Planning Permission for Exeter Groundworks Projects

Starting a groundworks project in Exeter? You're probably wondering whether you need planning permission. It's one of those questions that can keep you up at night – and for good reason. Get it wrong, and you could face hefty fines or even have to tear down completed work.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know about planning permission for groundworks in Exeter, based on our experience working across the city.

The Big Question: Do I Need Planning Permission?

Here's the thing – not every groundworks project needs permission. But knowing where the line is drawn can save you thousands of pounds and months of hassle.

When You'll Definitely Need Permission

Let's start with the obvious ones. If you're planning any of these, you'll need to have a chat with Exeter City Council:

Major excavations are a big one. If you're digging up more than half your garden for that dream swimming pool or massive patio, the council will want to know about it. The same goes for retaining walls over 2 meters high – these need proper structural calculations and approval.

Creating a new driveway? If you live in one of Exeter's conservation areas (we'll get to those in a moment) or you're creating new vehicle access from the road, you'll need permission. And if you're running a business? Commercial groundworks almost always need the green light from planning.

When You're Probably in the Clear

Now for the good news. Plenty of groundworks projects can go ahead without jumping through planning hoops:

Small patios and decking (under 30cm high) are usually fine. Fixing your drainage using the existing system? No problem. Need to repair foundations within your home's existing footprint? That's typically permitted development. And those small excavations for utility connections rarely need permission.

But here's my advice: when in doubt, check. A quick phone call to the planning department could save you a world of trouble.

Navigating Exeter's Planning Process

So you've determined you need permission. What now? Let me break down the process into bite-sized chunks.

Getting Started: Pre-Application Advice

This is where Exeter City Council really shines. They offer a pre-application service that's worth its weight in gold. Yes, it costs money (£180 for householder advice, more for larger projects), but trust me – it's cheaper than getting it wrong.

During pre-application, a planning officer will review your ideas and tell you straight: what's likely to fly, what won't, and what you'll need to change. They'll also flag any special requirements for your area.

Preparing Your Application Package

Once you know what's possible, it's time to get your ducks in a row. You'll need:

A site location plan at 1:1250 scale – this shows where your property sits in the wider area. Then there's the block plan at 1:500 scale, showing your property boundaries and where the work will happen.

Detailed drawings are crucial. These need to show exactly what you're planning, with measurements and materials clearly marked. If you're near the River Exe (and many properties in Exeter are), you might need a Flood Risk Assessment too.

The Waiting Game

Once submitted, the clock starts ticking. Standard applications take about 8 weeks for a decision. During this time, your neighbors will be notified, and a planning officer might visit your site.

The cost? £234 for most householder applications. Not cheap, but consider it insurance against much bigger problems down the line.

Exeter's Special Circumstances

Living in Exeter comes with its own unique planning challenges. Let me highlight the big ones.

Conservation Areas: Handle with Care

Exeter's conservation areas are stunning – St Leonard's with its Victorian villas, the historic Cathedral quarter, leafy Pennsylvania, and charming Mount Radford. But beauty comes with responsibility.

In these areas, even normally permitted development might need permission. The council cares deeply about materials (no modern concrete blocks where traditional stone is the norm), visual impact (your retaining wall can't look like the Berlin Wall), and archaeological considerations (you might be building where Romans once trod).

The Flood Factor

With the River Exe running through our city, flooding is a real concern. If you're in areas like Northbrook or Exwick, or anywhere near the river, expect extra scrutiny.

Your groundworks can't increase flood risk for neighbors. This usually means incorporating sustainable drainage solutions – think permeable paving instead of solid concrete, or rain gardens to manage runoff.

Insider Tips for Application Success

After years in this business, here's what I've learned about getting planning permission in Exeter:

Start early and engage often. The planning department isn't the enemy – they want to help you get it right. Pop in for informal advice before you submit anything formal.

Use local examples. Found a similar project nearby that got approved? Reference it. Planning officers love precedent.

Think like a neighbor. Before you submit, imagine you live next door. What would worry you? Address those concerns in your application.

Consider professional help. For anything complex, a planning consultant who knows Exeter's policies inside out is worth their fee.

Patience pays. I know it's tempting to start digging while you wait, but don't. Enforcement officers have long memories and hefty penalty powers.

Why Applications Get Refused

Want to know the quickest ways to get a "no" from planning? Here are the classics:

Poor drainage proposals top the list. In our wet climate, the council takes water management seriously. Show them exactly how you'll handle surface water.

Neighbor impact is huge. If your retaining wall will cast their garden into permanent shadow, expect problems.

Vague submissions frustrate planning officers. They can't approve what they can't understand. Be specific, be detailed, be clear.

Ignoring local policies is a rookie error. Exeter's Local Plan isn't just bureaucracy – it's the rulebook. Play by it.

The Cost of Getting It Right

Let's talk money, because planning permission isn't free. Budget for:

• ▸Application fees: £234-£462 depending on the project
• ▸Professional drawings: £500-£2,000 (architect or technician)
• ▸Planning consultant: £1,000-£5,000 for complex projects
• ▸Pre-application advice: £180-£1,500

Yes, it adds up. But compared to the cost of doing it wrong? It's a bargain.

Your Secret Weapon: A Good Contractor

Here's something many people don't realize: experienced local groundworks contractors are planning permission goldmines. We've seen hundreds of applications, know what works, and often have relationships with planning consultants.

A good contractor will tell you upfront if you need permission, help you understand the requirements, and ensure the actual work matches what was approved. Because getting permission is only half the battle – you need to build what you said you would.

The Bottom Line

Planning permission for groundworks in Exeter doesn't have to be a nightmare. Yes, it's a process. Yes, it costs money. But it's also your protection against future problems.

My advice? Don't try to fly under the radar. That extension you built without permission? It'll come back to haunt you when you try to sell. The retaining wall that "seemed fine"? Your neighbor's solicitor might disagree.

Take the time, spend the money, get it right. Future you will thank present you.

Need guidance on planning permission for your Exeter groundworks project? RONIN Groundworks has extensive experience navigating local planning requirements. Get in touch for honest, practical advice.