To get planning permission for renovations, you need to submit an application to your local council explaining what work you want to carry out, providing drawings and supporting documents, and showing that the changes meet local planning rules.
Some renovation projects do not need planning permission because they fall under permitted development rights, but larger changes such as extensions, major alterations or work in protected areas may require approval before you begin.
For homeowners in areas such as Hertfordshire, understanding the planning permissions process in Hertfordshire before starting renovation work can save time, money and stress. Local councils will look at factors such as the size of the project, the impact on neighbours, the appearance of the property and whether the work fits with local planning policies.
The key points to remember are:
- Check whether your renovation needs planning permission before starting any work.
- Prepare detailed drawings and supporting information to give your application the best chance of approval.
- If your application is refused, you may be able to make changes and submit a new application or appeal the decision.
What renovation work requires and does not require planning permission?
Not every home improvement project requires planning permission. Many smaller renovations can be completed under permitted development rights using our house builders in Radlett, which allow certain types of work without making a full planning application.
However, these rights have limits, and they can be affected by factors such as the location of the property, previous extensions or whether the building is listed.
Renovation work that may require planning permission includes:
- Building a large extension that goes beyond permitted development limits.
- Making significant changes to the outside appearance of a property.
- Adding a new storey or changing the roof structure.
- Converting a property into flats or changing how a building is used.
- Carrying out work on a listed building or a property in a conservation area.
Renovation work that may not require planning permission includes:
- Internal changes such as moving walls or updating rooms, provided the building’s structure is not affected.
- Small repairs and maintenance work.
- Some loft conversions and rear extensions that meet permitted development rules.
- Installing certain windows, doors or small alterations that do not significantly change the appearance of the property.
Even if planning permission is not required, building regulations approval may still be needed. Building regulations focus on safety, insulation, ventilation and structural standards, whereas planning permission focuses on the effect of the development on the wider area.
What is the step-by-step guide to getting planning permission?
Getting planning permission is a process that involves preparation and careful attention to detail. The following steps can help make the application smoother.
1. Check whether planning permission is needed
Before preparing an application, check your local council’s planning guidance or speak with a planning professional. This will help you understand whether your renovation requires approval or whether it can be completed under permitted development rights.
2. Prepare your plans and documents
You will normally need drawings showing the existing property and the proposed changes. Depending on the project, you may also need documents such as a design statement, photographs, surveys or reports.
3. Submit your application
The application is submitted to your local planning authority. In Hertfordshire, homeowners will normally apply through the relevant district or borough council depending on where the property is located.
4. Wait for consultation and assessment
The council will review the application, consult neighbours where appropriate and assess the proposal against planning policies. Concerns from neighbours may be considered, but decisions are mainly based on planning rules.
5. Receive the decision
The council will either approve the application, approve it with conditions or refuse permission. If approved, you can usually begin work once any conditions have been met.
How long does it take to get planning permission after it is submitted?
The time it takes to receive a decision depends on the complexity of the renovation and the workload of the council. For a standard householder application, the target decision period is usually eight weeks. Larger or more complicated projects can take longer, especially if additional information is required.
Planning applications are common across England, with councils receiving around 306,500 planning applications in the year ending December 2025. During that period, around 91% of planning decisions were approved, showing that many applications are successful when they meet planning requirements.
However, delays can happen if the application is incomplete, neighbours raise concerns or the council needs further information.
Do I need an architect to help with my planning permission?
You do not always need an architect to apply for planning permission. For smaller renovation projects, some homeowners prepare their own drawings and submit applications themselves.
However, an architect or architectural designer can be very useful for larger projects. They can create accurate plans, suggest designs that are more likely to be approved and help deal with planning issues. This can be particularly helpful for complicated renovations, listed buildings or properties in conservation areas.
A planning consultant may also be useful if your project is likely to face challenges or if you need advice about local planning policies.
What if my planning permission is denied?
If your planning application is refused, it does not always mean your renovation project has to end. The first step is to understand why the council rejected the proposal. The refusal notice will explain the reasons, which may relate to issues such as size, design, impact on neighbours or concerns about the local area.
You may be able to make changes to your plans and submit a new application. In some cases, you can also appeal the decision through the Planning Inspectorate if you believe the council’s decision was incorrect.
Making adjustments before submitting again can often improve the chances of approval. For example, reducing the size of an extension or changing the design may address the council’s concerns.
How much does it cost to get planning permission?
For many homeowners, a straightforward renovation project may cost around £1,000 to £3,000 in total for planning-related expenses if professional help is limited. More complex projects, particularly those involving listed buildings, conservation areas or major extensions, can cost significantly more.
| Cost item | Typical cost | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Planning application fee | Around £500-£600 | The fee paid to the local council to assess a householder planning application in England. |
| Architectural drawings | £500-£2,500+ | Plans showing the existing property and proposed renovation. The cost depends on the size and complexity of the project. |
| Planning consultant | £500-£3,000+ | Advice on planning rules, preparing applications and dealing with more complicated projects. |
| Structural engineer report | £500-£1,500+ | Required for some extensions, loft conversions or structural changes. |
| Specialist surveys | £300-£2,000+ | Reports such as ecological surveys, tree surveys or heritage assessments if required. |
| Pre-application advice from the council | £100-£1,000+ | Optional advice from the council before submitting a full application. Fees vary between local authorities. |
| Appeal against a refused application | Varies | There is usually no fee to appeal a refusal, but professional support can add extra costs. |