Full Planning Permission Services in London
For projects outside permitted development – from new homes to change of use – we prepare council-ready drawings and handle your submission to your London Local Planning Authority.
What is Full Planning Permission?
When your plans go beyond what permitted development allows, you need to ask the council directly – that formal ask is a full planning application. It differs from a Lawful Development Certificate, which only confirms work that is already lawful; here you are seeking fresh consent for something new.
- Formal Consent: Gives legal authority to build or change the use of a property.
- Policy Assessment: Assessed against the London Plan, borough policies and design standards.
- Neighbour Consultation: Neighbours are formally notified and can comment.
The council may approve, refuse, or approve with conditions. We prepare drawings for submission to your Local Planning Authority; the decision rests with them.
Types Of Full Planning Permission
New Residential Development
(NRD)
Ground-up houses or blocks of flats. Full design, access and landscaping package prepared for LPA assessment.
Change of Use
(CU)
Shop to residential flats. We evidence that the new use suits the area and meets policy.
Major External Alterations
(MEA)
Works beyond permitted development – large extensions or facade changes affecting appearance or footprint.
Retrospective Planning Permission
(RPP)
For work already carried out without consent. We regularise the drawings, though refusal and enforcement remain a risk.
Commercial and Non-Domestic Projects
(CNDP)
Offices, retail or industrial extensions and alterations requiring full consent.
When You Need Full Planning Permission
- New dwellings: building houses or flats from the ground up.
- Change of use: e.g. commercial to residential.
- Major alterations: anything outside permitted development limits.
- Commercial development: new or altered non-residential floorspace.
Our Full Planning Permission Process
Site & Policy Appraisal:
We start by studying your site itself – its planning history, physical limits and the particular policies your borough applies to schemes like yours.
Drawings & Documents:
We then produce the complete drawing package: a measured survey, before-and-after plans and elevations, plus a design statement that walks the planning officer through the scheme.
Submission & Liaison:
We lodge everything through the Planning Portal and stay on the case – answering the officer’s questions and managing any amendments until the decision lands.
Decision Notice Issued:
You receive the council’s formal decision – approval, refusal or approval with conditions.
Why Choose Online Architectural Services
Navigate London’s planning regulations with confidence. Our experienced team handles all aspects of planning applications.
London Borough Expertise:
We deal with planning teams across all 32 London boroughs week in, week out, so we know how differently each one reads the same national rules.
LPA-Ready Drawings:
Detailed, policy-aware drawings prepared to local validation standards.
Fixed, Transparent Pricing:
Clear design fee agreed upfront; council fees billed separately.
Fast Turnaround:
Drawings prepared to agreed timelines to keep your programme moving.
Single Point of Contact:
One planner-architect team from survey to decision.
Recent Approvals
A selection of recent applications we have prepared drawings for. Every application is decided on its own merits — past approvals do not guarantee future outcomes.
New build dwelling
London Borough of Lewisham, 2022 (ref DC/22/127067).
Single-storey rear/side wraparound extension
London Borough of Croydon, 2024 (ref 23/01826/FUL).
Rear and side extension with loft conversion
London Borough of Bexley, 2023 (ref 23/00188/FUL).
Related Services
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need it?
New builds, change of use, major alterations, commercial works.
How is it different from an LDC?
An LDC confirms existing rights; full planning seeks new consent.
Do neighbours have a say?
Yes, they are consulted but the LPA decides. on your proposal.
How long does the council take?
Typically 8 weeks for householder/minor, 13 for major