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HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?

HOW DO I MAKE A PLANNING APPLICATION AND WHO DO I MAKE IT TO?

HOW LONG DOES THE PLANNING APPLICATION PROCESS TAKE?

  • Normally, the Local Authority has 8 weeks in which to determine your householder planning application. If the Local Authority is unable to determine the application within this timeframe, you should receive written confirmation that the Local Authority intends to extend the period of determination. If the Local Authority fails to do so, you can appeal on the grounds of non-determination. However appeals take time (normally between 5 and 8 months for written representation appeals) and it may prove advantageous to negotiate an agreement with the Local Authority.

IF I DON'T FEEL CONFIDENT IN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION, WHOM CAN I GET TO DO THIS ON MY BEHALF?

There is no correct answer to this. A competent builder for example can often be as capable as an architect in producing plans that are “fit for purpose” for a single storey extension for example. However, as experience often shows, it is advantageous to appoint an agent local to you who has developed a good working relationship with the Local Authority knowing what they expect and having an understanding of policies local to you. Often, this can save you valuable time and anxiety.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY APPLICATION IS REFUSED?

CAN I APPLY FOR PLANNING PERMISSION FOR DEVELOPMENT THAT I HAVE ALREADY CARRIED OUT?

WHAT IS A ‘RETROSPECTIVE PLANNING APPLICATION’?

WHAT IS A DESIGNATED AREA?

WHAT WORKS CAN I CARRY OUT TO A TREE THAT IS LOCATED IN A CONSERVATION AREA?

WHAT IS AN ARTICLE 4 DIRECTION?

WHAT IS A HABITABLE ROOM?

CAN I USE MY CARAVAN AS A SEPARATE DWELLING WITHIN THE CURTILAGE OF MY HOME?

DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION TO DECORATE THE EXTERIOR OF MY HOUSE?

DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION FOR FITTING, REPLACING OR ALTERING A FLUE?

DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION TO RE-ROOF MY HOUSE OR TO INSERT ROOF LIGHTS OR SKYLIGHTS?

DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION TO REPLACE OR DECORATE THE FASCIA OR SOFFIT BOARDS ON MY HOUSE?

DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION TO REPLACE MY EXISTING WINDOWS?

DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION TO PROVIDE A COVERED YARD TO MY HOUSE?

DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION TO INSERT A NEW WINDOW OR DOOR OPENING?

DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION TO CONVERT MY HOUSE INTO FLATS?

DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION TO REMOVE AN INTERNAL WALL?

DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION TO CONVERT MY HOUSE INTO FLATS?

DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION TO WORK FROM HOME?

KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS

WHAT IS A HIGHWAY?

WHAT IS A PARTY WALL AND HOW MAY THIS AFFECT ANY WORK I MAY WISH TO DO TO MY PROPERTY?

WHAT IS A LISTED BUILDING?

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION AREA?

WHAT CAN I DO IF I WANT TO BE CERTAIN THAT THE EXISTING USE OF MY BUILDING IS LAWFUL FOR PLANNING PURPOSES OR THAT MY PROPOSAL DOES NOT REQUIRE PLANNING PERMISSION?

CAN I EXTEND MY GARDEN INTO THE ADJOINING FIELDS?

CAN I USE MY HOLIDAY HOME TO LIVE IN PERMANENTLY?

CAN I CONVERT MY OFFICE INTO RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION?

CAN I CONSTRUCT A MEANS OF ACCESS FROM THE ROAD TO MY HOUSE?

WHAT IS GREEN BELT AND WHAT IS ITS PURPOSE AND ROLE?