Getting Planning Permission
Planning - What’s Involved?
Getting planning permission is a crucial step in the process of developing your own home. You can apply for planning permission before or after land purchase.
It is the process by which the local authority test the proposals against local and national planning policies and grant the rights to build or change certain properties.
Whilst there are some exceptions, Planning permission is generally required for most development works such as:
The construction of all new homes,
Replacing an existing dwelling,
Making major changes to a building
Changing the use of a building
Making minor changes to sensitive building or in sensitive locations such as conservation areas.
Planning Applications
Read about planning applications here.
What is Permitted Development?
Fortunately, not all projects require planning permission, some works can be carried out under Permitted Development (PD) rights which you have as the owner of a property. The scope of what is permissible under Permitted Development is varied and are subject to a tight range of constraints and rules which limit works to fairly minor modifications to your home.
It is vital that you get professional advice to help you understand what can and cannot be done under permitted development rights.
As long as these rules are followed then works which can be undertaken without planning permission could include the following:-
Internal refurbishment works, changing the layout of your home.
Adding new rear or side dormer or roof windows or replacing windows and doors.
Loft conservations up to 40m3 are also permitted.
Adding certain outbuildings.
Converting two homes into one.
Certain extensions to a property including the addition of a porch or conservatory.
Adding new fences, walls and gates.
Adding external timber decking platforms or most landscaping works.
Building an outdoor swimming pool.
Changing external cladding or replacing your roof covering, including the addition of solar panels.
