
Step 1 Pre-Application
In the modern planning system, the pre-application phase is where key issues are expected to be resolved, as far as possible.
If a scheme is submitted which fails to meet published planning policy requirements and there has been no meaningful pre-application discussions, this could be regarded as an unreasonable approach. Such an application runs the risk of being refused without further negotiation. The majority of our Applications will proceed through this phase.
Some of the benefits of pre-application advice are:
- Giving you an opportunity to explain your needs
- Establishing planning policy requirements
- Commencing a dialogue towards resolving any planning issues that your proposal raises
- Identifying what information is required for a valid application to be submitted
- Advice will be set out in writing, including a record of advice given in pre-application meetings

Step 2 Decision time
Once we receive a response from your local planning office, we will report back to you on the results of the Pre Application. If favourable, we will proceed with an application for you, this is all handled in house and the application costs are paid in full by Pathfinder Homes.
Although we do not charge you for this service a ‘commitment deposit’ is required of £1,000 to appoint us as your planning representatives, this is fully refundable, regardless as to if we succeed or fail with your application. It’s simply required to authorise our appointment and make full representation on your behalf with this application.
The application is submitted and we now sit and wait for the numerous discussions to take place and await a final decision for your application.
The expected time scale is between 3 to 6 months however in our experience, on average 3 months is the normal.

Step 3 Create your home
While we wait on the local planners you will be having a day trip to Devon! We will invite you to our Head Quarters to experience our design studio and create a full specification for your new home. The end result will be a bespoke personal design specification with which we can create a Floor Plan and a fixed quote to build your Lodge.
During this visit you will:
- Pick Soft Furnishings
- Kitchen Design
- Floor Coverings
- Bathroom Style
- Fixtures & Fittings
- Lodge Design Which Will Be CAD Drawn
- Choose Furniture
- Meet In House Designer
- Colours & Lodge Finishes

Step 4 Approved planning
There’s nothing better than receiving an email from us to say your planning has been approved, but what now? We will agree a delivery date for your new home and the balance payment which will be due 14 days prior to delivery. Our homes normally take around 5 to 6 months to build.
- Place a 10% deposit to order
- Sign the build contract
