Have you ever dreamt of transforming your loft into a luxurious home office or perhaps adding a conservatory to bask in the sunshine? While grand plans are exciting, the world of planning permission can sometimes feel shrouded in mystery. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will be your one-stop shop for understanding everything you need to know about planning permission in the UK.
Here, property and construction expert Gregory Smith at PriceYourJob.co.uk breaks down the process and explores the different types of projects that may require permission. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or a first-time renovator, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the planning permission process with ease. So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s unlock the door to your next home improvement project!
What Is Planning Permission?
Planning permission is something that you will need to obtain in order to carry out certain elements of building work. Planning permission must be applied for, and it will then be either granted or refused. In some cases, it may be granted as long as certain conditions are met. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to seek planning permission. You must obtain planning permission before any work can begin.
How Do You Obtain Planning Permission?
You will need to apply for planning permission through your local authority. Most planning permission applications are submitted online through the planning portal.
How Much Does It Cost?
Several factors influence the cost of planning permission, with the biggest being the type and scale of your project. Larger or more complex developments will naturally incur higher fees than minor alterations. Your location also plays a role. There may be slight variations in planning permission costs between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The first cost you’ll encounter is the application fee. This is charged by your local authority to process your application, and the amount depends on the project type and size. In England, for instance, smaller projects like alterations to a single dwelling have a set fee of £258. However, larger developments will have a fee determined by factors like the size of the land or the number of units involved.
There are also potential additional fees to consider. These might include pre-application advice from the council’s planning department, hiring an architect or planning consultant to draw up plans for your project, or even environmental impact assessments for complex developments.
How Long Does Planning Permission Typically Take to Come Through?
Most of the time, you will receive your decision within eight weeks of the application unless the project is very large or complex. Larger or more complex applications may take up to 13 weeks to be approved. Your local authority should be able to give you an idea of the timescales when you submit the application.
How Does The Process Work?
Before you start the planning permission application process, it’s recommended that you get some advice from the planning department at your local authority first. This will help you to get an idea of whether your application may be accepted and some things you can change to improve your chances of a successful application.
You will then need to fill out your application to the council. The application must be filled out with your local planning department. The majority of planning permission applications are completed online through the planning portal.
Once the application has been submitted and the payment has been made, you will then receive an email receipt. Your local planning authority will then assess your application and either approve or deny the application based on varying factors. Once a decision has been made, you will be notified. If the application is approved, you can then go ahead with the planned work according to what’s listed within the application. If your application is denied, you must not carry out the work under any circumstances.
When Do You Need Planning Permission?
Planning permission is usually required when you are looking to add something onto the exterior of a building or add something on the outside of the site.
Some examples of things that require planning permission include the following:
- Detached garage installation
- Extensions
- Installing a basement
- Installing a loft
- Completing a loft conversion
Planning permission is usually required when any work may disrupt some of your neighbours.
What Happens If Your Planning Application Is Unsuccessful?
If your planning application is rejected and you believe this is an incorrect decision, you have the right to appeal the decision. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this can be a very long and expensive process. If you want to appeal the planning decision, it’s best to get professional advice about the matter before going ahead with the appeal.
If you don’t want to appeal the decision, you must not complete any of the work under any circumstances. If you complete work without planning permission, you may have to remove the additions to your home at a later date, and you may also be required to pay a hefty fine.
What Are Building Regulations?
Building regulations are put in place to ensure that any work carried out is high quality, healthy, and safe. There are many different types of building regulations and they cover specific topics such as fire protection, structural integrity, energy performance, accessibility, protection against falls, acoustic performance, and electrical and gas safety.
Regulations also present some standards for ventilation, drains, protection against contamination such as radon or methane gases, and protection against ingress of water. Building regulations are defined by the English and Welsh governments.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! Equipped with this knowledge, you can approach any home improvement project with a clearer understanding of planning permission requirements. Remember, planning permission isn’t an insurmountable hurdle but rather a necessary step to ensure your project complies with regulations and integrates seamlessly into your surroundings. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local planning authority for guidance – they’re there to help! With a little planning and the information in this guide, you can navigate the process with confidence and turn your home improvement dreams into a reality.
