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PLANNING

How do I submit an outline planning application?

I want to submit an outline planning application for a bungalow conversion but I’m finding the process quite confusing. I’ve also struggled to find an architect to help as most seem to only offer their services for a full planning submission. How do I convert my drawings to the required scale needed for the application?

There is no requirement to get an architect, or any professional, to prepare drawings or submit a planning application on your behalf. If you have some drawing skills and the patience to navigate the forms on the planning portal (www.planning portal.co.uk), you can put together and submit a planning application yourself and in fact, lots of people do.

To meet the requirements of the planners, your drawings must be accurate, clear and to an identified scale (1:100 or 1:50, say). You would usually have a scale bar on the plans, and label them so that they can be individually identified, analysed and listed on the council’s final decision notice.

Be careful though, inaccurate plans can cause all sorts of problems and drawings that do not look very professional could turn the planners against your proposal. Architects can be expensive but they bring a lot to a project. They produce high quality plans, but can also advise on best use of space, build costs, must-have design features and much more. It is a false economy if you end up with an avoidable refusal of planning permission, or an approval for something that doesn’t make best use of the site or is unaffordable to build. You mention that you have had some difficulty finding an architect willing to help, but it may be worth persevering with your search. I generally recommend looking up the council’s planning website for similar applications in your local area and contacting the architects who worked on them.