Applying For Planning Permission?
If you’re thinking of extending your home or creating a new build- you will likely have to have planning permission before you can go ahead with the building project. It can be a confusing and complex process, and especially if you experience delays to your application being approved, it can become very frustrating. We have created a guide on planning permission, what could be involved, and the different stages so you can be best prepared and avoid any delays to your own application.
Applying For Planning Permission? Do I Need Planning Permission?
In some instances, you may not even have to apply for planning permission. If you’re only doing a small extension to your home, especially if it’s only single storey, you may fit the criteria to not need planning permission. You don’t need planning permission if you live in a detached house and the extension is no more than 8m. if you live in a semi-detached house, you can extend up to 6m. If you’re unsure whether you will need planning permission, it is best to contact your local planning authority as some areas can have specific criteria you may need to meet. If you’re buying land to build your own home, you need to first need to find out whether the land already has planning permission and what kind. If it doesn’t you will need to research the potential the land holds, and whether the plans you have in mind would be approved with the land you intend to buy.
The Stages Of Planning Permission
There are several different stages you may have to go through in the planning permission process. We have listed them below so you can be prepared for each step.
Outline Planning
Outline planning is the first stage you can go through in the planning permission process. It is not entirely necessary to go through the outline planning stage, but it can be very helpful to give you an idea of whether your detailed plans would be accepted. This means you can avoid the expense of having plans drawn up by an architect, if they were then only to be rejected anyway. In this stage you don’t need to include any specific details, just a rough outline of the plans you intend to carry out. It is important to note that outline planning being accepted does not give you permission to begin any work, it is simply a way to tell whether it is worth applying for full planning permission.
Full (Detailed) Planning
Full planning (sometimes known as detailed planning) is the stage in which you need detailed plans drawn up by your architect or lead consultant of the project. These are then submitted along with the standard application form, any other necessary information specific to your property. You can find the application form and details of what else you may need to include by contacting your local planning authority through your council.
Reserved Matters
Reserved matters is the final stage in the process and when your plans may be accepted or rejected. At this stage you will usually have 3 years in which you need to submit specific details such as measurements, appearance, landscaping, and access. Once these have been submitted and accepted- you will then be able to commence with the work.
The Costs Of Submitting Planning Permission
The fees involved in applying for permission will vary depending on your location, but there are general guidelines for fees across the UK.
Application Fees England
For a new single dwelling, or outline planning permission per 0.1 hectare is £462. For a householder application, it is £206.
Application Fees Wales
For a new single dwelling, or outline planning permission per 0.1 hectare is £460. For a householder application, it is £230.
Application Fees Scotland
For a new single dwelling, or outline planning permission per 0.1 hectare is £401. For a householder application, it is £202.
How Long Will Approved Planning Permission Last?
Approved planning permission usually lasts for 3 years, so you will need to begin the work for the submitted plans within this time scale, or face having to reapply. However, don’t panic if you haven’t completed the project within the 3 years. You don’t have to have completed the work within this timescale, so if you’re running out of time try and just make a start to the building works as this will prevent having to reapply again. If you’re buying land with planning permission already in place, look into when it will run out. Not only will you have to go through the hassle of applying for new permission, but there is no guarantee it will be granted just because it was three years ago. You will have also paid more for the land because it has planning permission, so you will have lost out on money.
Does Your Building Or Land Require A Bat Survey?
When renovating buildings or buying new land to build on, on thing many people don’t expect to pop up when applying for planning permission is the need for a bat survey. Did you know that all species of bats are highly protected in the UK and Europe? There are very strict rules, regulations and procedures to go through before you will be allowed to go ahead with any work if bats or bat roosts are present. If you notice signs of bats such as droppings, insect wings from bats feeding, or roosts within roof spaces, you are legally obligated to contact a surveyor to inspect the property and surrounding area. Batsurveys can carry out a fast and efficient survey of your buildings and land and create a report for you to include in your planning application. So, no need to worry about missing out important information, breaking any laws surrounding bats, or delaying your application.
Land Contamination
Another unexpected problem that can occur when applying for planning permission is contamination. It is another thing to be wary of when purchasing land to build on. Contaminated land commonly occurs in industrial or countryside areas, and can be a major stumbling block on your journey to having planning permission granted. Your local authority will carry out inspections to determine if land is contaminated. Contamination concerns any hazardous substance, such as chemicals, gases or waste disposal. It will need to be taken care of, if possible, by the person responsible for causing the contamination. However, if the person responsible can’t be found, it will fall upon you as the owner to clear the contamination, which could be a long-winded and costly process.
