Planning Application in Dorchester — Handled From Start to Finish
Full householder planning application preparation and submission. We handle the drawings, design and access statement, and council liaison from start to finish.
What's included
- Full planning drawings (existing and proposed)
- Design and access statement
- Site plan and block plan
- Council application submission
- Liaison with planning officer
- Response to any queries or amendments
Planning Applications in Dorchester
Dorchester falls under Dorset Council (Dorset Council). Dorset Council covers a large rural area with many villages in conservation areas and AONBs (Dorset AONB, Cranborne Chase AONB). Permitted Development rights may be restricted in these areas — always check before assuming PD applies. When a full planning application is needed, we handle everything from drawings to council liaison.
Dorset Council planning facts
Planning applications (annual): ~6,000. Average decision time: 8–10 weeks. Approval rate: ~87%. AONB coverage: Extensive. The standard householder application fee is £258 (paid to the council separately). Our £2,200 fee covers all drawings, the application, and managing the process through to decision.
When you need planning permission in Dorchester
Not every extension needs planning permission. Dorset Council covers a large rural area with many villages in conservation areas and AONBs (Dorset AONB, Cranborne Chase AONB). Permitted Development rights may be restricted in these areas — always check before assuming PD applies. We assess your specific project and property before recommending a route — many clients save £2,200 by confirming they only need a Certificate of Lawfulness (£1,500).
What we submit
A full set of planning drawings (existing and proposed plans, elevations, and sections), a site plan, block plan, design and access statement, and completed application forms. We submit electronically and handle all correspondence with the planning officer.
Typical properties in Dorchester
Chaseborough Square, Poundbury — neo-traditional residential architecture in Dorchester's model urban extension
Fig. 2
Middle Farm House, Poundbury — the original Victorian farmhouse predating the Poundbury development
Fig. 3
Planning App questions in Dorchester
Other services in Dorchester
3D Laser Survey
£650
A 1.5-hour on-site visit with a 3D laser scanner to capture millimetre-accurate measurements of your property. The foundation for precise structural calculations and planning drawings.
Structural Calculations
£350
Engineer-certified structural calculations for your extension or wall removal. Covers beam sizing, foundation design, and Building Regulations compliance.
Building Regulations Drawings
£399
Technical construction detail drawings that satisfy Building Regulations. Covers insulation, drainage, structural details, and everything your builder and building control need.
Builder Introduction
£149
We match you with 2–3 vetted local builders who specialise in your type of project. Includes a professional brief so every builder quotes on the same scope.
Certificate of Lawfulness
£1,500
A legal document confirming your extension falls within Permitted Development rights. Protects you at resale — mortgage lenders and solicitors expect it.
Build Coach
from £49/mo
Ongoing expert support throughout your build. From fortnightly AI check-ins to weekly human coaching calls, builder mediation, and trade price verification.
Ready to get started in Dorchester?
Planning Application from £2,200. Fixed price, no obligation.
Every plan drawn by qualified drafters in Poole, Dorset
Serving homeowners across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Wimborne, Wareham, and the wider Dorset area.
Useful links for Dorchester homeowners
External resources we recommend. Links open in a new tab.