Planning a Kitchen Extension in Tonbridge: Layout, Light and Budget
10/11/2026
House Extensions in Tonbridge & Malling: Pre-Application Checklist
Before submitting plans for a house extension in Tonbridge & Malling, make sure the project has a clear brief, an appropriate application route and coordinated information. A little organisation at this stage prevents costly delays, invalid applications and design compromises.
1. Confirm address & decision-making authority.
Start with the full address and identify the local planning authority. Near borough boundaries (e.g. Tonbridge & Malling, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells), postal addresses can mislead. Use Tonbridge & Malling's planning portal for local validation policies and forms.
2. Assemble the property’s planning history.
Gather decision notices and approved drawings for earlier work, conditions, lawful development certificates and correspondence. Identify past additions before assuming the current rear wall is your baseline for permitted development.
3. Check conservation, tree and site constraints.
Establish whether your property is in a conservation area, listed, or has protected trees (requiring 6 weeks' notification before works). Tonbridge & Malling specifically requires a flood risk assessment form for extensions in Flood Zones 2 or 3.
4. Agree the brief and application route.
Describe the spaces you need and rank your priorities. Decide whether a Lawful Development Certificate or a full Householder Planning Application is required. Work through constraints while designs can still be adjusted easily.
5. Decide whether pre-application advice would help.
Tonbridge & Malling offers a formal pre-application advice service. Frame your request purposefully around key design questions—competing roof forms or boundary proximity—to gain constructive guidance before final submission.
6. Prepare a coordinated application pack.
TMBC requires site/block plans, existing and proposed floor plans, roof plans and elevations. Ensure absolute consistency across drawings, distinguish old from new, and include a concise, proportionate heritage statement where required.
7. Allow for stages beyond the planning decision.
Build a realistic timeline separating planning approval, technical design, Building Regulations, builder pricing and construction. Allow time for statutory Party Wall notices (up to 2 months) before contractors start on site.
8. Assemble a useful first-consultation pack.
Prepare your address, current photographs, any existing drawings, previous decision notices, an overall budget range and your top 3 priorities. Clear information at the outset focuses the initial conversation immediately on viable solutions.
Get a free Consultation
We understand that extending or building a new home can get very confusing. Give us a call or send us a message to arrange a free appraisal.
See how we can help
Download a short PDF to see why TP Evans Architects can help deliver your dream project.
Why pre-application preparation pays
Incomplete or contradictory applications cause frustrating validation delays and officer objections. A coordinated pack with clear architectural drawings and proactive planning checks paves the way for a smooth approval.
Need your extension plans prepared?
TP Evans Architects is based in Tonbridge. We prepare comprehensive planning applications, 3D visualisations and building regulations packs tailored to local council requirements. Get in touch.
Planning an extension in Tonbridge and Malling?
TP Evans Architects offers a free initial consultation in Tonbridge and surrounding areas to review your project, assess planning requirements and outline the next steps.
