Is the whole of Essex covered?

Yes. PlanPost monitors all 13 towns and built-up areas across Essex every day, picking up new planning applications within 24 hours of submission.

Which councils handle planning in Essex?

Planning applications in Essex are handled by Chelmsford, Epping Forest and Colchester. PlanPost monitors all of them every day.

How do I narrow down to a specific area within Essex?

Pick a postcode and a radius between 1 and 20 miles. PlanPost monitors one area at a time, so set the radius wide enough to cover your patch.

How quickly will I see new Essex leads?

Within 24 hours of submission. We pull new applications every day, and matches land on your dashboard the same morning. Review each one and queue the letter yourself, or switch on auto-send so PlanPost queues it the moment a match comes in. Either way, PlanPost prints and posts.

What if more leads come through from Essex than my plan covers?

Anything past your monthly allowance is charged per letter (£1.29 to £1.49 + VAT, by tier). You can also set a monthly cap if you want a hard ceiling on extra-letter spend.

For Builders in Essex

1,617 jobs just hit Essex planning. None of those homeowners know you exist yet.

PlanPost turns new planning applications into construction leads across Essex: we spot each relevant application the day it's filed, then print and post a branded letter from you to the homeowner before they've even started looking for a builder. Review each lead, or set it to auto-send the lot. Your letter lands on a doormat before anyone else's van turns up.

1,617 applications in Essex in the last 90 days
Letters printed and posted for you, via Royal Mail
From £39/mo, cancel anytime

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Updated this morning · 13 councils monitored · Letters included · Cancel anytime

Essex, in the UK

Live data

Live leads in Essex you could be winning

Sample of the planning applications builders are quoting on right now. Last 90 days.

1,617 live applicationsMostly Extensions (744)Updated this morning

38 of 1,617 shown below, anonymised to street level. Subscribe to get every new lead with full details, plus a starter batch the day you sign up.

Start receiving leads

442IG8

New

Loft conversion with a rear dormer. Hip to gable roof alterations. Three front roof lights. (Summary).

LoftDormerHip to GableLoft Conversion

6 days ago8 Oct

Birchalls High LaneCM24

Single storey rear extension

ExtensionSingle StoreyRear Extension

1 week ago7 Oct

Meadgate AvenueCM2

The construction of a single storey rear extension, which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by a maximum depth of 6m, for which the maximum height would be 3.3m, and for which t…

ExtensionSingle StoreyRear Extension

1 week ago7 Oct

David Lloyd ClubIG9

Proposed Extension to Spa Garden.

Extension

1 week ago7 Oct

Woodbury Hollow CottageIG10

Proposed conversion of the existing boiler housing into WC/utility room and alternations to existing house with glazed link for disability access.

Conversion

1 week ago7 Oct

Woodbury Hollow CottageIG10

Grade II Listed Building Consent for proposed conversion of the existing boiler housing into WC/utility room and alternations to existing house with glazed link for disability access.

HeritageConversionListed Building

1 week ago7 Oct

Marine ApproachSS8

Construction of single storey rear extension projecting 7 metres from the rear of the original wall of the dwelling, with a maximum height of 3.5 metres and an eaves height of 2.57 metres

ExtensionSingle StoreyRear Extension

1 week ago6 Oct

Eastfield Stables May Walk Elsenham RoadCM24

Erection of a single storey rear extension to form a garage serving the existing dwellinghouse

ExtensionOutbuildingSingle StoreyRear ExtensionNew/Detached Garage

1 week ago6 Oct

Station RoadCO5

Two storey rear and side extensions to existing cottage to provide expanded living and bedroom space

ExtensionTwo StoreySide Extension

1 week ago6 Oct

The White Hart Swan LaneCM4

Conversion of former stables to 5 no overnight bed and breakfast rooms

Conversion

1 week ago6 Oct

Grenfell AvenueCO15

Householder Planning Application - Single storey rear extension.

ExtensionSingle StoreyRear Extension

1 week ago6 Oct

North RoadCO15

Application for Listed Building Consent - Replacement of existing external render finish to modern extension

HeritageExtensionListed BuildingRender/Cladding

1 week ago6 Oct

Show 26 more applications

Undercliff GardensSS9

Erect single storey rear extension with new retaining wall and internal staircase

ExtensionSingle StoreyRear ExtensionRetaining Wall/Structure

1 week ago5 Oct

Ashingdon RoadSS4

Householder Prior Approval for Single Storey Rear Extension. Projection 5.0m from Original Rear Wall, Eaves Height 2.95m, Maximum Height 2.95m.

ExtensionSingle StoreyRear ExtensionPrior Approval

1 week ago5 Oct

Lyndhurst RiseIG7

Certificate of Lawful Development for proposed erection of a rear single storey outbuilding to be used ancillary to the main house for storage.

