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Granted & Ready

Getting planning permission for your home

Extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions and garden rooms: find a local architect or planning specialist, or post your job and up to 3 will get in touch.

Post a planning job, freeFind an architect

The route, step by step

  1. DrawingsAn architect or architectural technologist draws what you'd like to build.
  2. Do you need permission?Some extensions are permitted development. A lawful development certificate proves it.
  3. Planning permissionIf you need it, they apply to the council for you. Most household applications are decided in about 8 weeks.
  4. Building regulationsDetailed drawings and structural calculations for building control.
  5. Your neighboursBuilding on or near a shared wall needs a party wall notice.
  6. The buildChoose a builder, then the finishing trades.

Official guidance: GOV.UK: planning permission · Planning Portal (check permitted development and apply online) · GOV.UK: party walls. We introduce you to specialists; we don't give planning advice ourselves.

Who does what

Planning drawingsArchitectPlanning permission applicationPlanning permissionBuilding regulations drawingsBuilding regsPermitted development check (LDC)Permitted developmentStructural engineerStructural calculationsParty wall surveyorParty wall agreement

Architect or technologist?

Only people on the Architects Register (ARB) may call themselves architects. Architectural technologists (often members of CIAT) also draw plans for extensions and lofts, and are often cheaper. Ask which they are, and to see similar jobs they've done.

Before you choose

Ask for a fixed fee in writing, what's included (survey, drawings, the application, changes if the council asks), and whether building regulations drawings are extra. Council fees are separate.

Post your planning job

Tell us what you'd like to build. Up to 3 local architects or planning specialists can say they're interested, and you choose who may contact you.

Post a planning job

Architects and planning specialists: get found here

Homeowners across Greater Manchester come here to start their projects. List your practice free, show your past projects, and see planning jobs posted near you. No fee per lead.

List your practice freeSee planning jobs