Ken Dijksman
Ken, a former planning officer, is an experienced planning consultant with over three decades of experience helping self builders, renovators and developers achieving planning permission. He set up his own consultancy, Dijksman Planning LLP, in 2005. He is also the author of The Planning Game, How to Play the System and Win Planning Consent: An Insider's Guide to Planning Permission for Newbuilds and Extensions.
Latest articles by
![zinc and timber house built in a garden plot](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wkLzGnjWySbQ2kpJYJbeoP-320-80.jpg)
Can I build a house in my garden?
By Ken Dijksman last updated
Planning Hub If you're asking yourself 'can I build a house in my garden', and how to go about gaining planning permission, planning consultant Ken Dijksman explains all
![special dispensation due to outstanding design meant that this home was granted planning permission to be built in the countryside](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uAuWciEFFqtyht2iUtcobD-320-80.jpg)
Building a New Home in the Countryside: Paragraph 79 Guide
By Jason Orme, Ken Dijksman last updated
Planning Hub The Paragraph 79 clause of the National Planning Policy Framework, could be just the ticket to building a home in the countryside. Find out how it works
![Interior of a modern micro apartment annexe with living room and kitchenette](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/V7dhQAdfq7LmwUmm23uFs3-320-80.jpg)
Do I Need Planning Permission for an Annexe?
By Ken Dijksman last updated
Planning Hub There are a couple of key rules you need to be aware of to stay on the right side of the law when creating an annexe, says planning consultant Ken Dijksman
![Period-Style Home in a Conservation Area](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qp25N5chbBUhENAeczDD8N-320-80.jpg)
Do Designated Areas Make Good Building Plots?
By Sally Tagg, Mark Stevenson, Ken Dijksman last updated
Planning Hub Plots in designated areas, such as an AONB or Conservation Area, hold strong appeal to self builders - but can you actually get permission from the local planners to build?
![couple getting advice](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RVs4GZBFxrzNgwmiqS6UpZ-320-80.jpg)
Planning Consultants Guide: Do You Need One?
By Jason Orme, Ken Dijksman last updated
Planning Hub Find out when a planning consultant might be worth bringing on board your project. Plus, where to find a good one and how much to expect to pay
![extension-project-with-trees-on-site](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YXkvwX2rvKk6mZXtDXuw25-320-80.png)
Planning Conditions: The Ultimate Guide
By David Snell, Ken Dijksman, Mark Stevenson last updated
Planning Hub Don’t overlook the attached planning conditions in the euphoria of gaining planning approval. Failure to discharge conditions can invalidate the permission for your build — ignore them at your peril!
![what to do if your planning permission is refused](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/h3ZjgzEAKpMw2c6fvzzHCA-320-80.jpg)
Planning Permission Refused? Here's What You Should Do
By Ken Dijksman last updated
Planning Hub Once the initial despair of planning permission refusal has subsided, should you alter your design or launch a planning appeal?
![Demolition of an old house](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Uiag2tgWiKAV6FqftRujFc-320-80.jpg)
Planning Permission to Demolish and Rebuild: What to Know
By Ken Dijksman, Michael Holmes, Mark Stevenson last updated
Planning Hub Understanding the rules around securing planning permission to demolish and rebuild is essential to make sure you don't waste money on a plot you can't develop
![getting planning approval](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/E9jFvyGsoCriHHjbeseacF-320-80.jpg)
How to Get Planning Approval
By Ken Dijksman last updated
Planning Hub If you want to get planning approval, knowing the considerations likely to win over planners in the area you want to build is essential, says planning consultant Ken Dijksman
![Small bungalow transformed with planning permission](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kmYY65mybiQcrYkWkrHo6S-320-80.jpg)
14 Secrets to Ensure Planning Success
By Ken Dijksman last updated
Planning Hub The planning process can be an onerous affair so the more you know about it, the better equipped you’ll be. Follow these top tips to help you get the green light on your application
![Knock down and rebuild project that sought pre-application advice](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7NCNXYRKjzpHP5eKfbb8Q4-320-80.jpg)
Pre-Application Advice: Is It Actually Worth It?
By Ken Dijksman last updated
Planning Hub Pre-application advice might not be the panacea it’s often made out to be, says planning consultant Ken Dijksman, who advises to approach with caution