Planning permission or development permission is a legal document from your local planning authority (LPA) permitting you to modify any structures on your property. In case a home addition, addition and alteration work or a new building is in the plan, one has to have a clear idea of the planning application process.
Major stages that one needs to follow inorder to make a planning application
Pre- Application Assistance:
Seek the services of a planning consultant or an architect to gauge the viability of your project.
Explore the chances of success and solutions to problems you anticipate will be encountered.
Gather Information:
Find all necessary documents regarding your property including site plans, drawings as well as pictures.
Look into available local planning policy and guidelines for that particular area.
Develop Your Application:
Fill in the application form provided by the relevant local planning authority.
Give detailed plans along with drawings of the development you propose.
Attach a design and access statement detailing the reason and how the development will be located within the design context of the development area.
Settle the application fee as required.
File Your Application:
File your application with the relevant local planning authority, either by electronic means or through traditional postal services.
Public Consultation:
Your local planning authority will contact your neighbors and other associated parties.
You may be required to speak to your neighbors to assuage any fears that they may have.
Decision Making:
The officer in charge of planning will evaluate your request in accordance with planning policies and reach a conclusion.
The conclusion might be:
Approval: Your project has been approved as it was presented.
Approval with conditions: Your project is approved subject to some requirements.
Rejection: Your project is denied.
Tips for a Successful Planning Application
Clear and Concise: Make sure that your proposal is delivered in a sophisticated yet simple manner.
Anticipate Problems: Imagine some opposing views and deal with them in advance.
Interact with your Neighbors: Inform the neighbors and resolve any issues they may have.
Get Expert Assistance: Have an architect or planning consultant take you through the process.
Exercise Patience: The time taken in this process is sometimes long.
Take into Account Appeal Rights: In the event that your application is turned down, you may be afforded an opportunity to appeal the decision.
Cognizant of the above and with the help of professionals, you are more likely to secure planning permission for your project.
Would you wish to find out additional information on some categories of planning applications or the impediments that you might encounter? Learn More