How to Maximise Your Chances of Planning Approval First Time

Architect-led strategies for avoiding delays, objections, and refusals

Want to get planning permission approved the first time? Discover expert tips from AM2 Architects on design, neighbours, and documentation that can make or break your application.

Introduction

Getting planning permission can feel like navigating a maze — especially when you’re investing time and money into a new build, extension, or renovation. While there's no guaranteed formula, there are proven strategies that dramatically increase your chances of approval first time.

At AM2 Architects, we’ve helped clients across Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire submit successful applications — many approved without revision or delay. In this article, we break down the essential steps to give your project the best possible start.

1. Start with the Right Strategy

Every planning journey begins with the question: do you need full planning permission, or can your project fall under Permitted Development?

We always begin by assessing:

• Your project goals

• Local planning policy

• Site context (urban, rural, greenbelt, conservation area, etc.)

A solid strategy reduces risk and avoids unnecessary applications.

2. Design with Planning in Mind

Beautiful design is important — but planning success often hinges on contextual sensitivity. This means:

• Matching or complementing local materials

• Respecting building scale and height

• Avoiding overlooking or overshadowing neighbours

• Working with site constraints (trees, access, flooding, etc.)

We design schemes that balance your vision with planning policy — creating proposals that stand out for the right reasons.

3. Get the Correct Documentation

Planning departments will not validate incomplete or unclear submissions. Common issues we help avoid:

• Missing or incorrect plans

• Low-quality drawings

• Inadequate Design & Access Statements

• Poor site analysis or technical gaps

At AM2, we prepare fully coordinated submissions, often including planning consultants and specialist reports where needed.

Pro Tip: Always follow the local authority’s planning validation checklist — or work with someone who does.

4. Engage with Your Neighbours Early

Neighbours can’t stop your project, but they can trigger objections that lead to delays or refusals.

We often recommend:

• Sharing your proposal in a friendly, informal way before submitting

• Offering to explain your rationale

• Making small design tweaks if they improve goodwill

Local authorities respect proactive community engagement — it shows you’ve considered the wider impact.

5. Pre-Application Advice Can De-Risk the Process

Submitting a pre-app to your local planning authority allows you to test your proposal informally before going through full planning. You’ll get:

• Feedback on design, scale, and policy alignment

• Early red flags

• An indication of likely outcome

While not always necessary, pre-apps can save time, money, and stress — especially for complex or ambitious projects.

Project Overview: East Markham Extension

This project was designed for a growing family who needed more space to suit their evolving lifestyle. The existing layout felt constrained and no longer met the needs of day-to-day family life.

To unlock the home’s potential, we designed a single-storey rear extension that provided a generous, light-filled open-plan family space, seamlessly combining the kitchen, dining, and living areas. The former living room was repurposed into a snug — a cosy retreat for quiet evenings or flexible family use.

As with all our extensions, we carefully considered overshadowing, boundary proximity, and daylighting to ensure the design respected both planning guidelines and the neighbouring properties. This thoughtful approach helped streamline the planning process and avoid objections.

To enhance the entrance experience, we also introduced a new front porch with a striking double-height volume, adding a sense of arrival, natural light, and improved functionality at the front of the house.

The result is a modern, balanced family home that feels open, welcoming, and designed for the way the clients live today.

6. Local Knowledge Really Does Help

Every council interprets national planning policy in their own way. What’s acceptable in West Bridgford might get rejected in Newark — even with similar proposals.

We’ve spent over a decade working with planning teams across the East Midlands, which gives us:

• A feel for what’s likely to be approved

• Familiarity with local case officers

• Strategic insight that helps shape stronger submissions

Conclusion: Be Smart, Be Prepared, Be Strategic

Planning approval isn’t just about drawings — it’s about telling the right story, mitigating concerns, and presenting a confident, coordinated case.

At AM2 Architects, we specialise in helping clients move from idea to approval with minimum friction. Whether you’re working on a home extension, a countryside home under Paragraph 84, or a development site — we’re here to help you do it right the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions — Planning Approval Strategy

Book a Free Consultation

Want to maximise your chances of planning success?
Get in touch with AM2 Architects and let’s plan your next move, together.