Services · Planning
Planning Services in London: Unlock Your Site and Secure Consent
Planning decides what a building or plot can become — and therefore what it is worth. Craftex helps owners, investors and developers find the right planning route, secure consent and then build the approved scheme, with one team responsible from the first assessment to handover.
Most planning consultants stop at the decision notice. We are also a London design and build contractor, so every scheme we take to planning is designed to be buildable and costed with real contractor rates — no surprises between consent and construction.
- 2016 founded in London
- Plan + build under one contract
- 4.9★ Google rating
- ISO · CHAS accredited
Our planning services
Which planning route does your project need?
The right route depends on the building, its location and what you want to do. Choosing the wrong one wastes months. These are the routes we assess for every site:
- Full planning permission — needed for most new buildings, extensions beyond permitted limits and material changes of use. The statutory target is 8 weeks for minor applications and 13 weeks for major ones.
- Listed building consent — required for works affecting the character of a listed building, inside or out. It is separate from planning and is often needed alongside it.
- Permitted development (PD) — some works are granted nationally and need no application, or only a Lawful Development Certificate to prove it.
- Prior approval — a lighter process for certain PD rights, such as Class MA (commercial to residential) or Class AA (upward extensions), where the council checks specific matters like transport, noise, light and design.
- Article 4 directions — many central London boroughs remove some PD rights in particular areas, so a full application may be needed even where PD would normally apply.
We check the planning history, conservation status, listings and Article 4 directions for your address before recommending a route.
Why planning and construction under one roof
- Buildable designs — our construction team reviews layouts, structure and services while the scheme is being designed, not after consent.
- Real costs — we price the scheme with the same unit-by-unit cost plans we use for construction, so the appraisal reflects what it will actually cost to build.
- Faster start on site — drawings, conditions and technical design run straight into construction without a handover to a new team.
- One point of responsibility — no gaps between consultant, architect and contractor.
London planning: what makes it different
Large parts of central and west London sit in conservation areas or include listed buildings, and many boroughs — including Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea and Camden — have detailed policies on basements, roof extensions and changes of use. Estate landlords such as Grosvenor, Cadogan, Howard de Walden and Portman add their own consent processes. We plan for these from the start so that the planning strategy, landlord approvals and programme line up.
Not sure which route your site needs? Send us the address. We check the planning history, constraints and likely route, and tell you honestly whether it is worth pursuing.
Ask for a free assessmentHow it works
- Free Development Potential Assessment. We review the site, planning history and constraints and tell you what is realistic.
- Planning strategy. We recommend the route — full planning, prior approval, LDC or listed building consent — and the evidence needed.
- Design and reports. Our design team prepares drawings and coordinates the specialist reports the council will ask for.
- Pre-application and submission. Where useful we seek pre-application advice, then submit and manage the application.
- Negotiation to decision. We respond to officers and consultees and work to resolve issues before determination.
- Conditions and construction. We discharge conditions and, if you want, build the approved scheme under one contract.
Evidence, not promises
Questions we are asked most
Do I need planning permission or is it permitted development?
It depends on the building, its use, its location and any Article 4 directions. We check this for your address; where PD applies we can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate so you have proof.
How long does planning take in London?
The statutory target is 8 weeks for minor applications and 13 weeks for major ones, and 56 days for many prior approvals. Preparation, pre-application advice and negotiation add to this, so we give you a realistic timeline at the start.
What is Class MA prior approval?
It is a permitted development right allowing certain commercial, business and service buildings to change to residential, subject to prior approval of matters such as transport, noise, natural light and flooding. Some London areas restrict it through Article 4 directions.
Can I add storeys to my building?
Possibly — through Class AA prior approval for some buildings, or through full planning. Structure, access, neighbours and design all matter; our airspace study tests this before you spend on design.
Do I need listed building consent for internal works?
Yes, if the works affect the character of a listed building — listed building consent covers interiors as well as the exterior.
What if my application is refused?
We review the reasons, amend the scheme where sensible and resubmit, or advise on whether an appeal is worthwhile.
Do you also build the scheme?
Yes. Craftex is a design and build contractor, so we can take the consented scheme through technical design and construction.
How much does planning cost?
Fees depend on the size and complexity of the project and the reports needed. We start with a free Development Potential Assessment and then quote a clear fee for the planning stage.
Where we work
We take on planning and development projects across London and selected UK cities. Local guides:
Find out what your site could become
Send us the address and a short description. We will check the planning position and come back with an honest view of what is possible.
Get a free Development Potential Assessment info@craftex.co.ukand we will be in touch to discuss your project