Do I Need Planning Permission

Find out in minutes if you need planning permission

PLAIN turns your idea into a clear route — Permitted Development, Prior Approval or Full Planning — with costs, risks and next steps. No jargon. UK-wide.


Key benefits

  • Uses official sources and our 19-section Gold Standard analysis
  • Friendly walkthrough: location → your idea → instant route
  • Clear fees, drawings and documents you’ll need
  • Honest probability and pitfalls to avoid
  • Optional paid upgrade for a submission-ready bundle

How it works

1) Tell us where

Postcode, map pin or what3words — whatever you have.

2) Describe your idea

Plain English is perfect. No jargon needed.

3) Get your route

PD / Prior Approval / Full — plus costs, risks and next steps.

What you’ll get

  • A clear verdict: PD, Prior Approval or Full Planning
  • Success probability band (High / Moderate / Low)
  • Council fee estimates and timelines
  • Required drawings & reports tailored to your route
  • A tidy checklist of next actions

Who it’s for

  • Home extensions & outbuildings
  • Small tourism ideas (e.g., yurts/glamping)
  • Conversions & small change of use

Simple but rigorous

PLAIN checks constraints, policy and relevant history wherever possible. If a council blocks direct access, we’ll show you how to upload or paste official details so your report stays accurate.

PLAIN gives rapid planning guidance — it’s not a council decision. Results depend on the accuracy of your info and official records. We’ll always flag uncertainties and how to verify them.