The Challenges of Obtaining Residential Planning

Planning a home extension is an exciting step toward creating more space and improving your home, but getting planning permission approved isn’t always straightforward. Whether you're based in Greater Manchester or parts of Greater London, understanding the challenges before you begin can save time, money, and frustration.

At Plans4Extensions, we help homeowners across both Greater Manchester and parts of London navigate the planning process with confidence, ensuring your project is built for approval from day one.

Common Planning Permission Challenges

1. Overlooking Local Planning Policies

Each council interprets national planning guidance in its own way. For example, an acceptable rear extension in Manchester may be handled differently in Stockport, Richmond or Chelsea. Failing to align your plans with specific local policies is a common cause of rejection.

Solution: We tailor every design to the local authority’s guidance, whether in the North West or the South, to maximise approval chances.

2. Neighbour Objections

Neighbours may object if they feel your extension affects their light, privacy, or outlook. Even where your proposal complies with rules, sustained objections can influence planning officers’ recommendations.

Solution: We design with context and privacy in mind, and where helpful, we guide clients through early engagement with neighbours to reduce conflict.

3. Design and Scale Issues

Overdevelopment or unsympathetic design is a red flag in many areas, especially in character-rich suburbs or conservation zones common to both Stockport and parts of South West London.

Solution: We create practical, balanced designs that suit the host property and surrounding area, helping planners view your proposal more favourably.

4. Conservation Area and Green Belt Constraints

Extensions in conservation areas or near green belt land often face stricter planning scrutiny. Local authorities expect high-quality, sympathetic design, and detailed supporting information.

Solution: Our team understands how to meet elevated design standards and has experience working with complex applications across Greater Manchester and Greater London.

5. Poor Quality or Incomplete Applications

Surprisingly, many planning applications are delayed or refused due to missing information or inaccurate plans. An incomplete or vague submission can cost weeks, or result in outright refusal.

Solution: With Plans4Extensions, your application is handled professionally, from accurate measured surveys to clear planning drawings and robust design statements.

6. “I Don’t Need Planning – It’s Permitted Development, Right?”

Many homeowners assume they don’t need planning permission at all, and in some cases, that’s true. Permitted Development Rights (PDR) do allow certain types of extensions and alterations without formal planning consent.

However, PDR has strict rules around size, height, materials, and location. It also doesn’t apply to flats, maisonettes, listed buildings, or homes in conservation areas. And even when it does apply, you may still need a Lawful Development Certificate to prove compliance.

Solution: We assess every project at the outset to confirm whether planning is required or if it qualifies under Permitted Development, and if so, we’ll still provide full plans and handle the necessary certification to protect you during future sales or disputes.

Planning Permission: Local Experience Matters

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e regularly prepare and submit planning applications across Trafford, Greater Manchester, Warrington, and increasingly, in key areas of South West London and Greater London. Our insight into how local planning departments work helps us anticipate issues early and design proactively.

Why Work With Plans4Extensions?

Planning permission doesn't have to be stressful. We handle the entire process — from concept to council, with transparent pricing, fast turnaround times, and a genuine understanding of what gets approved.

If you’re considering a home extension in Altrincham, Sale, Warrington, Stockport, or select areas of South West and Greater London, we’re here to help.

We have a studio in Altricnham in Greater Manchester and Earlsfield in South West London.

📞 Get in touch with Plans4Extensions today for a free consultation and expert advice on making your extension plans a success, without the planning headaches.