4 Things GUARANTEE Your Planning Permission Will Be REFUSED

Securing planning permission in the UK can often feel like navigating a maze. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast hoping to extend your home, a young professional updating your flat, an architect designing for a client, or a tradesman working on-site – understanding what will absolutely guarantee a refusal from your local planning authority can save time, money, and frustration.

In this post, we’re diving into the four most common – and most critical – planning application mistakes that will almost certainly get your proposal turned down. Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll be one step closer to getting the green light on your next project.

1. Ignoring Local Planning Policies

Each local authority in the UK has a Local Plan – a framework that guides decisions on development and land use in the area. If your proposal doesn’t comply with this plan, you can expect an almost immediate refusal.

Local policies cover everything from the scale and design of new developments to restrictions on building in conservation areas or greenbelt land. If you propose a flat-roof extension in an area where pitched roofs are the norm or attempt to build a modern structure in a Victorian terrace, you may be in direct conflict with design guidance. Even the materials you use (e.g. white uPVC in a brick façade area) come under scrutiny.

Always study local policies before submitting a planning application. Most council websites have interactive map tools and PDF guides that show policies for every town, neighbourhood, and street. If you’re an architect or planning consultant, align your client’s goals with these documents during the earliest design stages.

Overlooking these policies is like running into a brick wall – local authorities will not hesitate to refuse a non-compliant proposal.

2. Poor Quality or Incomplete Application

Planning departments receive thousands of applications each year – and a surprising number are incomplete or poorly prepared, leading to automatic rejections or delays. Submitting substandard drawings, missing documentation, or vague design statements is guaranteed to put your application at the bottom of the pile.

Every application must include accurate, scaled architectural drawings (existing and proposed), a location plan, block plan, a design and access statement (for major works), and sometimes a heritage statement or flood risk assessment. All documents must be clearly labelled, dated, and consistent with one another.

If your project involves changes to neighbouring boundaries, windows, or anything that affects other properties – a clear site survey and cross-section can make all the difference. Without these, the planning officer may assume your proposal causes undue harm.

Professional tradespeople and architects often use planning consultants to review packages before submission. DIY enthusiasts or first-time applicants should strongly consider appointing a professional to prepare or review technical drawings to ensure compliance with national and local standards.

3. Disregarding Your Neighbours

Neighbour objections carry significant weight in planning decisions – especially if the proposed development negatively affects light, privacy, or the local character. A design that overpowers or overshadows neighbouring properties runs a high risk of being refused.

Common causes of conflict include side extensions built too close to the boundary, loft conversions with rear dormers that overlook gardens, and fences or outbuildings that block views or light.

Your neighbours will be formally consulted during the application process. However, approaching them beforehand – with drawings or concept plans – is often one of the smartest moves you can make. This gives them a chance to raise concerns informally, and gives you the opportunity to make minor changes (like reducing a wall height or repositioning a window) that may help gain their support or at least neutralize opposition.

If you ignore this step, particularly in tightly packed urban areas, you might end up with numerous objections. And no matter how technically sound your proposal is, strong local opposition may lead to refusal on material planning grounds.

4. Building in Protected or Restricted Areas

Trying to push through development on protected land is one of the fastest ways to a planning refusal. Green belt land, conservation areas, listed buildings, SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest), coastal protection zones – all of these carry extremely strict planning rules.

In these areas, your proposed works must meet very high standards of architectural quality and justification. Many routine extensions that would be allowed nearly anywhere else might be refused due to the sensitive nature of the location.

For example, even changing windows on a listed building without listed building consent is a criminal offence. Adding a skylight to a property in a conservation area might lead to an immediate rejection if it disrupts the roofline or historic appearance of the home.

Before undertaking any work, perform a simple online check on your property using local planning search tools, Historic England listings, or check with your council directly. A quick call to a planning officer or heritage consultant may stop you from wasting weeks on a design that will never be permitted.

Below is a table summarising key restrictions based on property designation:

Final Thoughts

Planning permission is as much about community, context, and compliance as it is about design. As tempting as it may be to push boundaries or cut corners, these four mistakes are guaranteed to lead to disappointment.

If you understand your local area’s policies, prepare a detailed and professional application, communicate openly with your neighbours, and avoid protected zones unless essential – you’ll have a much smoother journey through the planning system.

Need help getting your project approved? Whether you're a homeowner, design pro, or tradesperson, planning consultants can offer a huge advantage by spotting problems early and shaping your application for success.

Start strong – and plan smart!