In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how planning permission works and which projects require it.
First and foremost, it’s best to understand how planning permission works and why it’s so important. Planning permission is granted by local planning authorities for both domestic and commercial projects.
After outlining your plans in an application, planners will approve or reject your application based on a range of factors including its appearance, materials used and its impact on neighbours. It usually takes around eight weeks to get a decision – although this can be extended up to 13 weeks for complex projects.
But here’s the crucial bit. Failure to obtain planning permission can result in a planning breach. In this case, you’ll need to make a retrospective application for your project. If that fails, you could be served with an enforcement notice which requires the development to be demolished.
Generally speaking, planning permission is required for any project which has an impact on the outside of your property, your neighbours or the local area. That comes with the exception of permitted developments, such as:
To be clear, the majority of work inside your house is also exempt from planning permission. This includes new kitchens, new bathrooms, room reconfiguration and loft conversions.
Extensions, on the other hand, are arguably the trickiest area when it comes to planning permission. They are classed as permitted developments as long as they meet a number of criteria, including:
It’s worth noting that the guidelines above do not apply to listed buildings and those in conservation areas. In these cases, the rules are usually a lot stricter, and you may need to apply for listed building consent for things like windows and doors, roof replacement, fences and gates, and even internal work.
As part of our architectural design services, the team at White Agus have helped clients across Yorkshire with planning permission for new-builds, extensions and more. In truth, having an experienced building consultant on your side can take the hassle out of planning permission in a number of ways.
Firstly, we can advise on what’s permitted and whether you actually need planning permission. That could include small tweaks to the design to ensure it falls within the criteria of a permitted development.
Where planning permission is required, we can make sure your project is planner-friendly, with wide-ranging knowledge of regional design policies and the preferences of local authorities. Finally, we can assist with detailed plans and drawings to bolster your application and maximise the likelihood of approval.
With architectural experts on your side, you’ll find the process is easier, quicker and even more cost-effective. To find out more, contact the team at White Agus today.
