This guide explains how planning permission works in Woking Borough Council’s area — application types, timelines, fees, Permitted Development rights, conservation area constraints, and what to do if your application is refused. It is written by RIBA Chartered architects who submit applications to Woking Borough Council every month. If you would prefer to discuss your specific project, we offer free initial consultations.
Not every residential building project in Woking needs planning permission. Many smaller works are covered by Permitted Development rights granted by national planning law. The general rule is:
Detached homes: up to 4m deep (8m under the Larger Home Extension scheme with Prior Approval). Semi-detached and terraced: up to 3m deep (6m under Prior Approval). Maximum height of 4m. Maximum eaves height of 3m within 2m of any boundary. Materials must be similar in appearance to the existing house.
Maximum 3m deep beyond the rear wall. At least 7m from the rear boundary. Maximum eaves height matching the existing house. Roof pitch matching the existing roof as far as practicable.
Up to 50m³ added volume for detached and semi-detached homes. Up to 40m³ for terraced homes. No extension beyond the existing roof slope on the principal elevation fronting a road. Materials similar in appearance to existing. No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
Maximum 50% of the curtilage covered by outbuildings. Maximum height 4m (dual-pitched roof) or 3m (any other roof). Single-storey only. Not forward of the principal elevation.
Within Woking Borough’s conservation areas, Permitted Development rights are restricted and an Article 4 direction may be in place. Key conservation areas include:
If your property sits within a conservation area, you should assume planning permission is required for any external alteration. We always check this as part of our feasibility study before any design work begins.
Statutory decision timelines:
‘Validation’ means the council has confirmed your submission is complete and ready to assess — this typically takes 1–2 weeks after submission. Add a further 4–6 weeks if you opt for a pre-application enquiry before submitting (which we recommend for any project beyond a standard rear extension).
| Application Type | When You Need It | Decision Time | Fee (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawful Development Certificate | Confirming PD eligibility | 8 weeks | £129 |
| Householder application | Most extensions to a single dwelling | 8 weeks | £258 |
| Full planning application | New dwellings, change of use, larger schemes | 13 weeks | £578+ |
| Listed building consent | Any work to a listed building | 8 weeks | Free |
| Pre-application enquiry | Optional — recommended for complex sites | 4–6 weeks | Variable |
| Prior Approval (LHE scheme) | Larger single-storey rear extensions | 42 days | £120 |
| Planning Permission | Building Regulations | |
|---|---|---|
| Concerned with | External appearance, impact on neighbours, planning policy | Structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, accessibility |
| Authority | Woking Borough Council planning department | Building Control (LBC or Approved Inspector) |
| Always required? | Only if not Permitted Development | Almost always for extensions and structural changes |
| Decision time | 8–13 weeks | Rolling — not a single decision |
If Woking Borough Council refuses your application, you have three options:
We help clients evaluate these options and, where appropriate, prepare appeal documents. Most refusals result from issues that could have been identified at feasibility stage — which is why we strongly recommend never starting design work without a proper feasibility assessment first.
Habito Designs handles the entire planning process for Woking homeowners — from feasibility study through to planning application submission and building regulations drawings. We are based in Woking, we know the council, and we know the local case officers.
Council fees for 2026: £258 for a householder application, £578+ for a full planning application, £129 for a Lawful Development Certificate. Architect fees and supporting documentation (heritage statements, design and access statements, drainage assessments) are separate.
No. Starting work without required planning permission is unauthorised development. The council can serve an enforcement notice requiring you to remove the works. Always wait for the formal decision notice.
Not consent — but they have the right to be notified and to comment. Woking Borough Council notifies adjoining occupiers of planning applications and considers their representations. Strong objections from multiple neighbours can influence outcomes. We advise clients to discuss plans informally with neighbours before submission.
Not consent — but they have the right to be notified and to comment. Woking Borough Council notifies adjoining occupiers of planning applications and considers their representations. Strong objections from multiple neighbours can influence outcomes. We advise clients to discuss plans informally with neighbours before submission.
Yes, for any project beyond a straightforward rear extension. The fee is modest, the feedback substantially improves first-time approval rates, and it identifies fatal issues before you spend on full design work. We strongly recommend pre-app for conservation areas, Green Belt sites, and anything with significant visual impact.
For most residential projects, a RIBA Chartered architect handles the planning application as part of the design service — there is no need for a separate planning consultant. For complex commercial or large-scale residential schemes, planning consultants add specialist expertise.
Woking, SurreyExtension Work
Godalming, Surrey Extension and Renovation
Woking, SurreyRear Extension
Guildford, Surrey Extension Work
Woking, Surrey Extension Work
Greyshott SurreyExtension and Renovation
Bagshot, Surrey Extension Work
Woking, Surrey Extension Work