Greater Manchester Combined Authority Planning Services

Planning applications, drawings, surveys & compliance reports across all Greater Manchester authorities.

Planning World supports householder, commercial and regeneration projects across the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) area. We align every application with local plans, design codes and validation requirements for each borough, so your submission is technically robust and policy‑aware from day one.

Areas We Cover in Greater Manchester

We work across all ten Greater Manchester authorities:

• Manchester
• Salford
• Trafford
• Stockport
• Tameside
• Oldham
• Rochdale
• Bolton
• Bury
• Wigan

Each authority has its own local plan, design guidance and validation checklist. We factor these into your drawings, statements and technical reports so that case officers receive a complete, well‑structured submission.

Typical Projects We Handle in Greater Manchester

• Householder extensions & alterations – single and two‑storey rear/side extensions, front porches, dormers and roof alterations.
• Loft conversions & garage conversions – additional bedrooms, home offices and ancillary accommodation.
• HMOs & flat conversions – small and large HMOs, subdivision of houses into self‑contained flats, and associated amenity/parking considerations.
• Change of use – commercial to residential, retail to café/restaurant, office to residential and other use‑class changes.
• New build homes & infill schemes – single plots, backland developments and small residential schemes.
• Town centre & regeneration projects – mixed‑use schemes, upper‑floor conversions and public‑realm‑linked proposals.

Key Planning Considerations in Greater Manchester

Across GMCA, we routinely address:

• Design & character – ensuring extensions and new build schemes respect local character, streetscene and scale.
• Residential amenity – daylight/sunlight, overlooking, overbearing impact and outdoor amenity space.
• Parking & highways – on‑plot parking, access, visibility splays and cycle storage.
• Heritage & conservation – listed buildings, conservation areas and locally listed assets.
• Noise & neighbouring uses – particularly for HMOs, mixed‑use schemes and town‑centre locations.
• Flood risk & drainage – where relevant, especially near rivers, canals and low‑lying areas.

What Planning World Provides in Greater Manchester

• Planning applications – householder, full, outline, prior approval and change of use applications prepared and submitted on your behalf.
• Architectural drawings – existing and proposed plans, elevations, sections and roof plans, prepared to local validation standards.
• 3D visuals & massing – optional 3D views to help explain scale, form and design intent to officers and neighbours.
• Planning statements – clear, policy‑led justification explaining how your proposal meets local and national policy.
• Technical reports – coordination of specialist inputs such as flood risk, transport, daylight/sunlight or heritage where required.
• Legal & compliance drawings – lease plans, title plans and party wall drawings where projects move into legal or construction stages.

How We Work With You

1. Initial review – you share your address, outline proposal and any existing drawings or photos.
2. Feasibility & risk – we flag key constraints (policy, design, amenity, highways, heritage) and outline realistic routes to permission.
3. Scope & fee – we confirm the drawings, reports and application type required, along with a clear fixed fee.
4. Design & iteration – we prepare draft drawings, refine them with you, and ensure they align with local guidance.
5. Submission & liaison – we submit the application, respond to validation queries and support you through determination.

Downloadable GMCA Planning Summary (Optional)

If you’d like a printable overview, we can provide a PDF summarising:

• Authorities covered and typical project types.
• Key planning considerations across Greater Manchester.
• What Planning World provides for GMCA projects.

Explore Other Regions

• View all UK regions & Combined Authorities
• North West Region Planning Services
• Yorkshire & Humber Region Planning Services

Ready to discuss a project in Greater Manchester? Share your postcode, a short description of the proposal and any existing plans. We’ll confirm the likely planning route and the drawings and reports you’ll need.