a person drawing a home

What is planning permission? Here's your guide...

We’re all familiar with the phrase itself, but what does it mean in relation to your upcoming project? Maybe you’re already researching plots for sale, or simply dreaming about the oak extension that’ll make you truly feel at home. Either way, you probably have plenty of questions about the importance of planning permission, and you’re eager to have answers.

It can be easy to find yourself scratching your head at the thought of planning permission, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking the crucial first steps on your oak frame journey. We’ve created this planning guide to help you navigate the planning permission process in confidence. We are here to support you through securing planning permission and offer guidance on the initial steps of crafting your vision.

Read on for our full guide to planning permission.

two women discussing a home design project043 23 07 b Helen Needham Oakwrights Banner Block

Do I need planning permission?

When you arrive at the exciting stage of submitting a planning application for your oak frame home, extension or outbuilding, you’re essentially asking for approval to construct a final design.

Planning permission applications are considered by local planning authorities, typically your local council, concerning plans to build, change or demolish a building or property. If you’re attempting to build an entirely new home or alter an existing footprint (for example, you’d like to add a bespoke garden room or garage with a room above), you’ll require formal planning permission.

This process is designed to ensure any changes adhere to design and safety standards and align with local planning policies regarding considering and protecting the natural surrounding environment. This will vary from area to area, with different considerations being made depending on the make up, wildlife and accessibility of the area, among other factors.

As part of the planning process, our Architectural Team is here to support you with the process of understanding and submitting your application. It’s important to note some changes and constructions can fall under permitted development rules and do not require planning permission for work to begin. However, we always recommend obtaining a Certificate of Lawful Development to ensure any proposals fall under permitted development regulations. 

How long does planning permission take to secure?

We know you can’t wait to turn the key and unlock the door to your new home, so understandably you’re eager to know how long it will take to get your planning permission approved.

A number of factors can contribute to the time frame for approval for planning permission. Planning applications usually take 10 working days to be validated, and 8 weeks to receive notice of a decision. However, depending on the complexity of the project and workload of your public authority it can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to gain approval. Upon submission, your application will be assessed and validated.

The application is given a case number and allocated case officer, who will notify you in writing and make the application publicly available on your local authority’s website. Neighbouring projects will also be notified and be invited to share their comments. Depending on their proximity and the potential impact of your project, local neighbourhood groups, conservation area committees and resident’s associations will be offered the opportunity to share their thoughts. Once your planning permission has been granted, it will last up to three years from the date it is granted.

Plan of building exterior

How to apply for planning permission in six steps

Before boots can start to get muddy and the hard work begins, you need to go through the process of applying for planning permission.

If you’d like us to provide a guiding hand through the planning permission journey, please reach out and we’ll offer our expertise and insights. In the meantime, Helen Needham, Head of Architecture here at Oakwrights, has put together a list of six essential steps to completing your application and how to navigate them.

Living area inside oak extension

1. Determine your planning application’s class

Before submitting a planning permission application, you must determine what class of planning application is needed for your new oak frame home. For example, is outline planning consent necessary or a full planning permission application required?

For more information on what level of planning permission your project will require, see our guide.

070 Church View Oakwrights

2. Open a line of communication

In the past, clients developing their self-build with the aim of creating a forever home have found it helpful to introduce themselves to potential neighbours, build a rapport and ingratiate themselves with the local community and decision makers. This shows you’re serious about building a life in the local area and working within its best interests.

Once you’ve finalised your bespoke design, the next step is considering whom it may be wise to contact ahead of submitting your application.

Notify neighbours, local committees and parish councils about your plans. They’ll appreciate the prior notice, rather than having to find out about your project from a notice board outside the site. It’s courteous, direct and will serve you well when it comes time to nestle into your new community and local surroundings.

Plan of building exterior

3. Submit your application

Once you’ve pulled all your application documents together, it’s time to apply for planning. 

Ensuring these documents are in line with planning validation procedures is imperative. This is an aspect a professional can guide you through and a service we regularly manage on behalf of our customers.

Architect working

4. Get to know your planning officer

Many hands make a home, so strong relationships help perfect your bespoke design and ensure your project is streamlined. Building a rapport with the case officer assigned to your planning application is a great way to establish a dialogue and communicate the intricacies of your proposal.

Equally, it’s nice to give them time to look into your application, knowing you’ve provided them with all the documentation they need and that you’re just a phone call away if they have any questions.

2092 9842 Oakwrights Richard Kiely content

5. Wait for a decision

Once your case officer has considered your application and it’s gone through the consultee period, your decision notice will be imminent! Sit back and wait for your notice to come through.

Business proposal meeting

6. Move forward with planning permission approval

Having received your approved decision notice, it’s important to look into any planning conditions which may have been applied.

You must pay close attention to what is written here, as these conditions will determine how you can progress with constructing your oak frame home. Conditions you may see could include ‘pre-commencement conditions’ and ‘pre-occupation conditions’ (both of which you will find explained in our terms and acronyms guide later in at the bottom of this blog)

Once we’ve received and delivered the exciting news to our clients, we always guide them on their next steps and how we can assist them as their home building plans begin to take shape.

Your planning terms and acronyms guide:

00823 12 01 Oakwrights Shooting Reels Media Carousel
OW Lunn Somerset 3 content

Crafting your own vision of personal serenity

Many of our customers, all coming from different walks of life, have designed their forever homes, each full of character and charm. Planning permission was just one stage in their oak projects - once permission was granted, the world became their oyster as they created something magical. Immerse yourself in our customers’ experiences and get excited at what’s to come.

Step inside our clients’ bespoke extensions…

Handpicked sources of inspiration for you

oak frame extension

Open the door to your oak frame home journey

Whatever your home building plans may be, we’re here for you every step of the way. Explore the range of architectural services our team can offer, from bespoke oak framed home and extensions to charming outbuildings that uplift your property. 

Get in touch with our team today to discuss your plans, explore plots of land for sale and begin a new chapter in your story.

Contact us

Want to discuss plans for your own oak frame project, organise a visit to our workshops, book a stay in our show home or just gain some advice? Please get in touch.

Na CSBA Small Blue 2024 157 157 156 1STA GOLD Assure Logo 157 157 156
© Copyright Oakwrights 2025
Company reg: 03713116 ‎ • ‎‎‎ VAT reg: 7210134 00
Need help?