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

    
 
 
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   Stephanie Markland 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kieran at Melrose designs was really great to deal with, he was friendly, really efficient and communicated well. Our plans were submitted and passed really quickly with no issues. I would highly recommend Kieran and wouldn’t hesitate to use him again for other building projects.
  
 
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   Phil Pagan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have used Kieran at Melrose designs for the design of a double storey side extension and single storey rear extension on an end plot in Winstanley, Wigan. Kieran has vast experience in this field and has been extremely competent, attentive and supportive throughout the design, planning permission process, and subsequent building control process. Melrose Designs have been a very reasonable price for the services they offer and I would highly recommend Kieran to anybody looking to extend their existing property.
  
 
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   Lloyd Snowden 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kieran, provided extremely good advice, was very customer focused and enabled easy conversations.  Very quick but highly professional, my needs were fully covered and enabled my renovations to proceed without delay.  Highly recommended.  Thanks Kieran, Lloyd
  
 
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   Jenny Horsfall 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kieran is friendly, professional and know what he’s talking about. He was able to clearly explain the extention process to me and my husband and was always quick to reply to any of our queries. Would definitely recommend Melrose Designs
  
 
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   vicky larley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Service from Kieran was 100% bang on, would highly recommend
  
 
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   Jess bullough 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!
  
 
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   Adam Williams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
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   Lucy McNamara 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
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   Rachel Payne 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kieran did a great plan for our extension, he's a good architect who listens to your views.
  
 
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   Yvonne Tunstall 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 😊

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.

Maximise the Value of Your Home Through Smart Design

Start Your Design Journey with a Free Consultation
Let’s bring your ideas to life. Share your vision, receive expert advice, and begin shaping your dream project—with no cost and no obligation.