Getting Started
The basics of applying for planning permission and how the process works.
How to Apply for Planning Permission
A step-by-step walkthrough of the whole process, from checking whether you need permission at all through to getting a decision.
Permitted Development Rights: What You Can Build Without Full Planning Permission
An overview of permitted development — what it covers, its real limits, and why "permitted" doesn't always mean no council involvement at all.
The Planning Process Explained: What Happens After You Apply
A closer look at what actually happens between submitting your application and getting a decision — validation, consultation, and how councils decide.
Farm Diversification
Converting agricultural buildings under permitted development.
Farm Diversification: Converting Agricultural Buildings Under Class Q
How Class Q permitted development lets farmers and landowners convert barns and other agricultural buildings into homes — and what changed in the 2024 rules.
462
new homes from agricultural building conversions in England (2024–25)
3,255
tracked live on PlanFind right now →
Source: MHCLG, Housing Supply: Net Additional Dwellings
Commercial Conversion
Converting commercial buildings to residential use.
Commercial to Residential Conversion: Understanding Class MA
How Class MA permitted development lets shops, offices and other commercial buildings convert to homes without full planning permission — and what changed in 2024.
6,202
new homes from office and commercial building conversions in England (2024–25)
4,073
tracked live on PlanFind right now →
Source: MHCLG, Housing Supply: Net Additional Dwellings
Large Sites
Major applications, large developments, and how they differ.
Understanding Major and Large-Site Planning Applications
What actually makes a planning application "major", how the process differs from a standard application, and why large sites take longer to decide.
206,000
housing units applied for via outline applications in England (year to Dec 2025)
3,358
tracked live on PlanFind right now →
Source: MHCLG Planning Applications Statistics