Love it or list it!
Many of us embark on a property journey for different reasons. Maybe we have a new job in the area, perhaps we have a new extended family and just need more space! Whatever the reason, often the processes involved, are the same. If you plan to extend, build something in the garden or build a new house, you will need planning permission. Depending on the size of the works to be undertaken, you may be able to apply for permission with within permitted developments (PD) Refer to the permitted development rights for householders technical guidance. If you are applying for a building project that's just a bit bigger than PD allows, the council is duty bound to compare what you want to do with what you can do anyway.
Lawful development certificate
Check out www.gov.uk/guidance/lawful-development-certificates. To be certain that you have interpreted PD regulations correctly, It's worth completing a lawful development certificate and submitting it to the council. Sometimes this can take the same length as a planning application. However, it is not based on planning officers opinions or neighbours objections. The advantage here is that when you come to sell your property, it demonstrates you did everything legally and by the book.
Spot the difference- Planning applications explained
If you cannot go down the route of permitted development, you enter the world of alternative planning applications proposals. There are three main ones
#1 Householder application – for small scale domestic change to a single private house. This will cover extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings and alterations. How to apply - You need detailed and accurately scaled drawings of existing and proposed changes. It may need to include existing trees, parking etc and show no impact to neighbours.
#2 Full application (also referred to as a detailed application) is required when doing a new development, building a new house, converting a barn or subdividing a house into flats. This is where the quality of design, appearance and impact is important. Drawings should include existing buildings if relevant, what's is proposed should include drainage retention and protection of trees. Watch out!
If you are planning to demolish existing buildings you may need a Bat licence! Once completed that needs to be sent to the Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation.
#3 Outline application Objective here is to establish if the principle of a development is feasible without having to submit all the details. For example: can you build on a Greenfield plot in a village Once application is received, you will then need to do reserved matters submission.
Pre- application advice
Asking local council for advice before submission may take as long as their natural action as long as an actual application beware!
Things to know
- You can make a planning application on land even if you don't own it
- Planning decision may take more than eight weeks to decide, allow enough time
- Neighbour objections may be upsetting, but these alone will not decide the result
- You can withdraw an application until the day of approval or rejection, so if you think you will be refused, withdraw and resubmit it free of charge!