Planning permission doesn’t necessarily have to be a hassle, though it’s the potential to be so. If you want to build something new or make big changes to your house, you will likely need planning permission. Whether it’s building a home, starting a new project, or changing how your house looks, planning permission is required. Below here we will inform you how to get planning permission in London and outer London areas. We will make it simple and easy.
This book will lead you through the planning permission procedure step by step. When you finish, you might not know what steps to take to make your planning permission application simple and smooth.
What is Planning Permission?
Planning permission is permission from your local town council. It enables you to change your property a bit. These include adding an extension, an extra room, or big changes to the outside of your house.
Planning permission makes what you do safe and suitable for the location. Without planning permission, you might have to turn whatever you’ve done around to the way it was when you started, and might even be fined.
Planning permission is needed when you need to change your home significantly.
Why Do You Need Planning Permission?
There are several reasons why you need planning permission:
Safety: It ensures that the changes you want to make are safe for all.
Please obey the Rules: It ensures your changes are by guidelines framed by the local council.
Care for Nature: It stops changes that could harm the environment.
Getting planning permission is always ideal. Otherwise, you might get into trouble later, such as being fined or having to turn back your work.
Types of Planning Permission in London
There are various types of planning permission. Knowing which one you will need will help to know how to do it.
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Full Planning Permission
Full planning permission is the most usual kind of permission. If you want to make big changes to your house, like adding an extension, you need planning permission. You must send drawings of your plans, and the council will decide yes or no.
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Outline Planning Permission
If you do not have your final plans prepared to submit, you can apply for outline planning permission. This allows you to draw up your scheme that is likely to be approved, before making your final plans.
Once permission is granted to you in outline form, you will need to provide final plans at a later date.
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Permitted Development Rights
There are a few small changes to your building for which you do not need planning permission. These are permitted development rights. You may be permitted to erect a small extension or loft conversion without permission.
Even then, there is a degree of limitation to the extent services to which the alteration encroaches on the area. Ensure your work falls into permitted development rights in the first place before proceeding.
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Change of Use
If you wish to alter the use of a building, say from house to business or business to house, you can be required to have planning permission. This is referred to as a “change of use.”
You will have to make an application so that you can be certain it will be a suitable change for the location.
How to Get Planning Permission in London
Having established what planning permission is, we can now proceed to the application process. Below is the step-by-step application process.
Step 1: Getting to know the Local Rules
Each London borough also has its own legislation regarding what can be changed. Legislation makes the borough safe and pleasant to remain. Consult the legislation for your borough before the submission of a planning permission. Look on your local council website or ask a planning officer to find out.
Step 2: Get Your Plans Ready
You’ll need to draw up detailed project plans. They’ll need to state exactly what you wish to alter, e.g., drawings, measurements, and materials. If you’re not sure how to draw up the plans, you can pay someone professional, e.g., an architect or designer, to draw up the plans for you.
The more professional your plans are, the better your chances of being approved.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
After you finish making your plans, you can apply. All councils in London let you apply online, contact and it is quicker and easier. When you apply, you will also have to pay a fee. It will depend on the size of your project. You can find out how much the fee is on your local council website.
Step 4: Wait for the Decision
After you have submitted your application, your proposals will be debated by the council. This usually takes 8 weeks. This may take longer if you are submitting a more complicated proposal. In the meantime, the council might request further information or propose amendments to your proposals.
Don’t stand over their shoulders.
Step 5: Appeal If You Don’t Get Planning Permission
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. The council will send you a letter detailing why they denied permission for your application. You can resolve any issues and resubmit the application. If you are still unhappy, you can appeal to an independent panel known as the Planning Inspectorate.
Step 6: Start the Work
If planning permission has been approved for you, then you can go ahead with your project. You should keep safe the plans you have already submitted, however. If you later alter them, then you may need to make an altered plans permission application.
What If You Don’t Get Planning Permission?
If you go ahead with the project without getting planning permission, then you may be in trouble. As a potential problem, the following may happen:
Fines: You can be fined by the council for illegal work.
Removing the Work: If you are not able to remove the work, the council can request that you remove the work that you have done.
Suing You: In extremely severe circumstances, the council can sue you to compel you to reverse the work.
It is safer to play it cautious and apply for planning permission initially, even if you feel that you do not need it.
Information on How to Make an Application for Planning Permission in London
What you are going to be reading is some advice which will ensure your application for planning permission is valid:
Discover the conditions first: Discuss with your council prior to applying. They will tell you what can be accepted.
Advice from a professional: If you are not sure about your plans, ask an architect or planning expert for advice. They will be able to get things underway.
Be in character with the neighborhood: Ensure that your plans are in character with the style and setting of the neighborhood. The council will turn down plans that are reasonably different from the neighborhood.
Stay cool: Stay cool, okay? Be fair with the council in allowing them time to sort your application out.
Conclusion
You will find it easy to obtain planning permission in London if you do it right. You know how, read the local policy and prepare your plans ahead of time; you will be fine.
Do not forget to always refer to your local council if you are in doubt. They can show you the way through the process. Right planning will enable you to finish your project without hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Do I always require planning permission in London?
No. Small works, such as a roof job or a small extension, are not necessarily going to need permission. But for large work, you will have to apply.
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How long does planning permission last for in London?
It will only be 8 weeks or less before you receive a decision. Some works will take longer when they are complex.
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What if my planning permission is turned down?
If your application is turned down, you can appeal. You will have to alter your proposals and resubmit as well.
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Can I carry out work without planning permission if I won’t require it?
No. Always call the council first thing before work. It’s always better to apply for permission first.
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What is the cost of London planning permission?
It will vary depending on your project. It would be £200 to £500 or more on larger projects.
