Top Tips for Obtaining Planning Permission

If you’re looking to give your property a new lease of life by building an extension or apply for a change of use, you’ll need to obtain planning permission.

While this is a notoriously frustrating process for many, we’ve collected our top tips to help make it as easy as possible for you to obtain permission and get the most out of the planning process.

Look at permitted development rights

Checking your permitted development rights can help save time and money during the renovation process, by avoiding the need for planning permission. Under these rights, certain changes such as a small or single storey extension, or demolition can go ahead without planning permission, although it’s still essential to check with your local council before carrying out the work.

Get an early start

As development plans are regularly reviewed by the local planning authorities, the sooner you get yours in the better. This will give you the opportunity to promote your land for development and raise any concerns about nearby development projects.

Talk to your Duty Planning Officer

Find out which Duty Planning officer overseas your area and book a consultation with them. They can help you understand the planning application process, how planning applications are assessed and the conditions that must be attached to planning permissions.

Do your research!

Take time to find out whether similar proposals to yours have been accepted before, as this can be a good indication as to whether yours is likely to be accepted. It’s also a good idea to research whether the site or the property has a planning history, as proposals which weren’t initially viewed favourably might be seen in a more favourable light now.

Similarly, having a good understanding of ‘material planning permissions’ like loss of sunlight, noise or disturbance or the capacity of physical infrastructure can help you produce an effective Design and Access Statement which is more likely to be accepted.

Expect (and be open to) negotiation

There’s a strong likelihood that your initial proposal might not be accepted in its entirety. If this happens, you need to be prepared to negotiate a compromise on your initial proposal, or offer additional benefits which will come with accepting your development.

Try again

If your first planning application was unsuccessful, don’t worry. You’re entitled to reapply or appeal the decision by having a Planning Inspector who belongs to another area determine the application as well.

If you are resubmitting your planning proposal, we recommend seeking further professional advice in order to give you application the greatest chance of success.

If you’re in the process of trying to obtain planning permission, or looking to improve the value of your house ready for sale talk to one of our agents or request a valuation!