Making Planning Simple for homeowners
We’re here to simplify UK planning — not sell you services you don’t need.
Planning Buddy was founded by a team of qualified architects with years of experience in residential projects across the UK. We kept seeing the same problem: homeowners confused by planning rules, unsure of the next steps, and often wasting time or money on avoidable mistakes.
We built Planning Buddy to change that.
Our goal is simple — to make the planning process clearer, more accessible, and far less stressful for people improving their homes.
Whether you’re thinking about an extension, loft conversion, garage project, or something else entirely, we’ll help you get straightforward answers, fast. No jargon, no guesswork — just clarity.
For just £19, our smart Planning Check will help you understand whether you’re likely to need planning permission or not, and what to do next. When you’re ready, we’ll connect you with vetted architects, builders, and planning consultants in your local area — all hand-checked by us.
Although we use smart technology to assess your project, there’s a real team behind the scenes reviewing and improving everything — and we’ll always be here to help if you have questions.
We built Planning Buddy because homeowners deserve clarity — not confusion.
As architects and planning consultants, we kept seeing the same story: people unsure whether they needed planning permission, getting stuck in red tape, or wasting money on drawings they never needed. The rules are complicated, but the advice should not be.
Planning Buddy simplifies the entire process.
In just 10–15 minutes, you can complete a guided form and receive a personalised report that tells you whether your project falls under permitted development or if full planning permission is required.
No jargon. No upselling. Just straightforward advice designed to save you time, stress, and unnecessary fees.
We believe in helping homeowners make informed decisions, early.
Whether you're building a loft conversion, a garden room, or an extension — Planning Buddy gives you the answers you need before you commit to expensive plans or consultants.
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1,320 reports delivered
89% of users said it saved them money
Built with UK architects, planners & smart automation
What our customers say
Planning Buddy took all the stress out of figuring out planning rules. The report was clear, fast, and saved us from making costly mistakes.
Sarah Mitchell
Homeowner, Kent
Honestly, I was confused by all the planning jargon. Planning Buddy broke it down and told me exactly what I needed to know. Game-changer.
Laura Freeman
First-time Buyer
I wish I’d found Planning Buddy sooner. The service is affordable, simple, and incredibly helpful. It gave us peace of mind before building.
Chris Allen
Extension Project, Surrey
What our customers say
Planning Buddy took all the stress out of figuring out planning rules. The report was clear, fast, and saved us from making costly mistakes.
Sarah Mitchell
Homeowner, Kent
Honestly, I was confused by all the planning jargon. Planning Buddy broke it down and told me exactly what I needed to know. Game-changer.
Laura Freeman
First-time Buyer
I wish I’d found Planning Buddy sooner. The service is affordable, simple, and incredibly helpful. It gave us peace of mind before building.
Chris Allen
Extension Project, Surrey
What our customers say
Planning Buddy took all the stress out of figuring out planning rules. The report was clear, fast, and saved us from making costly mistakes.
Sarah Mitchell
Homeowner, Kent
Honestly, I was confused by all the planning jargon. Planning Buddy broke it down and told me exactly what I needed to know. Game-changer.
Laura Freeman
First-time Buyer
I wish I’d found Planning Buddy sooner. The service is affordable, simple, and incredibly helpful. It gave us peace of mind before building.
Chris Allen
Extension Project, Surrey
Frequently asked questions
Have a question? Here are the most common ones.
Still unsure? Email us at: support@planningbuddy.co.uk
What does Planning Buddy do?
We check whether your home project — like an extension, loft, or garden room — needs planning permission. You get a free, personalised report in minutes.
Why is it free?
We’re funded by trusted local professionals — architects and builders — who pay to be featured in some reports and on our Featured Pros page. This allows us to offer the service to homeowners completely free — with no hidden fees or obligations.
What if I am unsure about something?
Each question includes hints and explanations. Just answer as accurately as you can — we will guide you through it.
Will my details be shared with anyone?
No — never without your permission. You stay in control. We don’t sell your data. If you choose to connect with a trusted local professional featured in your report or on the Featured Pros page, we’ll only share your details after you confirm.
Will this apply to my local council?
Yes — we check your answers against national planning rules, which apply across England. If you tell us your home is listed or in a special area (like a conservation area), your report will reflect that and show how it affects your planning rights.
Is this a formal planning decision?
No — the report is a planning guidance tool, not a formal decision from your council. It tells you whether your project is likely to fall under Permitted Development or if you may need to apply for full planning permission. If permission isn’t needed, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) for extra peace of mind — especially if you plan to sell your home later.
How accurate is the report?
Your answers are checked against the latest national planning rules. While it’s not a formal decision, the report gives you a clear, personalised assessment based on your property and plans. Just make sure your answers are accurate — the outcome depends on them.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question? Here are the most common ones.
Still unsure? Email us at: support@planningbuddy.co.uk
What does Planning Buddy do?
We check whether your home project — like an extension, loft, or garden room — needs planning permission. You get a free, personalised report in minutes.
Why is it free?
We’re funded by trusted local professionals — architects and builders — who pay to be featured in some reports and on our Featured Pros page. This allows us to offer the service to homeowners completely free — with no hidden fees or obligations.
What if I am unsure about something?
Each question includes hints and explanations. Just answer as accurately as you can — we will guide you through it.
Will my details be shared with anyone?
No — never without your permission. You stay in control. We don’t sell your data. If you choose to connect with a trusted local professional featured in your report or on the Featured Pros page, we’ll only share your details after you confirm.
Will this apply to my local council?
Yes — we check your answers against national planning rules, which apply across England. If you tell us your home is listed or in a special area (like a conservation area), your report will reflect that and show how it affects your planning rights.
Is this a formal planning decision?
No — the report is a planning guidance tool, not a formal decision from your council. It tells you whether your project is likely to fall under Permitted Development or if you may need to apply for full planning permission. If permission isn’t needed, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) for extra peace of mind — especially if you plan to sell your home later.
How accurate is the report?
Your answers are checked against the latest national planning rules. While it’s not a formal decision, the report gives you a clear, personalised assessment based on your property and plans. Just make sure your answers are accurate — the outcome depends on them.
FAQs
Have a question? Here are the most common ones.
Still unsure? Email us at: support@planningbuddy.co.uk
What does Planning Buddy do?
We check whether your home project — like an extension, loft, or garden room — needs planning permission. You get a free, personalised report in minutes.
Why is it free?
We’re funded by trusted local professionals — architects and builders — who pay to be featured in some reports and on our Featured Pros page. This allows us to offer the service to homeowners completely free — with no hidden fees or obligations.
What if I am unsure about something?
Each question includes hints and explanations. Just answer as accurately as you can — we will guide you through it.
Will my details be shared with anyone?
No — never without your permission. You stay in control. We don’t sell your data. If you choose to connect with a trusted local professional featured in your report or on the Featured Pros page, we’ll only share your details after you confirm.
Will this apply to my local council?
Yes — we check your answers against national planning rules, which apply across England. If you tell us your home is listed or in a special area (like a conservation area), your report will reflect that and show how it affects your planning rights.
Is this a formal planning decision?
No — the report is a planning guidance tool, not a formal decision from your council. It tells you whether your project is likely to fall under Permitted Development or if you may need to apply for full planning permission. If permission isn’t needed, you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) for extra peace of mind — especially if you plan to sell your home later.
How accurate is the report?
Your answers are checked against the latest national planning rules. While it’s not a formal decision, the report gives you a clear, personalised assessment based on your property and plans. Just make sure your answers are accurate — the outcome depends on them.