Planning consultants are planning and development sector professionals who can provide a range of services that can help to make the planning process run smoother, faster and increase the chances of success. As planning permission experts a consultants can be an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the planning process in the UK. One of the main benefits of using planning permission specialists is that they can provide expert advice and guidance on the planning process. Planning consultants are familiar with the planning policies and regulations that apply to your property development project, and they can help you to understand what is required to get your development approved. They can also help you to prepare your planning application, and can provide advice on the best way to present your proposals to the local council. Another benefit of using Town Planning specialists is that they can save you time and effort. Planning consultants can take care of the administrative aspects of the planning process, such as preparing and submitting your planning application, dealing with the planning department, and negotiating with other interested parties. This can allow you to focus on other aspects of your development, such as funding and construction, while the planning consultant handles the engagement with the planning department and other experts working on your project. Planning consultants can also provide valuable support if your planning application is challenged or refused. If your application is refused, a planning permission expert can help you to understand the reasons for the refusal, and can advise you on the best way to appeal or resubmit your application. If your application is challenged, a planning consultant can provide representation and can help you to defend your position. Ultimately, using a planning consultant can increase your chances of success. Chartered planners have extensive experience of the planning process and can provide valuable insights into what works and what doesn't when it comes to getting your development approved. They can also help you to identify potential issues or problems that may arise, and can suggest ways to mitigate these risks with a view to obtaining the type of planning consent you want. Obtaining planning permission is a vital step in the development of any property development project, as it sets the parameters within which development can lawfully commence.
If your are a homeowner, landlord or aspiring property developer you may have asked yourself the following questions:
What is planning permission?
Why do I need planning permission?
How do I apply for planning permission?
What happens after I apply for planning permission?
What happens if I don't get planning permission?
What is planning permission?
Permission to carry out all forms of building operations and engineering works in, on, over and under land is required under the town and country planning act from the relevant decision making body, usually a local planning department within a local council.
Why do I need planning permission?
Historically the requirement for planning permission was introduced following the nationalisation of development rights brought into force by the 1947 Town and Country Planning act. This allowed local government administration to control the growth of Cities, Towns, Villages and Settlements through land use policies and development management practices. Planning permission has since been required to ensure that any development proposal to develop land is in line with relevant planning policies. These policies contain principles and parameters that the community, local businesses and interest groups have agreed upon to shape the physical development of a place. This serves to protect the interests of the community and the environment, and to ensure that any development is safe, sustainable, and in keeping with the character of the area.
For example, planning permission may be required to:
Build a new house or commercial building
Extend or alter an existing building
Change the use of a building or land (e.g. from residential to commercial)
Display advertisements or signage
Carry out works to listed buildings
It is important to note that planning permission is not always required for minor works or changes. For example, certain types of home improvement projects, such as the installation of a new bathroom or the repainting of a house, may not require planning permission. Some types of development are classed as "permitted development" and do not require planning permission from the local authority these include:
Internal alterations to a building
Repairs, maintenance, and minor improvements to a building
Erection of a small conservatory at the rear of a house
Erection or alteration of a fence, wall, or gate
Painting the exterior of a building
However, if your proposed development does not fall under the category of permitted development, you will need to apply for planning permission. However, it is always a good idea to check with the local council or planning authority or a planning consultant before starting any work to ensure that you are complying with the relevant regulations.
How to get planning permission?
This can be a complex and time-consuming process, depending on the nature of the development project and especially if you're not familiar with the planning system. In these cases, it can be helpful to work with a planning consultant to navigate the process and increase the chances of your extension being approved. The process for applying for planning permission varies depending on the nature and scale of the project. In general, however, the following steps are involved:
Check if you need planning permission: As mentioned above, not all projects require planning permission. You can check if your project requires planning permission by visiting the website of your local planning authority or by contacting them directly. Some councils have a duty planner service for residents to call up and ask simple planning specific questions.
Prepare your application: If you do need planning permission, you will need to prepare an application. This will typically include a completed application form, plans and drawings of the proposed development, any necessary supporting documents (e.g. planning statement or design and access statement).
Submit your application: Once you have prepared your application, you will need to submit it to the local planning authority through the planning portal.
Wait for a decision: The council or planning authority will review your application and make a decision on whether to grant or refuse planning permission. This process can take 8t weeks for a minor development or 13 weeks for a major development, however, timescales may vary depending on the nature and complexity of the project.
Appeal a decision: If your application is refused, you have the right to appeal the decision.
What happens after I apply for planning permission?
After you submit your planning permission application, the council or planning authority will review it and decide whether it is valid or not and make a decision on whether to grant or refuse planning permission.
During the review process, the council or planning authority may request additional information or clarification on certain aspects of the project. They will also consult internally and externally with experts, statutory consultees, residents and amenity groups etc. the extend of the consultation exercise will depend on the location and nature of the scheme.
Once the review process is complete, planning officers will then make a decision on your application and notify you in writing. If your application is approved, you will receive a decision notice confirming the decision and detailing the conditions that must be met in order to proceed with the development. If your application is refused, you will receive a decision notice that contains a schedule of reasons for refusal.
What happens if I don't get planning permission?
You have the right to appeal a planning permission decision if your application is refused or if you are unhappy with the conditions attached to a grant of planning permission. You can do this by submitting an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, an independent government body that reviews planning decisions when they are appealed.
When submitting an appeal, you will need to provide evidence and arguments to support your case. You will need to provide a detailed statement of case containing arguments to support your case. The appeal process can take several months and can following one of three different procedures: written representations, hearing and or public inquiry. During the assessment a planning inspector will consider the arguments put forward by both sides and make a final decision on the appeal. The appeal process can be complex and time-consuming, so it is a good idea to seek advice from a planning appeals specialist before making an appeal. This can increase the chances of a successful appeal.
It is important to note that if you start work on a project without planning permission, you may be required to stop the work and undo any changes that have been made. You may also be subject to fines or enforcement action. Planning permission is a crucial step in the development of any project. It ensures that the proposed work complies with the local planning policies and building regulations, and protects the interests of the community and the environment. If you are planning a building project, it is important to check whether you need planning permission and to follow the correct process for obtaining it. If you are unsure about any aspect of the planning process, it is always a good idea to seek professional advice from a planning consultant.
In conclusion, using a planning advisor in London can be a valuable resource for homeowners, property developers and landlords involved in the planning process. As London based Planning consultants we can provide expert advice and guidance, saving you time and effort, and increasing your chances of success. Whether you are a property developer, a homeowner, a portfolio landlord or a business owner, a planning consultant can help you to navigate the complex and often challenging process of getting your development approved.
It is worth speaking to a Chartered Town Planner for site specific advice. Planning advice in London will vary from borough to borough and on a site by site basis. For planning advice in London specific to your property development project or if you require planning permission help in general, I encourage you to get in contact in order for us to help you overcome these challenges and increase your chances for success.
Fidel Miller MRTPI
Bình luáºn