Planning Permission

Melrose Design’s Guide to Planning Permission

Planning Permission

Melrose Designs – Your Planning Permission Partner Made Simple
Navigating planning permission doesn’t have to be stressful.

At Melrose Designs, we handle the entire application process for you—free of charge—ensuring your plans meet all the necessary guidelines while staying true to your vision.

From initial advice to final approval, we’re by your side every step of the way, so you can focus on what really matters: designing your dream home.

What is planning permission?

Planning permission is a way of controlling any proposed unfitting developments.

Town and Country Planners work with the local council’s planning office and will check over applications and decide whether or not to approve the proposed works.

How long do planning permission applications take to be decided?

Decisions usually take around 8-10 weeks from the time they are submitted since the since the planning Approvers must validate them and ensure all the correct information is present. So while we rarely get an early decision, we have an approval rate of 98%. As soon as the application is submitted, we will begin to prepare full Building Control construction drawings, the second stage of the process. You can find out more about Building Control at this link.

How can we help our clients be sure that planning permission isn’t required?

By applying for a lawful development certificate, clients can ensure that they don’t require planning permission for their building work. The certificate is accessible through a council application which asks for confirmation regarding a lack of planning.

This application is formulated with the same information as a full planning application but will only be used to verify if planning is needed. You can build whatever you desire without the comments of planners if your application is approved.

Melrose Designs can apply for lawful development on behalf of your council. We will ensure that you have written confirmation from the council for your peace of mind.

Will my neighbours have an option to comment on my proposals?

Your adjoining neighbours will be made aware of your proposal if it requires planning permission. Then they will be able to comment within a three-week consultation period.

Within this period, neighbours are allowed to put forward objections, which must be grounded on material considerations that a case officer will deliberate. This means that your neighbour can’t object to your proposal based on concerns about noise or if you simply don’t get along with them.

Can you tell us what will our planning application decision be based upon?

The planning department will base its decision on a range of key factors and material considerations, which may vary depending on the nature of the development. These include issues such as privacy, light, parking, design, government policy, conservation, access, traffic, noise, and previous planning decisions.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

Jess bullough

Outstanding service. Amazing price, reliable, top communication skills and from our extension drawings that Kieran did we were told from a builder who had been doing the trade for over 20 years , that they were the best drawings he had ever seen. Definitely recommend!

Adam Williams

Excellent service from start to finish I couldn’t recommend Keiran from Melrose Designs highly enough. From the initial plans right through to dealing with the planning process, he was professional, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. He took the time to understand exactly what we wanted to achieve with our renovation and was able to turn our ideas into clear, practical plans. Whenever we had questions or came across issues, he was always quick to respond and explain things clearly. The whole process was made much easier knowing we had someone experienced on our side, particularly when dealing with planning requirements and making changes along the way. We’re extremely happy with the service and the end result. If you’re looking for an architect who is reliable, approachable and genuinely cares about getting the job right, I’d definitely recommend Keiran and Melrose Designs.

Lucy McNamara

I honestly couldn’t recommend Kieran at Melrose Designs highly enough. He has been absolutely brilliant from start to finish. His communication throughout the whole process has been fantastic, and he’s been incredibly patient and accommodating with all the changes and ideas we’ve wanted to implement along the way. Nothing has ever felt like too much trouble, and he’s always been quick to respond, helpful with suggestions and really clear with the plans and next steps. Kieran has made the whole process so easy and stress free, and it’s been lovely working with someone who genuinely listens to what you want and makes sure everything is exactly right. We’re absolutely made up with everything he’s done for us and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Kieran and Melrose Designs to anyone.

Rachel Payne

Kieran did a great plan for our extension, he's a good architect who listens to your views.

Yvonne Tunstall

I can highly recommend Kieran from Melrose Design. He was brilliant and nothing was a problem. All questions, emails and calls answered. He did drawings quickly and efficiently. I would definitely use Kieran again in the future without hesitation. Thank you Kieran 😊

John R. G.

excellent. What a man. couldn't do too much. Highly recommended

Drew Dunlop

Kieran produced drawings for me at short notice for a building control issue and was excellent. Communication was great and the drawings were completed quickly, with no fuss and at at a reasonable cost. I would not hesitate to use Melrose Designs again and would recommend them to anyone.

David Aspinwall

Kieran was really easy to work with and made the process of getting our extension ideas onto paper simple. Very professional and responded quickly to queries.

Cate Murdock

Keiran at Melrose Designs was fantastic to work with. He delivered our designs really quickly and was always helpful and responsive throughout the process. He also guided us through the building regulations application, which made everything much easier. We’d definitely recommend to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient architect.

Adam Higson

Melrose Designs were fantastic from start to finish. They handled my extension design professionally and guided it smoothly through both planning and building stages. Clear, helpful, and reliable, I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking for quality design work

How It Works

Step 1

Free Consultation Call

Book a free consultation and let’s bring your ideas to life. We’ll offer expert design advice and guide you through every step of the process — from start to finish.

Step 2

Site Survey & Meeting

We’ll visit your property to take precise measurements and gather all the key site details needed to keep your project moving forward smoothly. We will then discuss how we will turn your vision to life while offering creative solutions to make the design truly exceptional.

Step 3

Planning Approval

We will take care of the entire planning application process — from preparing and submitting all required documents to liaising with your local council. Acting as your agent, we work to secure approval quickly and efficiently.

Step 4

Building Regulations

We then produce detailed building regulation drawings and coordinate the necessary structural calculations, ensuring your builders have everything they need to begin construction without delay.

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