PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Planning can be a minefield, lots of skill and experience is required in knowing how the current planning legislation and policies will affect your design. I can help demystify the process and guide you in choosing the most successful route for a planning application. In the space planning phase, the planning implications will be taken into account when designing the concept to keep it realistic, thus saving you money.
I can help with the following:
- Certificate of lawful development applications for extensions and loft conversions.
- Redevelopment and change of use applications
- Full planning applications for refurbishments and extensions
- Loft and garage conversion applications
Some applications are simple, and some require a lot more input than first thought, I will simplify this for you by taking on the following:
- Dealing with local authority planning officers
- Working with environmental officers
- Commissioning contamination reports
- Submitting plans to highways and traffic departments
- Providing arboricultural reports
- Keeping within conservation requirements
- Gaining listed building consent
- Working to flood risk assessments
- Advertisement consents
With 13 years experience, and over a decade living in Maidenhead, I am uniquely placed to help.
Undertaking planning applications forms a large part of my workload, so with the experience of completing hundreds of successful applications, comes time saved in not applying for schemes that would not gain approval, or have very little chance of success.
I believe I am perfectly placed to match up your plans with the planning policies.
In some cases, planning will not be required due to permitted development schemes - I can let you know this very early on in the process.
Feel free to read up on the permitted development rights yourself. There are a few websites available, such as the government’s planning portal - click here.
If you require any further advice, or wish to contact me for a now obligation meeting, then fill out our contact form and we will be in touch as soon as possible.
planning applications FAQs
Do I need planning permission for an extension?
There is no one hard and fast response, as there are so many variables. It depends heavily on where your home is. For example, do you live on the greenbelt, or in a flood zone, or is your home a listed building? It is important to take these points into consideration before we can assess whether you require permission for an extension.
The planning portal on the government’s website is a great starting point. Here you will find an interactive map to show what you can do in development; it highlights relevant information about Class A (for extensions and enlargements) and Class B (for loft conversions) permissions. Alternatively, you can talk to the local authority.
However, the quickest and easiest way would be to book a FREE 30-min video consultation call with us.
How to start planning a house extension?
Write down the problem you are trying to solve. If the problem is that you require more space, first consider if there is an existing space that can be converted, such as a loft or garage. Secondly, assess if it is possible to make the internal layout more effective. An extension, and the associated expense, should really be a last resort.
Once you’ve defined your problem, get in touch! We’ll help you take it from there.
How much do plans cost for an extension?
The cost of planning depends on the size of the extension. Generally, it costs between £850 to £1250 for a major survey and planning drawings.
How to object to a planning application?
You can object to a planning application by visiting your local council’s planning portal, which can be found on their website. You will need a reference number to do this. If you do not know the reference number, you can email the planning department directly, request the reference number and planning officer’s details, before getting in touch with your local council.
How long does a planning application take?
It takes around four weeks from the initial consultation for the planning form to be submitted. From submission, it takes eight weeks for a decision to be made. It could possibly take a little longer if there are any special considerations.
How much does a planning application cost?
It takes around four weeks from the initial consultation for the planning form to be submitted. From submission, it takes eight weeks for a decision to be made. It could possibly take a little longer if there are any special considerations.
How to find planning applications online
Visit your local council’s website. Here you will find a planning section. You can search for planning applications by reference, name, postcode, or even date submitted. You can even turn on alerts to inform you of any planning within a mile radius of your home.
What is planning appraisal?
A planning appraisal is usually requested by those who want to assess the planning potential for a new home.
During an appraisal, a planning professional evaluates the plot and decides what is possible to build on there. They assess which designation the plot is in as that dictates which policies must be adhered to. For example, if the plot falls within a flood zone or on the greenbelt, there are specific points to be considered.
Using this information, the planning professional will be able to demonstrate how your extension will meet the relevant criteria.
This step involves a lengthy research process to ensure each party has the correct information.
How long does a planning appeal take?
On average it takes around 8 weeks, but it can take up to six months, depending on the circumstance and the local council.
Can you appeal against a planning inspector's decision?
If you think the Planning Inspectorate made a legal mistake, you can challenge the decision in the High Court. Before you take on the expense and time taken, talk to a planning professional or a solicitor that specialises in property to ensure you have the right to appeal.
On what grounds can planning be rejected?
If the planning application does not meet the criteria set out in your local borough’s policies, local plan or in the national planning framework. For example, your plan may not comply with policy because of an increased flood risk, or failure to adhere to the openness of the greenbelt.
This highlights the importance of getting the designations right as it determines which policies your planning application will be measured.
Do you need planning permission for a house conversion?
It depends on where the house is, whether it is listed, on the greenbelt, and what it is going to be converted into, for example.
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