Guide to Planning Process

The planning process is very complicated and can take up a lot of time.

Once you have approved of the final scheme, we prepare all the requested drawings and documents. Depending on the type of application and size of project, different drawings and documents may be needed. This is a useful guide to the planning process.

Validation

From the day we submit the planning application and the Council’s fee is paid, it takes up to 4 weeks to validate the planning application, depending on the planners workload. Please keep in mind that the case officer does not start looking at the submitted information until the Council’s fee is paid.

Consultation Period

When the application is validated, your neighbours will be informed about the proposal. Some of them may submit an objection. However, the planners will take into account only valid planning reasons in the objections.

Decision

It takes at least 8 weeks for the decision to be issued. If the planner needs more information or an additional report, they will ask for an extension of time.

Your agent should always try to have an open conversation with the planners, so if they have any concerns they can be addressed before a refusal is issued and your application can be granted planning approval.

How we can help

The aThink team is always happy to answer any questions you may have about the planning process. As leading high-end residential architects with experience in designing homes around your family’s way of life, we provide architecture services throughout Surrey,  London and beyond.

We’d love to help you design your new home. Let’s start the conversation with a free online consultation