The 48-page planning handbook
How the English planning system actually works, what officers look for, and how to avoid the mistakes that cause refusals.
Premium Project Pack
Planning Permission Project Pack
Everything you need to prepare, submit and track a planning application in England — templates, checklists and plain-English walkthroughs.
- 48-page PDF
- 12 templates
- Instant download
- Updated August 2026
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What's included
Everything in this pack
A complete, homeowner-friendly toolkit that takes you from first idea to decision notice — written in plain English, with no jargon and no assumed experience.
Printable
Application readiness checklist
Every document, drawing and fee you need before you press submit, with a tick-box tracker you can print.
Editable
Drawing brief template
A fill-in brief you can send to an architect or technician so you get the right drawings first time.
3 templates
Neighbour and consultation letter templates
Three ready-to-use letters for early conversations, formal notifications and responding to objections.
Spreadsheet
Decision and appeal tracker
Track validation, consultation, target dates and conditions so nothing slips through the cracks.
Reference
Glossary of planning terms
Every term you will meet in officer reports and policy documents, explained in one sentence each.
Who is this for?
Built for you if…
First-time applicants
You have never applied before and want a clear map of the whole process before you spend money.
Homeowners managing their own project
You are coordinating designers and consultants yourself and need to stay on top of the paperwork.
Anyone who has been refused
You want to understand why, and how to resubmit or appeal with a much stronger case.
Table of contents
What you'll work through
Part 1 — Before you apply
- Do you actually need permission?
- Permitted development vs full application
- Pre-application advice: when it is worth it
- Budgeting for fees and professionals
Part 2 — Preparing your application
- Choosing and briefing a designer
- The drawings you need and why
- Supporting statements that help your case
- Validation requirements checklist
Part 3 — After you submit
- The consultation period explained
- Handling objections calmly
- Conditions, and what they mean for your build
- Refusals, amendments and appeals
Inside the pack
Example pages
A look at the layout and depth you can expect. Final pages may differ slightly.
Do I need permission? decision flow Application readiness checklist Drawing brief template Objection response planner Conditions tracker Appeals timeline
Reviews
What homeowners say
Homeowner reviews will appear here once the pack is released.
Homeowner reviews will appear here once the pack is released.
Homeowner reviews will appear here once the pack is released.
Pricing
One pack, one payment
Planning Permission Project Pack
£29£49
One-off payment. Lifetime access to updates.
- 48-page planning handbook (PDF)
- 12 editable templates and trackers
- Free updates when the rules change
- Instant download, no subscription
Payments are not enabled yet — this is a preview of the pack.
Prefer to start free?
Every BuildGuide guide and tool stays free. The pack simply gathers the templates, trackers and detail into one place so you are not piecing it together yourself.
Instant download once payments go live.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Is this pack specific to England?
Yes. The guidance, timescales and forms reflect the planning system in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different rules.
What format is the pack in?
A print-ready PDF handbook plus editable templates and trackers. Everything downloads instantly after purchase.
Does buying this guarantee planning permission?
No. Nothing can guarantee a decision. The pack helps you submit a complete, well-evidenced application, which is the single biggest thing within your control.
Do I still need an architect?
For most applications you will need scaled drawings from a designer. The pack helps you brief them properly and keeps your costs down.
Ask Mason
Not sure this is the right pack?
Describe your project and Mason will point you to the guidance — free — that fits your home and situation, including whether the Planning Permission Project Pack is worth it for you.
Start with MasonRecommended next steps
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From first sketch to shovel-ready drawings, learn the practical steps that lead to a smooth, well-priced extension project.
Read guideRecommended tools
Interactive tool
Planning Permission Checker
Answer a few short questions about your home and your plans for an early, plain-English indication of whether planning permission is likely to be required.
Open tool Interactive toolExtension Feasibility Checker
Answer seven quick questions and see how likely planning permission, permitted development, building regulations and the Party Wall Act are for your extension.
Open tool Interactive toolAsk Mason: project checker
Describe your project and get tailored, plain-English guidance on the approvals, steps and risks that apply to your home.
Open toolYou may also need
BuildGuide Project Packs provide general guidance for homeowners in England. They are not legal advice, a planning decision or a professional design.