Free Planning Advice — Birmingham & West Midlands
Birmingham Planning Permission Guide
Everything You Need to Know.
Expert planning permission advice for Birmingham homeowners — written by our team with 13+ years of West Midlands planning experience.
Do I Need Planning Permission in Birmingham?
Not every building project in Birmingham requires full planning permission. Many common home improvements fall under Permitted Development Rights — meaning you can carry out the work without a planning application, subject to size and location limits. However, your permitted development rights may be restricted if you live in a conservation area, an Article 4 direction area, or if your property is listed.
Projects that typically require planning permission in Birmingham include: large rear extensions, double storey extensions, changes of use, new builds, and any works in a conservation area. We offer a free planning assessment to advise you on whether your project needs permission.
How Long Does Planning Permission Take in Birmingham?
Birmingham City Council has a statutory target of 8 weeks to determine householder planning applications (13 weeks for larger or more complex applications). In practice, well-prepared applications that are submitted correctly — with complete drawings and supporting documents — are far more likely to be decided within this timescale.=
Our team’s experience with Birmingham City Council means we know exactly what information is needed, which significantly reduces the risk of delays or requests for further information.
How Much Does Planning Permission Cost in Birmingham?
There are two main costs to consider: the council application fee (set nationally) and the professional fees for preparing your drawings and application. The council fee for a householder application (extensions, loft conversions etc.) is currently £258. Our professional fees are fixed, transparent and competitive — contact us for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your project.
What are Permitted Development Rights in Birmingham?
Permitted Development (PD) rights allow certain types of work to be carried out without requiring a full planning application. For Birmingham homeowners, common examples include single storey rear extensions up to 4 metres (detached) or 3 metres (attached), small loft conversions, and internal alterations. However, PD rights can be removed in conservation areas and some estates.
We strongly recommend obtaining a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) even for permitted development projects — this provides legal confirmation from the council that your works were lawful, which is essential for future sale or mortgage purposes.
What Happens If My Planning Application Is Refused?
Our 95% approval rate means refusals are rare — but if your application is refused, you have the right to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate within 12 weeks of the decision, or to submit a revised application addressing the reasons for refusal. We advise on the best route forward and can manage appeals or revised applications on your behalf.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Get a free, no-obligation planning assessment from our Birmingham-based team. We’ll tell you exactly what your project needs, how long it will take, and give you a clear fixed price.