Making internal or external changes to your Chelmsford home? Having a loft conversion or a double storey extension? Here’s how to apply for planning permission in Chelmsford to avoid breaching local authority regulations…
You’d be amazed how many homeowners make internal or external changes to their homes without realising that they need planning permission. With that in mind, here’s how to apply for planning permission in Chelmsford if you’re about to carry out any major renovations on your home.
The Planning Portal – your gateway to planning permission in Chelmsford
Applications for planning permission in Chelmsford are dealt with by the City Council. However, the council’s website will direct you to the planning portal to apply for the necessary approval.
First things first, it’s worth confirming whether you need planning permission for your project. To find out, click ‘Do You Need Planning Permission?’ [fig.1].

[Fig.1].
- Loft conversions
- Extensions (single storey)
- Extensions (two storey)
- Conservatories
- Outbuildings
- Porches
Chances are you will need planning permission for any of the home renovations listed above. To get started with your application, you will need to register an account. To do this, click ‘Register’ on the planning portal homepage [fig.2].

[Fig.2].

[Fig.3].

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[Fig.5].
Step 1 – Give your application a name – i.e. two storey rear extension – and provide your address [fig 6].

[Fig.6].

[Fig.7].

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[Fig.9].
How long will it take for a decision on a planning permission application?
It’s recommended that you allow a minimum of eight weeks for an outcome on your Chelmsford planning application. It could be more, it could be less – it all depends on the scale of your project.
The great thing about the planning portal is that once you have registered an account and made an application, you can track progress. Simply login in with the email address and password you used to register the account to get an update.
How much does a planning application cost?
Application fees vary depending on the type of planning permission you require. However, the planning portal provides a fee calculator to determine an approximate cost for your application, based on the information that you provide [fig.10]. Simply follow the onscreen instructions for an estimated fee for your application.

[Fig.10].