At Plan It UK, one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners seeking planning permission for a home extension is:
“But my friend down the road got theirs approved, so surely mine will be fine too?”
Or sometimes:
“My friend told me this would be Permitted Development.”
We completely understand. The planning permission process can feel confusing and, at times, inconsistent.
However, the reality is that every planning application for a home extension is assessed individually, based on its own specific circumstances. What was approved for one property does not automatically mean your extension will be approved, even if it is just a few doors away.
Here is a straightforward guide to what councils actually consider when reviewing your home extension plans, and how Plan It UK helps give your project the best possible chance of success.
1. Local Character of the Street
When assessing your home extension planning application, planning officers consider whether the proposal fits the character and appearance of the surrounding area.
Even if a neighbour has built something bold or unusual, the council may now be working to maintain a more consistent look across the street.
At Plan It UK, we carefully assess your street’s existing character and design your extension to complement it, while still aligning with your vision. The aim is to balance what you want with what is most likely to gain approval.
2. Latest Planning Policies
Planning rules and policies change over time.
What may have been approved a few years ago might not meet current design standards or environmental requirements.
We always review the latest:
- Local Planning Policies
- Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs)
- National Planning Guidelines, where applicable
Our team stays up to date with planning policies across Bexley, Bromley, Dartford, Lewisham, Greenwich, and surrounding areas in Kent, London, and Essex. This helps ensure your application is aligned with current expectations.
3. Permitted Development Rights (If They Apply)
Not every property benefits from Permitted Development rights, which allow certain types of extensions without full planning permission.
You are unlikely to have these rights if:
- Your home is in a Conservation Area or National Park
- It is a Listed Building
- It is part of a newer development with restrictions
- Permitted Development rights have been removed (Article 4 Direction)
- Your property is a flat or maisonette
At Plan It UK, we carry out a full review of your property to confirm whether Permitted Development is an option, helping avoid unnecessary applications and delays.
4. Previous Planning Approvals and Precedents
One of the most effective ways to assess the likelihood of approval is to identify strong precedents.
A precedent is an example of a similar project that has already been approved, which can help support your application.
To establish this, we review your local council’s planning portal and consider:
- How similar the projects are in size and type
- How similar the properties are
- The surrounding context and neighbouring impact
- When the approval was granted
- Whether the project was built as approved
- Any conditions or constraints attached to the approval
While planning permission is never guaranteed, identifying strong precedents significantly improves your chances.
If we believe your project carries a risk of refusal, we will always be upfront. This allows you to either adjust the design or take additional steps, such as seeking early feedback from the council.
5. Specific Local Restrictions
If your home falls into certain categories, additional planning restrictions will apply.
- Conservation Areas: Focus on preserving historic and architectural character
- Listed Buildings: Stricter controls on design, materials, and internal changes
- Green Belt Land: Significant limitations on size and scale of extensions
- National Landscape Areas: Development must protect visual and environmental quality
- National Parks: Highly controlled development to preserve natural beauty
Plan It UK has extensive experience working within these constraints and ensuring projects meet the necessary requirements.
Final Thoughts: Every Home is Unique
It is completely natural to compare your project to what others have achieved nearby.
However, every planning decision is based on:
- The specific features of the site
- The most up-to-date planning policies
- How well the proposal fits within the local environment
At Plan It UK, we take the time to properly research, plan, and design your project, giving you the best possible chance of a smooth and successful planning outcome.
Thinking About Extending Your Home?
Get in touch with Plan It UK today. We will help you plan smart, design with confidence, and navigate the planning process from start to finish.
Book a free consultation or call us to find out how we can take your vision from concept to construction, all under one roof.
