NSBRC Guide to Planning Permission - 7th March 2026

Without a formal consent, your project will be something of a non-starter. In our brand-new course, we take a deep-dive into the planning system, explain how you can best prepare a successful application, be aware of common mistakes and avoid costly pit-falls. The session will be full of real-life studies and examples curated over many years in Practice.

Planning Permission course

Topics covered:

Types of planning permission

Creating a successful application

Research

Design & Drawings

The Appeals Process

Reports

Forming your team of expert advisors

Legislation and Regulation

Conservation Areas & geographic variations

Expert Presenter:

Our course has been designed specifically for self-builders at early stages and is produced and delivered by independent planning expert Mark Doodes MRTPI. The course covers the key topics and features a Q&A session – so you can get your specific planning queries answered!

Mark is a qualified, chartered and insured Town Planner with 22+ years’ experience in preparing and assessing planning applications including a decade as a planning officer. His practice is part of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) consultants register and their role is to give you impartial advice throughout the process.

Without planning permission your project hasn’t really started, and this course is designed to ensure you are not wasting time, effort and capital on sites or strategies that are unlikely to be fruitful.

The planning system is a complex and growing area with new Ecology requirements which came into effect in February. Use this course to get expert advice upfront with our great value half-day course.

Limited to just 30 delegates. Only £95 Per Person (Inc. VAT)

Half-Day session delivered in classroom style at the NSBRC

Exclusive course materials on a USB to access at your convenience

Opportunity to arrange a follow-up session with MDP at discounted rate*

*MDP are Chartered by the Royal Town Planning Institute and are on the National Planning Consultants Directory and on the Planning Portal. MDP take on projects all over England and are Insured up-to £1M in Professional Indemnity and Public Liability for site visits and meetings.

Refund Policy - The Planning Permission Course

Cost of course per person at the Centre: £95 gbp (VAT inclusive).

If you are unable to attend the course after booking, we can transfer your place to another course date if you notify us at least a week before the event (subject to availability). Please notify us as soon as possible.

Please note that we will issue a full refund if you notify us up to 7 days prior to the event start date, if you notify us after this time your payment will be non-refundable.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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