A Brief Guide to Planning Applications

There are advantages to being able to buy a plot of land and effectively creating your own home from scratch. It allows you to maximise energy efficiency, allow for ease of access and so forth.  However, it is also easy to forget that planning applications can also apply to extensions to your home and other improvements, so it is important to be aware before you proceed.

Talk to your neighbours first

This is not so much a legal issue as it is a courtesy- if you inform your neighbours of what you intend to do you are less likely to get people being opposed to your plans as they can raise concerns with you there and then rather than later down the line.

You can also count your local planning officer before applying so they can offer you advice on what you should be including in your application.

What do you need permission for?

If you are planning to build on land, add an extension to an existing building or change the plumbing or wiring of a building then you need to get the relevant application and permission to do so- building regulations approval refers to plumbing and wiring while planning permission refers to building (though some projects may require both).

How can you apply?

It is possible to apply for permission online via the Planning Portal or you can still get forms so that you can send your application on paper if you prefer.

It is also worth noting that you do not necessarily need to do it yourself- a builder or legal representative can fill it in on your behalf. What you may not know is that it is possible to get planning permission before purchasing land (though any owners, leaseholders or agricultural tenants need to be informed first).

There are a number of different types of consent- for example there are rules around what can and can’t be done with listed buildings. Essentially there are three main types of application-

1. Full – A plan that includes details of the work taking place, sketches, blueprints and with all issues regarding potential development problems addressed. A decision is usually made around five weeks so this is best for larger projects.
2. Building notice – Essentially if you are doing smaller extensions, wiring etc then this can be placed with a local body two days before work begins (though it should be made clear this is not a formal approval!)
3. Regularisation – If you have had building work done but did not get the proper consent then you have to apply to the local building authority so that they can make sure that the work was carried out properly and it meets local standards.

If you would like to get building work done to the highest possible standard or would like assistance with your planning application, please contact Jem Musselwhite for a no-obligation quote and we will be happy to talk about your proposed project in more detail.