From getting your head around complex industry terminology through to how to craft a successful application, planning consultant Mike Dade lays out the basics

Mike Dade

Designed by Arco2 Architects, this house has been constructed so that it has minimal impact on the surrounding landscape. Creating an aesthetic that blends sensitively with the surrounding area is often a key aspect to consider when making a planning application

Whether you’re self building, extending or renovating, you’ll need to set reasonable expectations of what’s going to bring you success in the planning phase of your project. You’ll also require enough of an understanding of the planning game to ensure that you, or someone acting on your behalf, gets the procedure right. Here, I’m taking a closer look at the factors that’ll weigh in on your application, as well as the route you’ll need to follow to obtain the green light from the local authority.

Understanding the jargon

Planning permission, approval and consent are all terms that amount to exactly the same thing. Similarly, certain phrases, like green belt, conservation area (CA), area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) and national park all have the same defined meanings, countrywide.

Unfortunately, when it comes to individual councils who administer the planning process, you’ll encounter a variety of jargon. Policy documents, the naming and wording of texts, the titles of planning staff and names of departments can all vary greatly. It’s also worth bearing in mind that local authorities often can’t resist the temptation to change well-established and understood language on a regular basis.