All Posts

Planning Permission Application Help Near Me Applying for planning permission can be a complex process. Professional planning advice can help improve the quality of an application and reduce the risk of delays or refusals. What Assistance Can a Planning Consultant such as SGW Planning Provide? A planning consultant can assist with: planning advice, application preparation, design guidance, planning statements, and communication with the local authority. Many applications also

Architectural Design & Planning Consultants Swansea Successful development projects often require both architectural design expertise and planning advice. Combining these disciplines at an early stage can help create proposals that are practical, attractive and capable of obtaining planning approval. SGW Planning provides both architectural design and planning consultancy services for clients throughout Swansea and South Wales. What Services Are Available? SGW Planning assist

Planning Permission for Loft Conversions Many loft conversions can be carried out under permitted development rights, provided certain limits and conditions are met. When Is Planning Permission Required? Planning permission may be required where: the property is in a conservation area, permitted development rights have been removed, the roof extension exceeds permitted development limits, the design significantly alters the appearance of the property, or the property is a fla

Town Planning Consultants Swansea Town planning is a key part of the development process and can influence whether a proposal is approved, amended or refused. Professional planning advice can help applicants understand planning requirements before significant time and money are invested in a project. SGW Planning has been advising clients on town planning matters since 1979 and has considerable experience working on projects throughout Swansea, South Wales and across the Unit

Can a Planning Enforcement Notice Be Ignored? Ignoring a planning enforcement notice is usually a serious mistake. Many property owners hope: “the issue will eventually go away.” In reality, failing to respond properly can increase both legal and financial risks significantly. What Is a Planning Enforcement Notice? An enforcement notice is a formal legal document issued where a council believes: a breach of planning control has occurred. This may involve: unauthorised buildin

Planning Consultants Swansea Finding the right planning consultant can make a significant difference to the success of a development project. Whether you are proposing a house extension, loft conversion, new dwelling, commercial development or change of use, obtaining professional planning advice at an early stage can help identify opportunities and avoid unnecessary delays. SGW Planning has been providing planning consultancy and architectural services since 1979 and regular

Best Architectural Design Companies Near Me Choosing the right architectural design company is an important step when planning a development project. The right advice can help turn an idea into a practical and achievable proposal. What Services Do Architectural Design Companies Provide? Services commonly include: measured surveys, planning drawings, design proposals, planning applications, and building regulations drawings. Some companies such as SGW Planning also provide pla

Why Choose SGW Planning in Swansea? Choosing the right planning consultant can be one of the most important decisions in the development process. Whether you are planning a house extension, new dwelling, commercial development or planning appeal, obtaining professional advice at an early stage can help reduce risk and improve the prospects of success. Established Since 1979 SGW Planning has been providing planning consultancy and architectural design services since 1979. Over

Do I Need Planning Permission for an Extension? Not always. Many house extensions can be built under permitted development rights without requiring a full planning application. However, this depends on the size, design and location of the proposed extension. What Is Permitted Development? Permitted development rights allow certain types of development to proceed without planning permission. These rights are subject to specific limitations and conditions. Factors may include:

Can I Apply for Planning Permission Retrospectively? Yes. In England and Wales, it is possible to apply for: retrospective planning permission after development has already taken place. This commonly happens where homeowners only later realise planning permission may have been required. What Is Retrospective Planning Permission? A retrospective application asks the council to assess development that has already been: built, altered, or carried out. The application is usually

Can Neighbours Object to Planning Permission? Yes. Neighbours are usually entitled to comment on planning applications submitted nearby. This forms part of the public consultation process carried out by local councils. However, many people misunderstand how much influence neighbour objections actually have. How Are Neighbours Notified? Councils commonly notify nearby properties through: consultation letters, site notices, or online planning portals. Neighbours are then given

Neighbour Objections Explained: Do They Stop Planning Permission? Neighbour objections are one of the biggest concerns for homeowners submitting planning applications. Many applicants immediately worry: “If my neighbours object, will my application be refused?” The answer is not necessarily. Neighbour comments form part of the planning process — but objections alone do not automatically prevent approval. Why Are Neighbours Consulted? When a planning application is submitted,

Can you overturn a planning refusal in the UK - The short answer is yes, planning refusals can be overturned, and many are. The planning appeals system exists specifically to provide an independent review of local authority decisions. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering challenging a refusal in England or Wales. How Planning Refusals Are Overturned Refusals are overturned through a planning appeal submitted to the Planning Inspectorate. An independent Inspector

How Long Does a Planning Appeal Take in 2026? One of the biggest frustrations after a planning refusal is uncertainty. Most applicants immediately ask: “How long will the appeal process actually take?” The answer depends on the appeal type and complexity. Typical Planning Appeal Timescales in England Householder Appeals Many householder appeals are decided within: 12–20 weeks These are usually handled through written representations. Written Representation Appeals Minor comme

Planning Appeal vs Reapplication: Which Is Better When a planning application is refused, most applicants face the same question: should I appeal, or should I submit a revised application? The right choice depends on the strength of the council’s reasoning, the policy context, and how much you’re willing to change your proposal. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide. When an Appeal Is the Better Option Appealing is often the strongest route when: 1. The refusal is weak

Built Without Planning Permission: What Happens Next? Many homeowners only realise planning permission may have been required after building work has already started — or even completed. This situation is more common than many people think. But what actually happens if you build without planning permission? Is Building Without Planning Permission Illegal? In most cases, carrying out development without permission is considered a breach of planning control. It is not usually a

Do I Need Planning Permission in England & Wales? One of the most common questions homeowners ask before starting building work is: “Do I actually need planning permission?” The answer depends on: the type of development, the size of the proposal, the location of the property, and whether permitted development rights apply. Many projects can proceed without full planning permission — but the rules are often more complicated than people realise. What Types of Work Usually Need

Permitted Development Explained: What Homeowners Need to Know Many homeowners are surprised to learn that certain building works can be carried out without full planning permission. Below we explain Permitted Development. These rights are known as: permitted development rights. However, permitted development rules are often misunderstood — and mistakes can become expensive. What Is Permitted Development? Permitted development allows certain types of development without submit

Planning Permission Refused Because of Overlooking: What Can You Do? Overlooking is one of the most common reasons planning applications and planning permission is refused in England and Wales. Whether the proposal involves: an extension, balcony, loft conversion, or raised terrace, privacy concerns can quickly become a major planning issue. What Does “Overlooking” Mean? In planning terms, overlooking generally refers to: unwanted views into neighbouring homes or gardens. Pla

Why Does Planning Permission Get Refused? Receiving a planning refusal can be frustrating, costly, and confusing — especially when significant time and money has already been invested into a project. Many applicants assume: “If similar extensions exist nearby, mine should automatically be approved.” Unfortunately, planning decisions are rarely that simple. Understanding why planning permission gets refused is often the first step towards improving your chances of success. The