1. What is planning permission?
For domestic properties, planning consent relates to changes in the appearance or use of buildings such as an extension to a house, or a conversion of a house into flats. Planning should not be confused with the Building Regulations that are entirely separate. Planning can be one of the main hurdles to clear when thinking about making changes to your home and needs to be given consideration from the start. It may be possible that your proposals do not require planning permission and the works can be carried out as permitted development, we can advise you if this is the case.
2. Will I automatically be obtain planning permission if someone else in my road has done the same type of work ?
A common misconception is that because other houses in the street have, for instance, roof extensions, this will automatically mean that yours will be allowed. This is not always the case as planning policy does change over time. We will be able to give you advice relating to current planning policy that will help develop the best design solution.
3. What is Permitted Development ?
For small extensions and alterations, your proposals may fall within your Permitted Development Rights which means that planning permission will not be necessary. There are a number of limits on height, volume (in cubic meters) etc. that your proposals need to be within for permitted development to apply. If your project is eligible for permitted development we would recommend that you apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development to confirm this. The application needs to be supported by suitable drawings and calculations which we can prepare on your behalf.
4. What if my home is ‘Listed’ ?
Buildings of particular architectural interest are often officially Listed and thereby protected. Many residential buildings are Listed Grade II which means that all alterations (not just those to the outside or original parts) have to be approved under Listed Building Consent. Making a Listed Building Consent application is similar to making a planning application - but with a few differences. The process may be handled by a conservation officer within your local planning department or might be referred to English Heritage and there is no application fee. We can give you further advice on the process and handle an application on your behalf.
5. My home is in a Conservation Area, what does this mean ?
Living in a conservation area usually means that changes to the external appearance of your building will be a particularly sensitive issue. You will probably need to complete an application for Conservation Area Consent. We can give you further advice on the process and handle an application on your behalf.
6. What will I need in order to make a planning application ?
Typically you will require the following;
- Existing and proposed plans and elevations drawn to scale and annotated.
- A site location plan and block plan at the required scales.
- The completed application forms.
- The statutory application fee (where applicable)
Depending upon the nature of the proposals and the location you may also require;
- A topographical site survey.
- An arboriculture survey.
- A design & access statement.
- A flood risk assessment.
- Environmental reports.
As a guide it generally takes 8 weeks from submission of a planning application to a decision.
Further information and guidance about the planning process can be found at The Planning Portal.