How do tradespeople get work from planning applications?
Tradespeople get work from planning applications by identifying property owners who have approved or pending projects and introducing themselves at the right time. Instead of relying on adverts or lead sites, tradespeople use publicly available planning data to spot genuine projects early and make contact before most other trades are involved.
This works because planning applications are one of the clearest signals that work is likely to happen.
What is a planning application?
A planning application is a formal request made to a local council for permission to carry out building or development work. This can include:
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Extensions
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Loft conversions
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Renewable energy
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New windows or doors
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Tree removal
Once submitted, planning applications are published on council websites and are publicly available. This means anyone can see:
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The property address
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The type of work planned
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The status of the application
Why planning applications matter to tradespeople
Planning applications show intent.
A property owner who has submitted a planning application is not casually browsing — they are preparing for a project and are likely to need trades.
For tradespeople, this means:
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The work is real, not speculative
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Budgets are already being considered
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Timelines are starting to form
This makes planning applications a strong starting point for finding future work.
How tradespeople turn planning applications into work
Most tradespeople follow a simple process:
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Filter relevant applications
Focus only on applications that match your trade and the type of work you want.
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Make contact early
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Many tradespeople introduce themselves before work starts, often by letter.
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Keep the approach professional
Helpful introductions work far better than sales-heavy messages.
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Be available when the property owner is ready
Many property owners only start speaking to trades once approval is granted.
The aim is not instant work, but being visible at the right time.
Why letters are often used instead of calls or ads
Tradespeople commonly use letters because:
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Cold calling is intrusive and often unwelcome
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Online advertising is expensive and competitive
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Letters feel more relevant when linked to a real project
A well-written introduction letter that references a specific planning application feels informed rather than random.
How this differs from lead sites and advertising
Lead sites and adverts rely on property owners:
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Actively searching at the right moment
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Choosing between multiple competing trades
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Often focusing on price first
Planning-based outreach works differently.
The tradesperson:
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Acts earlier
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Chooses the type of work they want
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Avoids bidding wars
It’s slower, but it often leads to better conversations and better-quality jobs.
Is this a guaranteed way to win work?
No approach guarantees results.
Some property owners already have trades in place.
Some projects never go ahead.
Some people won’t respond.
However, many tradespeople use planning applications because:
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The opportunities are genuine
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The timing makes sense
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The approach is professional and low pressure
Used consistently, it becomes a reliable source of future work rather than quick wins.
Where TradeMailer fits
TradeMailer helps tradespeople use planning applications without having to manually search council websites or manage mailouts themselves.
It matches relevant planning applications to your trade and sends professional introduction letters, allowing you to focus on quoting and doing the work.
A common question is whether this actually leads to paid work — do planning leads turn into real jobs? answers that.
For the full picture, you may also want to read what TradeMailer is and who it’s for.