Planning applications in England: Lessons from COVID-19

Why the planning process in Newcastle, Northumberland and the wider North East has remained steady despite challenges.

One of the most common concerns we hear from clients is whether the planning process will delay their project. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many homeowners assumed that planning applications would grind to a halt. In fact, the opposite proved true in many areas — and there are useful lessons to take forward today.

How local planning teams responded

Former Chief Planner Steve Quartermain called for planning authorities to be “practical, pragmatic and plan for recovery.” Local councils across the North East — including Northumberland, Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside and South Tyneside — followed this approach.

At Acre Design, we saw first-hand that planning applications continued to move forward at a steady pace. Most planning officers adapted quickly to home working, and communication remained responsive. While some authorities took longer than others, the majority of our clients experienced minimal disruption. Importantly, councils showed flexibility where deadlines risked lapsing, ensuring applications were not unduly penalised.

Shifts that benefited homeowners

One lasting change has been the move to digital-first submissions. In-person visits to council offices and hard-copy applications were no longer possible — but for practices like ours, this was never the preferred route. Electronic submissions have streamlined the process, making it faster and easier to track.

Temporary legislation also introduced new permitted development rights, allowing certain works to proceed without full applications. While some of these measures were short-term, they reflect a wider effort to keep the planning system moving for households and businesses alike.

What this means today

For homeowners in the North East planning an extension, refurbishment, or self-build, the key takeaway is reassurance: the planning system has proven resilient, even under pressure. With the right preparation and a clear design package, most applications continue to progress smoothly.

At Acre Design, we work closely with planning teams across Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside, ensuring applications are presented professionally, supported with the right information, and aligned with local policies. This not only reduces the risk of delay but also improves the likelihood of approval.

Our advice

If you are considering a major home project, don’t let worries about planning delays hold you back. By starting the design phase early and working with an experienced team, you can move forward with confidence.

Book a complimentary Ask the Expert call with Acre Design to discuss your plans and learn how we can guide you through the planning process with clarity and ease.

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