10 Common Reasons Planning Permission Is Refused – And How to Avoid Them
Planning permission refusals can be one of the most frustrating (and costly) hurdles in any building project. Whether you’re extending your home, developing a new property, or converting an existing structure, understanding why applications get turned down is the first step to making sure yours doesn’t.
At Draw and Plan, we specialise in helping homeowners and developers across the UK secure planning permission smoothly. In this post, we’ll break down the top 10 reasons applications are typically refused — and show you how to avoid each one.
1. Poor or Incomplete Drawings
One of the most common reasons for refusal is submitting vague or incorrect drawings. Councils require clear, accurate, and scaled architectural plans that show exactly what you’re proposing.
How to avoid it:
Work with an experienced architectural firm that understands your local planning authority’s exact requirements. We make sure every drawing meets technical standards and includes all necessary elevations, site plans, and sections.
2. Out of Character With the Area
Designs that are out of sync with the local area or street scene often get rejected — especially in established neighbourhoods or conservation areas.
How to avoid it:
We provide a detailed Design and Access Statement that explains how your proposal fits in with the surroundings in terms of scale, materials, and appearance. Context-sensitive design is key.
3. Impact on Neighbours (Overlooking, Overshadowing)
Applications can be rejected if they lead to a loss of privacy, natural light, or visual amenity for neighbouring properties.
How to avoid it:
Before submitting, we assess sight lines, daylight access, and privacy concerns — and adjust designs to minimise any negative impact. If needed, we include daylight/sunlight assessments or neighbour consultations.
4. Overdevelopment of the Site
Trying to squeeze too much onto a plot is a red flag. This includes excessive bulk, loss of garden space, or poor spacing between buildings.
How to avoid it:
We design proposals that are proportionate to the size of the plot and leave enough open space. Sometimes, less really is more — especially when you want approval.
5. Not Aligning With Local Planning Policy
Every council has a Local Plan — a set of planning rules for their area. Ignoring these leads to automatic rejections.
How to avoid it:
We research your local authority’s planning guidelines and tailor your application to meet them. From building height limits to sustainability requirements, we ensure your project ticks every box.
6. Building in a Conservation Area or Near Listed Buildings
Conservation areas have stricter design controls to preserve character. Even minor changes can be refused if they’re considered inappropriate.
How to avoid it:
We carry out heritage impact assessments and use traditional materials and design details where required. Our team has extensive experience working in protected areas across the UK.
7. Insufficient Parking or Poor Access
Lack of off-street parking, difficult vehicle access, or no provision for emergency services can all lead to a refusal.
How to avoid it:
We factor in the latest parking and access standards for your area. If needed, we provide swept path analysis or traffic reports to demonstrate compliance.
8. Environmental Concerns
Environmental impact — including drainage, flooding, biodiversity, or tree removal — can be a major barrier to planning approval.
How to avoid it:
We work with environmental consultants when necessary to produce drainage strategies, biodiversity reports, and mitigation plans — and include these with your application.
9. Missing Supporting Documents
Even the best design can be refused if the required reports or surveys are missing.
How to avoid it:
From bat surveys to flood risk assessments, we handle or coordinate all required documentation, making sure nothing slips through the cracks.
10. Objections From Neighbours or the Public
Public objections don’t automatically kill an application — but they can carry weight, especially if they raise material planning concerns.
How to avoid it:
We recommend engaging with neighbours early, especially for larger proposals. We can also advise on wording for community consultations or pre-application meetings with the council.
Bonus Tip: Use the Pre-Application Advice Service
Many local authorities offer a pre-application advice service, where planners provide feedback before you submit. We often include this as part of our process to flag issues early and improve the chance of approval.
Need Help Securing Planning Permission?
At Draw and Plan, we’ve helped hundreds of clients across the UK navigate the planning system — from straightforward extensions to complex new builds in conservation areas.
Contact us today for a free consultation, or explore our services in planning drawings, planning applications, and appeals. We’re here to make your vision a reality — without the red tape headaches.