Approvals, PD and planning permission service
Providing expert guidance on building permission for home extensions and renovations across Essex
What is local council approval and why does it matter?
Every project requires approval, regardless of size. Once the final architectural design is approved by the customer, we promptly submit the necessary application to the local council. For projects potentially falling under Permitted Development (PD)—subject to council discretion—we secure a certificate of lawfulness.
Homeowners sometimes seek our help after work is complete, only to find that exposing steelwork, roof structure, and foundations is necessary. This can lead to costly remedial work if the build doesn’t meet regulations. By obtaining approvals upfront, our Essex architectural design team ensure that structural calculations and building quotes are accurate and compliant, making home extensions safe and efficient in Essex.
Expert planning permission service for home extensions
A professional planning permission service ensures your home extension meets all regulations and gets approved without delays. Experts handle applications, prepare accurate drawings, and liaise with the council to prevent costly mistakes. Whether you’re planning a single story extension, loft conversion, or double story extension, the right guidance helps streamline the process and improves approval success.
The importance of good design in planning permission
A well-designed planning permission service application increases approval chances and prevents costly revisions. Clear, accurate plans help councils assess compliance with regulations, reducing delays. Good design ensures your home extension meets both aesthetic and legal requirements, creating a smoother approval process.
We've left some good impressions
See what our customers in Essex are saying on
Based in Brentwood, Essex, we were also introduced to builders and tradespeople through Kirkwood, and they were excellent—professional, respectful, and a pleasure to work with. If we ever take on another project, we wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.
We now have an amazing extension, and would be happy to use the team again.
Very knowledgeable and contactable throughout the process.
Couldn't ask for a better outcome and value for money.
Will definitely be recommending and 100% will use again!
5 star!!!
Why choose our services for approvals or planning permission.
Even if your home extension falls under permitted development, it still requires approval to confirm compliance. A Certificate of Lawfulness provides official confirmation that your project meets regulations, preventing issues when selling your home. Without it, you may face legal complications or costly delays. Our planning permission serviceensures you get the right approvals, whether through a full application or permitted development confirmation, giving you peace of mind and protecting your investment.
Years of Planning Experience
With decades in the industry, we’ve seen it all. If planning mistakes were trophies, we’d need a bigger shelf. Luckily for you, we’ve already learned the hard lessons, so your planning permission service is handled the right way from the start. We take pride in setting the standard, offering honest and transparent guidance to get your project approved.
Tailored Advice for Every Home
No two homes are the same, and neither are their approval needs. The first step is understanding your plans and seeing what’s possible. Whether it’s permitted development or full planning permission, we advise on the best approach to get your home extension approved while making the process as smooth as possible.
Support Beyond Approval
Getting planning permission is just one step. Once you’ve got the green light, we don’t just disappear. We can connect you with reliable builders and guide you through the next stages. If you’ve got questions, we’re always at the end of the phone—no endless email chains, just straightforward support when you need it.
Our Planning Permission Process
In our eyes, there’s only one way to do the job—the right way. We treat every project as if it were our own. If there’s a way to save you money and hassle, we’ll let you know and guide you towards the best approach for your needs. A planning permission service shouldn’t be stressful—it can be a straightforward and even exciting process with the right support.
Initial Consultation and Site Visit
If you’ve already received a quote from us, you’ll know how competitive we are. To keep costs down, we provide 90% of the answers upfront before visiting your property. Using Google Earth, we assess your home and review neighbouring extensions to understand your planning permission service options. This gives us a strong insight into what’s likely to be approved.
Concept Development and Drafting
Once you give us the go-ahead, we start the survey. We measure everything down to the smallest detail so we can first draft the existing layout. From there, we develop designs for the proposed work. We keep refining until you’re completely happy—most of the time, we get it right in the first or second draft.
Planning Permission and Regulations
With regulations constantly changing in Essex, it’s worth working with a company that stays ahead of the curve. We make sure every project complies and always gain some form of approval from the council for peace of mind. Although not always required, we can offer building regulation drawings. If you don’t want to leave it to your builder to decide how your home extension is constructed, we can handle it for you. A planning permission service shouldn’t stop there—we also provide structural calculations where needed.
Honest Reviews from Our Customers
We ask every customer to leave us an honest review. Not everyone gets around to it, but for those who do, we appreciate it. It’s not just about 5-star ratings—it’s about helping future customers navigate this sometimes tricky industry. If you have a moment, we’d love to hear your feedback.
Frequently asked questions
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Does my house extension need planning permission?
It depends on the size and layout of your proposed extension. At Kirkwood, we offer a free consultation over a phone or Zoom call where we assess your ideas and let you know whether full planning permission is required or if it can be done under permitted development. It’s the best way to get clear, accurate advice before committing to anything.
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Does my house extension fall under permitted development rights?
Possibly, but it depends on your property type, previous extensions, and how far you're extending. At Kirkwood, we explain this clearly during your free phone or Zoom consultation. We’ll help you understand if your project qualifies under permitted development or if you’ll need to apply for full planning permission.
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How much does planning permission cost?
Planning permission costs vary depending on the type of application—householder applications, lawful development certificates, and full planning submissions all have different fees. During your free Zoom or phone consultation, we’ll explain which applications are relevant to your extension and provide a clear breakdown of the costs involved.
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How long does planning permission take?
Planning permission decisions usually take 8 weeks once submitted, although this can vary by council. Kirkwood’s experience with local planning authorities helps reduce delays—we make sure applications are properly prepared and include everything needed to improve your chances of approval first time.
Areas We Cover in Essex
We’re proud to help homeowners all across Essex. Some of the areas we serve include: