Getting your planning application right first time
Contents |
Getting your planning application right first time
Local planning authorities are responsible for approving plans to change or develop on land or buildings in the United Kingdom.
In 2013, over 500,000 planning applications were submitted. Of those, 50,000 applications were not approved and 35,000 were withdrawn, which is a lot of time and effort wasted.
Collating the supporting documentation for a planning application can be very time consuming, but there are mapping and planning tools online that can help you get your planning application approved first time.
.Map by Groundsure’s mapping and planning tool provides you with a quick and easy way of ordering planning maps and reports on any browser, but it also adds something extra by sending free alerts about key planning environmental risks or precedent information that may prevent a planning application from being approved, such as local authority information, electricity pylons and telecommunication masts.
Here’s a quick 5 step guide to follow to see how these alerts work:
1) Register online for free with .Map By Groundsure
2) Locate your proposed planning site simply by entering the address
3) Explore the planning precedent flags
Click on the red planning precedent icon on the left of your map and you will see a summary of the planning precedent history with the ability to quickly add relevant reports to your basket, with the option to download a sample.
4) Spot any environmental risks
Click on the red environmental risk icon on the left of your map and you will see a summary of the environmental risks, such as flooding risk, ground stability fracking potential and radon action levels, with the ability to quickly add relevant reports to your basket, or download a sample.
5) Revise your planning application
Not taking the precedent information and environmental risks into account is a common error, and with this knowledge your planning application is more likely to be approved.
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.