airbnb use, including local planning rules, change of use issues and practical next steps.

Outline Planning

Early-stage planning advice to test site potential, establish the principle of development and guide future design work.

HMO Application

Planning support for HMO change of use applications, including layouts, submission drawings and supporting information.

Front Porch

Planning advice for new or enlarged porches, helping improve entrance space, shelter and kerb appeal.

Drop Kerb Application

Practical support for dropped kerb applications, including highways requirements, access drawings and planning checks.

Fencing Upgrade

Advice on boundary treatments, fence heights and planning requirements, especially for prominent or sensitive locations.

Patio Planning Permission

Guidance for patio and raised terrace projects where privacy, levels, overlooking or planning restrictions may apply.

Gates Planning Application

Planning support for new or replacement gates, including access, height, appearance and boundary considerations.

Shepherd Huts

Advice for shepherd huts used as garden rooms, holiday lets or living accommodation, including planning and use issues.

Non Material Amendment

Help with minor changes to an existing planning approval where the design needs updating without a fresh full application.

New Garage Application

Planning advice for new garages, replacement garages and garage alterations, including size, access and site layout.

S73 Planning Application

Support with Section 73 applications to vary planning conditions while keeping an existing approval moving forward.

Driveways

Practical support for dropped kerb applications, including highways requirements, access drawings and planning checks.

Sheds

Advice for garden sheds and storage buildings, including size, location, permitted development and planning limits.

Demolition Application

Clear guidance before demolition work starts, including planning permission, prior approval, conservation area issues and demolition notice requirements.