Making a planning application

Overview and process

This step-by-step guide will help you find out if you need planning permission for changes to your home or property, such as home improvements or extensions. It will also take you through the application process.

If you are an applicant, it will take you through the process for applying for planning permission.

You probably need planning permission if you want to:

  • build something new
  • make a major change to your building such as building an extension
  • change the use of your building or land
  • merge houses or flats in a way which reduces the overall number of homes

 

What to expect

  1. You need to check if you need permission

    <p>Not all developments need planning permission. You can use <a href="http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission">Planning Portal</a> to find out whether you need to apply.</p>

    <p><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/making-planning-application/check-if-you-need-p… more information here</a></p>

  2. You need to check the planning policies and constraints in your area

    <p>To get planning permission, you should make sure your plans and designs follow the Council’s planning policies.</p>

    <p><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/making-planning-application/check-if-you-need-p… more information here</a></p>

  3. We can provide planning advice to you

    <p>We recommend that you get advice from us about your proposals because this can help you understand our policies, identify potential problems early on and find solutions and avoid costly mistakes.</p>

    <p><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-applicat… more information here</a></p>

  4. You submit an application and pay

    <p>You submit your planning application online on the <a href="http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission">Planning Portal</a>&nbsp;</p>

    <p><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-applicat… more information here</a></p>

  5. We assign a planning officer to assess your application

    <p>Your case officer is there to help answer any questions you may have and keep you informed of any decisions we make.</p>

    <p><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-applicat… more information here</a></p>

  6. We will consult others on your application

    <p><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-applicat… more information here</a></p>

  7. The application is assessed and determined

    <p><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-applicat… more information here</a></p>

Last updated: 21 October 2025