If you’re a landowner, there may come a time when you wish to carry out some construction work. In some instances, the project you have in mind may require planning permission.
You can expect learning curves during any endeavour of this magnitude. That said, it can be helpful to know what to anticipate. That way, you can get through each phase of the process as cleanly as possible.
It can also take between 8-18 weeks to receive a verdict on your planning application. The time varies depending on the scale of the proposed project. There’s also a planning fee to pay for each application you make. Therefore, it’s in your best interests to hasten the effort in a sustained and sensible manner.
What will make a local planning authority more likely to accept your proposals? Here’s are 5 things you need to consider when trying to secure planning permission.
Know When Planning Permission is Required
Planning permission isn’t always needed. Therefore, it’s best to review the rules around planning permission so that you don’t waste your time, take liberties, or make unnecessary assumptions.
If you want to build something new, add an extension, or radically redefine the purposes of your building, you’ll likely need planning permission. That said, there are exceptions. For example, if the home extension on a detached home is up to eight metres, then applying for planning permission may not be necessary.
You may also need the approval to demolish an existing structure before doing anything else, which can delay the process of securing planning permission. Most internal projects also don’t require planning permission.
It’s best not to have any doubts in these situations and to confirm things through official channels first. Check with government resources and your local council to see if or when planning permission is necessary for your development. That way, you can know your rights and operate with complete confidence in your project.
Be Aware of Environmental Factors
It can be helpful to know why some people are unsuccessful in submitting planning applications. Often, it’s because the proposed development will negatively affect the environment.
Biodiversity is now a mandatory part of any development project. It’s not enough to preserve the land. These days, developers, builders, and surveyors must work on ways to improve the overall state of biodiversity by 10% during any effort. Therefore, any part of your planning application that compromises these efforts should likely be reevaluated.
Work with companies like Arbtech as they can help landowners and developers calculate biodiversity net gain. These experts provide strong support in what is now a crucial policy requirement of any planning consent. Biodiversity net gain plans are a key reason planning permissions are accepted or refused, so no oversights are acceptable here. Secure a free quote if you’re interested.
Of course, working with an expert ecological and arboricultural consultancy can give you peace of mind too. There’s much less room for mistakes or assumptions to be made, and you’ll be dealing with raw data that can help you improve the credibility of your planning applications.
Think About Others
It’s not just nature you need to consider, but the people around your development project too. Being respectful of others will increase your chances of a successful application.
Your development can adversely affect those around you if:
- The development is out of character – Generally speaking, your build should match the look and tone of the surrounding area. The architectural style should resemble properties nearby, and the materials used should be similar.
- The development blocks out neighbour’s natural light – Any property that’s too large or ‘out there’ can block the natural light for those around you. If neighbours can dispute natural light blockage with foliage, something like property will only cause more headaches.
- The development compromises neighbour privacy – If you wish to build a balcony, for example, then it may give you a vantage point from which you can see into a neighbour’s property. Keep your neighbour’s privacy in mind.
Some people make the mistake of thinking only about their own needs when attempting to secure planning permission. However, accounting for others’ needs will eliminate many potential roadblocks in your planning application.
Don’t Relent on Details
You must submit building plans as part of your application. Those featured shouldn’t be vague ideas or presented in draft form. They should be complete works that encapsulate the precise nature of what you are hoping to achieve.
Therefore, you shouldn’t omit any detail when submitting your plans. The more evidence and thoughtfulness you can display, the better. After all, it’s a pitch of sorts, and what you propose must be persuasive.
Your site plan needs to go into considerable detail on the build. There are many factors that, once accounted for, will help the local planning authority consider your proposals more favourably. For instance, things like emergency exits can have an impressionable quality. Having sustainability features built into your designs gives the planning authority more positive factors to consider.
Your location plan should detail your build’s effect on the site and the surrounding area. In addition to biodiversity net gain, you should feature the measurements of your land and its borders. You will also need to calculate the distance of pavements, driveways, and other buildings in relation to your proposed buildings.
Know Your Role
You must be mindful that the local planning authority isn’t your partner in your endeavour. Though they’ll give verdicts on your application, they’re not necessarily trying to teamwork with you for your benefit. They’re regulators, not collaborators.
If you’re swamping your local planning authority with emails, voicemails, or dropping by their premises for updates on your application, you’re likely to be perceived as an inexperienced nuisance. You may also inadvertently delay the process if you’re being overwhelming in your approach and distracting them from other matters.
Ultimately, it’s important to know your role in the process and realise that your planning applications will be judged on their merits, not tinkered with so that your life can be made easier. That’s why it’s vital to get everything correct the first time around, saving time and money for all.