
Applying for planning permission is one of the less exciting tasks involved in a home improvement project. However, homeowners need to dot the i’s and cross the t’s before starting work on their homes, especially if their project falls outside of permitted development.
Everyone has a dream home in mind, and if we’ve saved up enough to afford an extension or renovation, we want to know our dream is possible. So, to avoid the crushing disappointment of a rejected application, how do we ensure our projects are set up for planning approval?
The first thing to understand is why planning permission is denied in the first place.
You’re likely to face the sting of rejection if your design-build:
These are just some of the common reasons a project may be rejected in the planning stages.
Depending on your local authority, there are several factors councils consider before signing off on your home improvement project. These include:
As long as your proposals don’t unduly affect them, your neighbours can’t stop your building works from going ahead. However, they’re able to request additional details, which results in extra expenses and takes longer for approval to go through. That’s why it’s always a good idea to chat to your neighbours (and maybe take over a muffin basket?) before applying for planning permission.
Either way, they can’t stop you from carrying out the building works. There’s a Party Wall Act that aims to protect your neighbouring properties and ensure they’re not adversely affected by your building work. So, be sure to have this completed and signed off asap.
It’s also worth noting your neighbours have a 21-day consultant period after they’re made aware of an upcoming project. If they don’t respond within the allotted time, they must forever hold their peace. Some councils print out notices and put them on lamposts near the property, while others write to your neighbours. Even if your neighbours do respond, the council will consider the legitimacy of any complaints.
It’s important to note planning applications aren’t as scary as they seem. For instance, did you know you can’t be rejected for planning permission based on:
Furthermore, if you want to avoid a planning disaster, your best option is to employ an architect to manage this process for you. Not only will they deal with the nitty-gritty of preparing your documentation, such as planning applications or lawful development certificates, but during the design process, they’ll use their expertise and experience to create drawings that have the best chance of approval.
If you’ve just found out your planning permission has been rejected, don’t panic! This doesn’t mean your project won’t happen, nor does it have to mean extensive fees in getting the decision overturned.
Some planning officers might tell you if your build is facing rejection in advance, especially if it's over a minor point. If that’s the case, they might allow you to amend your designs so they can still be pushed through.
However, if permission is denied outright, there are still steps you can take.
No two projects are the same, so it always depends on the original reason for rejection and the potential fixes available to you. The redesign needs to take into consideration the initial refusal and look to counter the reasons why.
There are two ways to go about an appeal:
Whatever route you take, you don’t need to pay a fee to the council to re-apply for planning permission. The council offer a free resubmission service, as long as it’s done within 12 months of receiving the decision from your first application.
Contact our team for a free consultation call if you’re looking for planning advice or design services.
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What makes a planning application invalid?
To allow officers in the planning permission department to access your proposals, you need to submit an application with the necessary information. If this isn’t completed, an application is deemed ‘invalid.’ However, if they request further information, it’s not necessarily your or an architect's fault. Some councils just require extra information due to their local standards, and it’s usually an easy fix. Just make the necessary amendments they’ve requested or send them the required documents and it’ll be taken off hold.
What does ‘Noninvalid’ mean on a planning application?
Funnily enough, it just means ‘Valid.’ In short, if you have the word ‘Noninvalid’ next to your planning application status, it means the works are approved.
What is overdevelopment in planning terms?
Overdevelopment refers to one of two things:
- One: The amount of development (for example, the number of buildings or intensity of use) that is excessive in terms of demands on infrastructure and services; or
- Two: The impact on local amenity and character.
In either of these cases, your planning approval is likely to be rejected.