The Complete Guide to Planning Permission for Homeowners
In the UK, planning permission is one of the most crucial components of property development and renovations. Be it an extension, a loft conversion, or even the building of a new house, it is imperative that one understands planning permission so that the process does not go wrong and is within the dictates of the law.
This guide will cover all aspects of planning permission, when one needs it and the procedures to apply for it, various types of planning permission and how to get them easily.
This is meant to serve the interest that any such development or even alteration observes the local policies and environmental and societal expectations
What is Planning Permission?
Planning permission is the legal term that refers to the permission that one has to seek from their local planning authority in case one wishes to make any major works on a building or a parcel of land. This is meant to serve the interest that any such development or even alteration observes the local policies and environmental and societal expectations.
The competent authority will assess the proposals according to the environment, community and the surrounding properties. Without it, you may find yourself in trouble with the law, being fined or worse still, being ordered to undo any work done without permission.
When Is Planning Permission Necessary?
There are various instances when as a property owner one may be obliged to seek planning permission:
Construction of New Dwelling Units: Almost all new-build residential properties will require full planning permission.
Significant Increase in the Size of the Structure: If you are majorly enlarging your house or altering its form by adding many storeys or raising the primary roof, it is highly likely that you will have to seek planning permission.
Building a Loft: However, this does not apply to those who wish to make small alterations to hundreds of pounds lofts, because permission will be necessary for any dosha extensions that change the roofline or go over certain dimensions.
Altering the Purpose of a Structure: Planning permission is required if you want to change a building used as a home into premises used as a business or the other way round.
Heritage Structures and Conservation Zones: The majority of, if not all, structural changes in buildings and properties that are classified as listed buildings or have been designated conservation areas will require additional levels of planning permission even for insignificant alterations such as changing a window one for another.
Architecture – Garden Buildings – Outbuildings: Bigger structures constructed in the garden such as garages and workrooms especially those that are built on the boundary lines may also apply for planning permission.
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Permitted Development rProtection Of Fuels and Energy Capabilities
Due to the changes demanded by the regulations of permitted developments, many of the homeowners can make certain alterations to their homes without applying for planning Permission. These rights come into effect for minor changes that do not alter the characteristics of the area, such as small extensions, certain types of loft conversions, or the addition of a porch.
Generally, there are limitations according to the dimensions, altitude, and the location of the expansion or extra structure. A case in point is a single-storey rear addition which may be defined as permitted development, on the condition that it does not exceed certain height and depth restrictions. Always consult your local council or a planning professional if you are unsure if your intended work is covered under these rights.
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Categories of Planning Permissions
There are two basic categories of planning permission that the homeowners are likely to face:
Full Planning Permission: Significant building construction works that change the covered area, structural changes including extension of a building or construction of a new building requires this form of permission. As part of the submission to the planning authority you will be expected to provide elaborate designs and sketches which will be subject to assessment by the relevant body in planning.
Outline Planning Permission: This is more typical for large-scale projects or developers and applies predominantly to new build projects. It grants permission in principle, but further detailed plans are to be submitted and approved afterwards. Ideally, full planning is what most homeowners would seek.
How to apply for planning permission
It could be intimidating to seek planning permission but careful anticipation makes the work much easier. Here is how to go about it step by step.
1. Check Out The Local Policies
Every local authority has Local Plan which designates planning policies for that geographical area. Go through these documents to have an insight of what kinds of developments are most likely to be approved or disapproved. For instance, certain zones may have specific provisions regarding the height of buildings or aesthetic appeal.
2. Seek an Expert
Engaging the service of an architect or a planning consultant can significantly enhance the likelihood of your application succeeding. Experts will be familiar with the system, know how to prepare the documents needed, and ensure that the project is compliant with local planning policies.
3. Complete Your Application
A planning application will have to be made to the appropriate local authority, which could be by use of the Planning Portal online or personally. The application should contain:
Elaborate plans and blueprints
A layout indicating the site of the project
A Design and Access Statement; an explanation on how the design has adhered to local guidelines
Any other environmental considerations or heritage impact studies
4. Make Payment
A fee is required while making any submission for the planning application. The amount will vary based on the extent and form of project work. New Builds are usually more expensive in terms of fees than extensions or minor remodeling works.
5. Gab: Decision Waiting Period
When your application is in the local planning, the official will issue a notice on the details of your proposal and post it on its website. In addition, your neighbors will usually be advised of the details on their message board. They may go on to the premises, take advice from other departments, and seek views from the public. A response is normally given within 8-12 weeks.
What to Do When You Get it Wrong and Get Refused on Planning Permission?
If your planning application is refused, do not get worried. There are ways to go around it;
Revise and Resubmit: The governing body will frequently give reasons for the rejection of the application. You may modify your plans in order to mitigate these worries in the resubmission of the application.
Appeal the Decision: If you feel that the refusal of your application was done unfairly, you may seek redress with the Planning Inspectorate. But this is also a lengthy process, and there are no guarantees of winning an appeal.
Consider Alternative Solutions: If your proposal contradicts the local policies, it could be replaced with possible alternatives that would reach the same aim but would not require full planning permission.
Guidelines to Enhance Your Chances of Securing Approval
If you want to make any amendments in the existing planning permission, then the following can help:
Consult Your Local Authority at the Beginning of the Process: It is always advisable to speak to the local planning department, as their role is to offer support before the actual application is lodged, drawing attention to possible challenges in making the application.
Let Your Neighbours Know: Inform the people who live around you about your intention. Since your development affects them, they will be given a chance to object during the relevant consultation period. It is beneficial to attain their support as it can ease the process.
Final Thoughts
The reality is that any home improvement or construction project would require the appreciation of planning permission. If it is a loft conversion to increase your living space, building an extension, or constructing a brand new house, there is a need to adhere to planning policies to cut unnecessary stress, time wastage and even legal tussles.
Cautiously make sure to ask your local planning authority before embarking any major works and try and use the permitted development rights where applicable to sieving unnecessary applications. In case of elaborate works, advice on preparing your proposal would be better rather than asking after submission.
When you take planning permission in the comfort zone and are well advance prepared, you can expect the success of your project as far as the majority of the steps are undertaken as planned.
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