Householder advice (extensions, lofts conversions etc)

This information is for people planning small-scale works to to houses and flats, such as:

• extensions
• loft conversions
• outbuildings 
• porches

There is separate information if you are looking for advice on: 

• commercial works (such as an extension or change of use to a shop or restaurant)
• creating a new residential unit (such as building a new house or converting a house into flats) then please see our other advice services.

Duty planner service

We offer an advice service to help you discuss planning applications. There are 2 services available:

• standard service (£165)
• advanced service (£300)

These services cover:

• loft conversion/roof alterations
• rear extension
• side extension
• front extension/porch
• basement
• outbuilding (for use by occupants of the main dwelling)
• boundary wall/fence
• means of access and/or front garden alterations (including hard surfacing)
• solar panels
• electric vehicle charging point
• heat pumps (available under the advanced service only)

Standard service

This service is to discuss a single new development from the list above. It is a 20 minute phone appointment and costs £165 (including VAT). 

If you want to discuss multiple developments, you should book an advanced service (below).

Payment is taken when you book the appointment. Your payment is only refundable if you cancel at least 2 working days before your appointment (using the contact form).

Appointment information

Your appointment is a 20 minute phonecall (booked in advance). 

Appointments are available:

• Monday 10am to midday
• Thursday 10am to midday

A planning officer will call you at your appointment time. Please do not go to Lynton House. 

You'll not get a written statement from the Planning Service, but you can make notes during the meeting. 

If you have any plans of your proposed development you can provide before your appointment through a contact form. Please send them at least 2 business days before your appointment so the planning officer can prepare for your appointment.

You should also read our Housing Design SPD (PDF 4.3MB) before your appointment.

Addresses in a conservation area

You cannot use the standard service if your address is: 

• in a conservation area 
• a statutory listed building

If your address is in a conservation area or is a statutory listed building you should use our advanced service (below).

You can check your address on our imap. 

Advanced service

This service is to discuss multiple new developments from the list above, or if your address is in a conservation area or is a statutory listed building. It costs £300 (including VAT) and you will get a written advice statement. You can then choose to have an optional telephone appointment for an extra £165 (inclusive of VAT).

You must submit your advice request online (please include a site location plan identifying the site/land in question).

If you have any plans of your proposed development please include these with your submission. 

We also encourage you to read our Housing Design SPD (PDF 4.3MB) prior submission.

We'll send you the written advice statement within 20 days of receipt of payment. If you want to arrange an optional telephone appointment, the planning officer will do this as soon as possible.

Payment

You can pay online when you make your submission. Or, you can pay after you submit. If you choose this option we'll contact you with instructions on how to pay using our automated phone line. We aim to contact you within 2 working days. Please do not try to make payment before we have contacted you: it may delay processing your request.

Your fee is not refundable after your request has been allocated to a planning officer.