Planning Applications Made Simple: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you're a landowner looking to build or a developer working on your next project, understanding the planning application process is essential. At WSR Ltd, we specialise in guiding our clients through planning applications with clear advice and professional support – helping you avoid unnecessary delays and move forward with confidence.
In this blog, we’ll break the process down step by step and highlight how expert property consulting can save you time, stress, and money.
Step 1: Understand Your Site and Its Potential
Before any plans are drawn up, it’s important to understand what’s realistically achievable on your land. Factors such as local planning policy, site access, flood risk, and ecology all play a role.
At WSR Ltd, we carry out initial feasibility assessments to give you a clear picture of what’s possible – and what isn’t – before you invest too much time or money.
Step 2: Pre-Application Advice (Optional but Recommended)
Most local authorities offer a pre-application advice service. This allows you to get informal feedback from a planning officer before submitting a full application. It can highlight potential objections early and improve your chances of success.
We often recommend this step to our clients as part of our property consulting services. It’s an opportunity to build a stronger case and adjust plans accordingly.
Step 3: Prepare Your Planning Documents
A planning application usually includes:
Site plans and architectural drawings
A design and access statement
Planning statement
Supporting documents (e.g. flood risk, ecology, transport)
WSR Ltd can coordinate all of this for you. We work with trusted architects and specialist consultants to make sure your application is complete and compliant.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Once everything is ready, the application is submitted through your local planning portal. From this point, the council typically has 8 weeks (for smaller projects) or 13 weeks (for major developments) to make a decision.
Throughout this period, WSR Ltd manages communication with the planning authority, handles queries, and keeps you updated.
Step 5: Respond to Feedback and Decision
Planning officers may request additional information or suggest changes. Timely, professional responses are key to keeping the process moving.
Thanks to our in-depth knowledge of the system, we help clients avoid common pitfalls such as:
Incomplete documentation
Poor communication with planning officers
Failure to address objections
If the application is approved – great! If not, we can advise on resubmissions or appeals.
Avoiding Delays: The Value of Expert Property Consulting
Many planning applications are delayed or refused due to avoidable mistakes. By working with experienced land and property consultants like WSR Ltd, you can:
Identify risks early
Prepare stronger applications
Avoid unnecessary revisions
Save money in the long run
Need Help with a Planning Application?
At WSR Ltd, we offer a full property consulting service, from early advice to full project delivery. Whether you’re applying for a single dwelling or a larger development, we’re here to make the process simpler.
Get in touch today to speak with our team and find out how we can support your next project.