Planning Applications & Permissions

Planning permission is a key part of most home improvement projects in the UK. If you’re thinking about a house extension, loft conversion, or major renovation, you may need to apply for planning permission before any building work begins.

At Happy Building, we specialise in helping homeowners across London and Surrey with their planning applications. Our experienced team understands the full process, from preparing accurate architectural drawings to submitting the planning application to your local authority. We know how to avoid common mistakes and increase your chances of getting approved.

With years of experience and a 99% approval rate, you can trust us to manage your planning permission with care and confidence.

Do You Need Planning Permission?

Not every home improvement needs planning permission, but many do. Knowing the difference is important before starting any work.

Permitted Development

Some home improvements, such as small extensions or internal changes, can be carried out under permitted development rights. These give flexibility without formal approval.

Projects That Need Consent

Larger works, like double-storey extensions, loft conversions with dormers, or change of use, usually require planning permission. Councils check these against local policies.

Why It Matters

Getting it wrong can mean delays, fines, or even reversing the work. Knowing the rules, or getting expert advice, ensures your project starts smoothly.

Our Planning Application Service

You’ll get a complete and reliable planning service. We handle all the key parts needed to give your application the best chance of success.

Our planning service includes:

Measured site survey

We visit your property to take accurate measurements

Planning drawings

Clear, professional plans created by our in-house design team

Planning statement (if required)

Supporting documents that explain the purpose of the work

Application form completion

All forms filled out correctly and submitted on your behalf

Council submission and negotiations

We submit your planning application to the correct local authority and negotiate the ideal outcome for you and your project vision.

Ongoing support

We keep in touch with the council and respond to any feedback or changes

95%

of our clients say
they’d build with us again

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"We started our journey with Happy Building back in 2021 when we were looking for a local architectural designer. They came up with a great design for our loft conversion and submitted final plans to the Sutton planning authority who granted us planning permission. We then went on to use their construction services to build our loft conversion and renovate our house. We are delighted with our new space. As first time renovators, we really valued the comprehensive support provided by the project team and the attention given to the details which were important to us. The trades team were all really polite and respectful. Thank you to the whole team!"

Emily Field

Happy Homeowner

150+

granted planning approvals per year

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"We decided to work with Happy Builders after a very positive discussion with their client services team. Our project was relatively simple, we wanted to complete a rear extension with open plan kitchen diner and some minor work to our master bedroom. Geo, who was our assigned architect was extremely positive and enthusiastic. He understood our needs and we felt really listened to our objectives. The work he created was good and after selecting one option, we pretty much went ahead to planning with little amends. There was some delay to obtain planning permission, but Geo kept us informed."

Paddy Latham

6 in 10

clients choose us because we are Local

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“We chose Happy Building because they provide both the design and build process, and we had seen their local projects and were impressed. Happy Building has a straightforward process — we knew exactly what was happening and when. We knew what the cost would be and there were no surprises. They were proactive in their approach to any challenges that came up — they always came with a solution. Their team were accessible, engaged, and helpful at all stages. The build has transformed our house and changed the way we live in it — it’s better than we thought it would be!”

Charles White

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“We were very pleased with our experience working with Happy Building, especially Geo. He designed us a range of fantastic designs, including costing them up transparently and fairly. He was patient with our differing decisions, gave really sound advice, and communicated with us promptly and clearly. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend them!”

Rhiannon C

95%

of our clients say
they’d build with us again

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Happy Building guided us from planning to build with zero stress — and stayed exactly on budget. We’d do it again in a heartbeat."

Happy Homeowner

Our End-to-End Planning Support

We offer a complete planning service to take the stress out of the process. From your first idea to final approval, our team handles everything for you. This includes a site visit and consultation to assess your home and understand your goals, followed by accurate architectural drawings prepared by our in-house designers. We complete and submit your planning application to the local council and take care of any revisions if changes are requested. Throughout the process, we liaise directly with planning officers to keep things moving.

Types of Projects We Cover

We support a wide range of residential projects that often require planning permission or permitted development approval. Whether you’re expanding your living space or reconfiguring your layout, we’re here to help.

Common projects we handle:

House extensions

Rear, side, wraparound, and double-storey extensions

Loft conversions

Dormer, hip-to-gable, mansard, and Velux styles

Basement builds

Full excavations and conversions for extra living space

Garage conversions

Turning unused garages into offices, gyms, or extra rooms

Full home renovations

Internal reconfigurations, layout changes, and modern upgrades

New builds

Full design and planning for brand-new residential properties

Our 99% Planning Approval Rate

At Happy Building, we’re proud to have a 99% success rate in securing planning permission for our clients. This high approval rate comes from our in-depth knowledge of local planning rules, our careful preparation of drawings and documents, and our strong relationships with councils across London and Surrey. Every application is tailored to meet local requirements and presented clearly to avoid delays or rejections.

Start your project today

Ready to begin your project? We’re here to make the planning process simple, clear, and stress-free. Whether you’re planning a house extension, loft conversion, or full renovation, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way.

Book a free consultation today, and we’ll help you understand what permissions you need, how the process works, and what to expect from start to finish. We’ll also provide a detailed quote for your planning application and design service.