Trusted Local Pros

We’re here to simplify UK planning — not sell you services you don’t need.

Find trusted local pros in your area.

Planning Buddy Verified means the professional is insured, experienced and has a track record of delivering quality work for UK homeowners.

We’re here to simplify UK planning — not sell you services you don’t need.

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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.

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.

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.

Ready to get started?

Start your Planning Check now

Takes 5 minutes
Free PDF report
No jargon

Ready to get started?

Start your Planning Check now

Takes 5 minutes
Free PDF report
No jargon

Ready to get started?

Start your Planning Check now

Takes 5 minutes
Free PDF report
No jargon