Planning
services
Planning
Expert support to get your project approved—quickly and confidently.
Once you’re happy with your design and can clearly picture your new space, it’s time to move your project into planning. This is a crucial step—and with Fluent, you’re in expert hands.
Our dedicated in-house planning consultants (both with former local authority experience) manage the entire process for you—making it smooth, stress-free, and far more successful. In fact, we’re proud to have a 98% planning approval success rate, thanks to our careful preparation, strong local knowledge, and quality submissions.
Below, you’ll find a quick overview of what’s included in our Planning Service, along with typical timelines and what to expect from your local authority.
Submit Planning Application
Our in-house planning consultants will submit your planning application to the local authority with all of the supporting documentation. This is the first step.
Acknowledgement of Application
The Local Authority will register your application, assign a Planning Officer and a unique reference number. Once registered, you and the public will be able to view and track your application’s progress through the Local Authority’s planning page.
Publication of Application
Consultation period commences (Householder app
only)
- Plans published online via LA website
- Plans sent to parish/town council
- Site notice displayed
- Neighbours notified
- Statutory consultees invited to make comment
Local Authority and Planning Officer
The local authority may contact you to arrange a site visit. The planning officer should then subsequently submit a recommendation report. Our planning consultant will then work with the planning officer to address any points of concern.
Decision
The decision notice will be published online. Fluent will receive notification of this. Once received, we shall inform you as soon as possible and discuss the next steps.
Our in-house planning consultant will complete and manage your application to ensure the best possible outcome. Updates will be provided where necessary and all applications can also be tracked through the Local Authority’s website.
Planning Permission – Frequently Asked Questions
Planning permission is formal approval from your local authority that confirms your proposed extension, loft conversion, or new build complies with local planning policies. It ensures your project is appropriate for the area, neighbours, and wider environment before work begins.
Not all projects require full planning permission. Some extensions fall under Permitted Development, while others require a Householder Planning Application. During a free advice call, our in-house planning consultants can quickly confirm which route applies to your property.
Our planning applications are managed entirely in-house by experienced planning consultants who previously worked for local authorities. This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate concerns, prepare stronger submissions, and communicate effectively with planning officers—contributing to our 98% planning approval success rate.
We manage the entire process for you, including preparing and submitting the application, uploading drawings and supporting documents, liaising with the planning officer, responding to queries, and keeping you updated at every stage until a decision is made.
Once submitted, Full Planning Applications typically take around 8 to 10 weeks to be determined. During this time, the local authority will consult neighbours, parish or town councils, and statutory consultees before issuing a decision.
Yes, if your plans require full planning approval. As part of the consultation process, neighbours will be formally notified, a site notice may be displayed, and plans will be published online via the local authority’s planning portal. We design and submit applications carefully to minimise objections wherever possible.
Once the application is validated, a planning officer is assigned and a reference number issued. The officer may conduct a site visit and will prepare a recommendation report. Our planning consultant will liaise directly with them to address any concerns and support approval.
Yes. We act as your point of contact throughout the process, responding to planning officer queries and managing any required clarifications—saving you time, stress, and uncertainty.
While refusals are rare, we will review the decision notice in detail, explain the reasons clearly, and advise on the best next steps. This may include revisions, resubmission, or exploring alternative routes where appropriate.
Yes. We regularly submit planning applications across Surrey, Middlesex, Berkshire, West London, and surrounding areas. Our consultants’ local authority experience allows us to adapt submissions to differing council policies and expectations.
Planning permission should be applied for once your design is finalised and you’re happy with the proposed layout and appearance. Applying at the right time helps avoid delays and ensures the smooth transition to Building Regulations and construction.
The best way to find out is through a free planning advice call. Our team will review your property, discuss your ideas, and provide honest, expert guidance on your chances of approval before you commit.