OutbuildingSingle StoreyLawful Development Certificate

1 week ago5 Oct

Glen Royal Wyatts Green Road Wyatts GreenCM15

Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed use or development for: single storey rear extension and the conversion of the existing loft space including the insertion of front and…

ExtensionLoftConversionSingle StoreyRear ExtensionRoof Light/Velux

1 week ago5 Oct

Elm RoadSS7

Construction of rear and side extensions and the repositioning of the entrance door

ExtensionSide Extension

1 week ago5 Oct

Fitzroy CloseCM12

Proposed two storey rear extension, new front door

ExtensionTwo StoreyRear ExtensionFront Door

1 week ago5 Oct

Hiscox HouseCO3

Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed:Change of use from Commercial, Business and Service (Use Class E) to Dwellinghouses (Use Class C3)Town and Country Planning (Gene…

ConversionPrior ApprovalChange of Use Class

1 week ago5 Oct

Riddens Croft West Hanningfield RoadCM2

Proposed single storey side extension

ExtensionSingle StoreySide Extension

1 week ago5 Oct

Cottage PlaceCM1

Demolition of existing building and erection of a mixed-use building comprising 7 apartments and a ground floor Class E unit with associated refuse and cycling storage.

New BuildDemolition

1 week ago5 Oct

Bishopsteignton Shoeburyness EssexSS3

Demolish existing conservatory, erect single storey rear extension with roof lantern and single storey front extension with rooflight

ExtensionSingle StoreyRear ExtensionFront Extension

1 week ago3 Oct

Pipps Hill Farm Pipps Hill RoadCM11

The demolition of the existing buildings (existing dwellinghouse retained) and the construction of 9no. new dwelling houses and associated landscaping, access, car and cycle parking and refuse and re…

New BuildLandscapingDemolitionCycle Storage

1 week ago3 Oct

South Shoebury Hall Farm Ness RoadSS3

Remove existing fitted wardrobes and associated fitted furniture in bedrooms 1 and 2; remove existing en-suite shower room and associated modern fittings, replace 11no. white pressed-steel panel radi…

HeritageListed Building

1 week ago2 Oct

Vernon RoadSS9

Erect single storey rear extension with rooflights, alterations to side elevation

ExtensionSingle StoreyRear ExtensionSide Elevation Change

1 week ago2 Oct

Southchurch BoulevardSS2

Convert existing garage into habitable accommodation, erect single storey rear extension with rooflight, alterations to elevations

ExtensionSingle StoreyRear ExtensionRoof Light/Velux

1 week ago2 Oct

South Shoebury Hall Farm Ness RoadSS3

Install security railings above the existing boundary wall fronting Ness Road and replace existing pedestrian gate, replace existing vehicle gate at the Church Road entrance with electrically operate…

HeritageBoundary Wall/FenceListed Building

1 week ago2 Oct

Glenside Billericay EssexCM11

To establish the lawfulness of a single storey flat roofed extension 4m deep and the width of the existing property incorporating 1no roof lantern

ExtensionSingle Storey

1 week ago2 Oct

Buxus House London RoadCB10

Proposed demolition of existing conservatory and proposal of replacement single storey extension, with amendments to roof structure and changes to materials and fenestration

ExtensionSingle StoreyConservatoryDemolition

1 week ago2 Oct

Seaview RoadCO16

Householder Planning Application - Single storey side extension, rear infill extension and enlargement of existing front porch.

ExtensionSingle StoreyRear ExtensionSide Extension

1 week ago2 Oct

The Haven Fishmarket StreetCM6

Proposed demolition of existing dwelling and replacement self-build dwelling with associated garage, access, parking and landscape

New BuildLandscapingDemolitionSelf Build

1 week ago2 Oct

Owl Lodge Watermill LaneCM24

Erection of timber frame two vehicle car port and change of use of land to residential

ConversionCarportTimber Windows/Doors

1 week ago2 Oct

Septimus DriveCO4

Single storey rear extension.

ExtensionSingle StoreyRear Extension

1 week ago2 Oct

Great Saling Shotgate Wickford EssexSS11

Erection of a single-storey side extension measuring 3.85 metres in width, with a maximum overall height of 4.00 metres and an eaves height of 2.40 metres, and complete removal of the existing extern…

ExtensionSingle StoreySide ExtensionChimney

1 week ago2 Oct

High StreetCM6

Replacement of failed structural timber lintel with structural steel lintel and like-for-like repair to immediately surrounding masonry and render

HeritageRender/Cladding

1 week ago1 Oct

Perry StreetCM12

To establish the lawfulness of a proposed hip to gable loft conversion with rear dormer.

LoftDormerHip to GableLoft Conversion

1 week ago1 Oct

London RoadCO16

Application for Listed Building Consent - Staircase removal, stairwell headroom improvement, and insertion of new staircase.

