If you have plans to renovate your residential property, then you will need to be aware of the planning permission rules surrounding the work you wish to undertake.
You will need to apply for planning permission if:
There are two main types of planning permission applications:
Outline planning permission followed by reserved matters – an application of this type is designed to establish if a development is deemed acceptable before the full planning permission application is prepared. This type of planning permission is not generally used for residential housing changes.
Full planning permission – you will need full planning permission before you can commence work such as loft conversions, building a garage, extensions or an outbuilding. Your application should include the design, layout and materials you plan to use if appropriate. If approved, your planning permission will last for three years from the date it was granted.
How much you will be charged for a planning permission application depends on the scope and extent of the work you wish to undertake. However, the basic fee for a residential planning permission application in England is £172.
The authority who refuses your planning permission application must provide you with written reasons for its decision.
You may be able to submit more modified plans free of charge within 12 months of submitting the original application.
You can also appeal to the Secretary of State if you feel the planning permission was denied unfairly. You must make an appeal within six months of your original application being refused.
Planning permission appeals can take many months; therefore, it may be in your best interests to try and work with the authority and discuss how your original plans can be modified in order to have the planning permission granted.
By engaging the advice of a property solicitor, you will increase your chances of having planning permission approved and ensure the application is prepared correctly.