Planning Permission
Planning Permission
However big or small the project may be, Skyline architecture can be your interactive guide and provide all the vital advice and work necessary to begin your project.
Our comprehensive guidance about planning and building regulations can help you to remain compliant throughout the projects life-cycle, helping you through to completion on time and in budget.
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Simply put is the consent given by the local council for a proposed piece of building work, in order to avoid unqualified developments. Planning permission is either granted (with possible conditions attached) or plainly refused; based on national planning policy frameworks as well as local planning policies.
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Whether your making changes to an existing building or building of a new one, a planning permission is often required. Further, it is your responsibility to seek planning permission, which should be granted before the commencement of any work. Hence, it is good a idea to understand what the process entails and seeking the help of a planning consultant who have full knowledge of planning policies is a good idea.
The Process
Consultation
STEP 1
After getting in touch with us. One of our planning experts will visit on site to discuss your ideas in detail. Advise will be given as to the best way forward both in terms of design and the various routes to apply.
Advice will be given on costings and the process as a whole, as well as the prospects of approval and also any alternative options that may be suited to your requirements
This helps in establishing a broader picture of the desired proposal and also what to expect in dealing with local authorities.
Pre-Application
STEP 2
In some cases the desired proposal in terms of complying with the council’s planning policies occasionally fall into a grey area. In this scenario it is recommended to submit a “pre-application enquiry” , although an optional step this may save costs and helps in making an informed decision before we are commissioned to submit a full planning application. It is a useful method to establish the likelihood of approval and take into account any constraints that may need to be considered.
Site Survey
STEP 3
Once we are your chosen consultants, an appointment will be made for a member of our team to conduct a full dimensional site survey of the property. This will help compile the required information to adequately begin the design process.
Design
STEP 4
In general, the existing situation will be drawn along with the design that we understand to be the proposal. The drawings will be produced to a technical scale and rendered for you to give us your opinion and acceptance; we will then send the planning application to the council. If there are any changes they will gladly be made.
Submission
STEP 5
Once the design is agreed, a formal planning application to the local authority is made.
In Process
STEP 6
Whilst in process we manage the full application and liaise with the council. We respond to queries and negotiate any changes to the proposal as necessary on your behalf whilst keeping in touch with you.
Approval
STEP 7
Once we have achieved a positive decision from the local authority you now have permission! If instructed to do so we will now carry out the comprehensive building regulation drawings.
Permitted Development
Permitted development Rights (Certificate of Lawfulness)
As a homeowner you might find that your living space has Permitted Development Rights which means that you do not have to apply for a planning permission for works, developments or specific alterations to your home. Permitted Development may cover alterations to your roof, specific extensions, adding/removing windows or doors, construction of porches with a certain size and outbuildings to your home.
Provided that the alterations are within the framework of your Rights (setting, volume, and use of materials for example), and that the Rights have not been removed in your area (e.g. Conservation areas and properties falling under restricted Article Directives), and you do not wish to apply for a planning approval, then you can simply go ahead with carrying out the building works.
Please note that even in this circumstance you still have to satisfy the building regulations and make the necessary submissions.
It is still advisable to obtain a Certificate of Lawfulness to confirm your Permitted Development Rights, and check that the works are Lawful under Permitted Development. Talk to the duty planner at your local authority for specific information on your property.
“Skyline Architecture can prepare the drawings, design, complete the forms, liaise with the council, and act as your agent for your certificate application.”
Loft Conversion
Permitted development Rights (Certificate of Lawfulness)
A new loft can often be the most seamless and cost effective development to your home. You can make certain types of minor changes to a loft without needing to apply for planning permission. These fall into “permitted development rights”. They derive from a general planning permission granted not by the local authority but by Parliament. Bear in mind that the permitted development rights which apply to many common projects for houses do not apply to flats, maisonettes or other buildings.
Top Tips:
- Have a look at buildings and alterations in the local roads to see what sort of development has already taken place, but be cautious that although nearby houses may already have had similar work carried out, it does not automatically mean the rules have not been superseded and your application will be accepted .
- If doing the work by notice, rather than by submitting plans done by an architect, make sure you book the Building Control Officer well in advance, as they are often very busy and in demand.
- Be very confident about your choice of builder. A good contractor will make the process a lot less painful. Good local knowledge and a good understanding of the appropriate laws can all the difference
“Skyline Architecture has frequently transformed once empty attic voids into vibrant bedrooms, practical office and useful storage spaces. Through thoughtful and innovative designs we have converted previously wasted areas in a house into functional areas which are used from cinema rooms to in-house gyms.”