HeritageStaircaseListed Building

1 week ago1 Oct

Kings Head HillE4

Construction of a single storey side extension.

ExtensionSingle StoreySide Extension

1 week ago1 Oct

12-month application volume

Essex sees between 532 and 817 planning applications per month (averaging 699); recent months are steady.

Local intelligence

Know your patch: what gets built in Essex, by whom, and who approves it

The patterns behind the leads. Helpful when you're deciding which jobs to chase.

What's being built in Essex

Application volume by project type, last 90 days.

Extensions

744

Loft conversions

142

Outbuildings

109

Heritage

New builds

Conversions

Applications · 90d

1,617

vs 2,171 prior quarter

Approval rate

84%

555 decided

Biggest category

Extensions

744 apps

vs prior 90d

-26%

The three busiest councils in Essex right now are Chelmsford (1,091 apps in the last 90 days), Epping Forest (981) and Colchester (759). Between them, that's about 175% of what comes through the area.

How councils in Essex compare

Approval rates, decision times and what gets approved most often. Last 12 months.

Chelmsford

23% of the area

Approval rate: 84%
Median decision: 7.9 wk

Most approved

Roof Light100%
Shed100%
Replacement Dwelling100%

Epping Forest

21% of the area

Approval rate: 77%
Median decision: 8.0 wk

Most approved

Part Single Part Two100%
Carport100%
Conservatory98%

Colchester

16% of the area

Approval rate: 84%
Median decision: 8.4 wk

Most approved

Carport100%
Detached House100%
Part Single Part Two100%

Towns we cover in Essex

13 towns, ordered by population.

Basildon185,900 residents · 287 apps 90d Southend-on-Sea160,257 residents · 170 apps 90d Colchester121,859 residents · 104 apps 90d Chelmsford115,369 residents · 148 apps 90d Rayleigh95,580 residents · 186 apps 90d Harlow82,059 residents · 79 apps 90d Chingford70,583 residents · 417 apps 90d Clacton-on-Sea50,548 residents · 39 apps 90d Canvey Island38,327 residents · 24 apps 90d Laindon37,175 residents · 28 apps 90d Loughton33,346 residents · 45 apps 90d Billericay28,562 residents · 40 apps 90d Wickford27,601 residents · 36 apps 90d

The product

From planning application to doormat in 24 hours

Done-for-you letters

Branded letters, printed and posted for you

Upload your logo and letterhead once, or let PlanPost generate one for you. Every matched application triggers a letter personalised with the homeowner's address and the project they applied for. The greeting stays “Dear Homeowner”: we never use their name. Royal Mail, same working day.

“The letters look better than anything I'd have put together myself. One landed on a £72k loft before the homeowner had even spoken to another builder.”

Chris K.

Owner, CSK Property

Oakwood

Construction

EST. 2012 · SHEFFIELD

14 Station Road
Sheffield S7 4RQ
0114 555 0192

The Homeowner
22 Laurel Gardens
Sheffield
S7 1DH

15 April 2026

Re: Your planning application at 22 Laurel Gardens

Dear Homeowner,

Congratulations on submitting your planning application for a loft conversion at 22 Laurel Gardens. It's exciting to see local homeowners investing in improving their properties.

I'm writing to introduce Oakwood Construction, a local building company that specialises in extensions, loft conversions and home improvements across South Sheffield. We've been trading since 2012, and everything we build is carried out by our own team rather than subcontractors, so someone is on your job every day and the work never stalls.

We finished a loft conversion much like yours on Abbeydale Road earlier this year: two bedrooms and a shower room, done in eleven weeks with the family living at home throughout.

I know the two big questions at this stage are what it will really cost and what it's like to live through the build. Those are exactly the things I'd rather set out honestly with you before you commit to anything.

If you'd like to discuss your plans or would welcome a free, no-obligation consultation, I'd be happy to visit at a time that suits you. Call me on 0114 555 0192, or scan the code below to see examples of our recent work.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Dave Morgan

Director · Oakwood Construction

Scan to see our work

Royal
Mail

How PlanPost works in Essex

From planning application to letter on the homeowner's doormat, done for you, in 24 hours.

We monitor Chelmsford, Epping Forest and Colchester every day

Every new planning application is pulled in within 24 hours and matched to your project types and working radius. No spam, no irrelevant noise.

Same-day

Your branded letter goes in the post

Your letterhead and your chosen letter template, merged with the homeowner's address and project details, then sent by Royal Mail. Printing and postage included.

Done for you

You track every lead through to won

A proper sales pipeline. From posted to responded, quoted, and won, with timeline events, notes and deal values so you see what's working.

Real pipeline

Pick a plan and start winning Essex jobs

Monthly rolling. Letters included in every plan. Cancel or pause anytime.

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£39/mo + VAT

£46.80 inc. VAT

25 letters / month included

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Your next job is waiting in a planning application today.

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