Planning FAQs

Expert Answers to Common Planning Questions

The planning system can be complex, technical and difficult to navigate. At Cedar Planning, our Chartered Town Planners use their professional experience to provide clear, practical answers to common planning questions faced by homeowners, developers, landowners, architects and community groups.

This FAQ hub brings together expert guidance on planning applications, appeals, objections, Local Plans, use classes and specialist planning matters. Each section links to more detailed FAQs and related services, allowing you to explore the areas most relevant to your project.

If you have a specific question that is not covered here, please get in touch — we are always happy to help.

Planning Applications – FAQs

Planning applications are at the heart of the planning system, but requirements can vary depending on the type of development, location and policy context.

Our Planning Applications FAQs cover questions such as:

• Do I need planning permission?

• What works can be carried out under Permitted Development Rights?

• How long does a planning application take?

• Why planning applications are refused

• How long planning permission lasts

👉 View Planning Applications FAQs
👉 Planning Applications Service

Planning Appeals – FAQs

A refused planning application does not have to be the end of your proposal. Understanding the appeal process is key to deciding the best next step.

Our Planning Appeals FAQs explain:

• When you can appeal a planning decision

• What your chances of success may be

• How planning appeals are decided

• How long appeals take

• What happens if an appeal is dismissed

👉 View Planning Appeals FAQs
👉 Planning Appeals Service

Planning Objections – FAQs

If you are affected by a nearby development, you may be able to object — but only certain planning matters carry weight.

Our Planning Objections FAQs cover:

• Whether you can object to a planning application

• What counts as a valid planning objection

• Material planning considerations

• Loss of light, privacy and overdevelopment

• What happens after an objection is submitted

👉 View Planning Objections FAQs
👉 Planning Objections Service

Certificates of Lawfulness – FAQs

Certificates of Lawfulness are an important but often misunderstood part of the planning system. They provide certainty over whether development is lawful.

Our Certificates of Lawfulness FAQs explain:

• What a Certificate of Lawfulness is

• When one is required

• The 4-year and 10-year rules

• What evidence is needed

• Whether a certificate can be refused

👉 View Certificates of Lawfulness FAQs
👉 Certificates of Lawfulness Service

Local Plans & Planning Policy – FAQs

Local Plans set the framework for development in an area and play a crucial role in planning decisions.

Our Local Plan FAQs cover:

• What a Local Plan is

• How Local Plans affect planning applications

• Call for Sites consultations

• Promoting land for allocation

• Objecting to site allocations and policies

👉 View Local Plan FAQs
👉 Local Plan Representations Service

Planning Use Classes & Change of Use – FAQs

Understanding planning use classes is essential when changing how a property is used.

Our Use Class FAQs explain:

• What planning use classes are

• C3, C4, Use Class E and Sui Generis uses

• When change of use requires planning permission

• How Article 4 Directions affect use classes

👉 View Planning Use Classes FAQs
👉 Change of Use & Planning Consultancy Services

HMOs & Article 4 Directions – FAQs

HMOs and Article 4 Directions are subject to additional planning controls in many areas.

Our HMO & Article 4 FAQs cover:

• What counts as an HMO

• When HMO planning permission is required

• Certificates of Lawfulness for HMOs

• Appealing refused HMO applications

• How Article 4 Directions affect development

👉 View HMO & Article 4 FAQs
👉 HMO Planning Services

General Planning Advice – FAQs

Some planning questions apply across all types of development.

Our General Planning Advice FAQs include:

• Why use a planning consultant

• When to seek professional planning advice

• What a planning statement or heritage statement is

• What a site appraisal involves

• How planning advice can reduce risk

👉 View General Planning Advice FAQs
👉 Planning Consultancy Services

Need Professional Advice?

While FAQs can provide helpful guidance, planning decisions often depend on site-specific circumstances, local policy and professional judgement.

If you need tailored advice on your project, Cedar Planning offers clear, honest and expert planning consultancy services across England.

👉 Contact Cedar Planning for Professional Advice