Do I need Planning Permission?
If you're planning a loft conversion, an extension to your home or a kitchen remodel, make sure you know what you're getting into first. Making significant improvements to your home requires in-depth planning and research. Every successful home improvement project has a well-researched plan behind it, and yours should be no exception. If you want your project to meet budget and time constraints, you need to know the industry.
First of all, regardless of the size of your project, you'll need to determine if you can complete the project on your own. If not, you may need to find help from professional builders and architects. After determining your workload, the next big step is setting a budget which is essential to every home improvement project. If you lack the resources to fund it yourself, you may find it appropriate to investigate options for financing.
Finally, you need to find out if your proposed project is within permitted development limits. Otherwise, you'll need to apply for planning permission.
What is Planning Permission?
In layman's terms, planning permission is asking your local authority if you can carry out a home improvement project. The decision process usually takes about two weeks, but they can be extended to as long as thirteen weeks depending on the complexity and size of the project in question. After this time has elapsed, your application will either be approved (possibly subject to certain conditions) or denied.
However, many home improvements do indeed classify as permitted development. While they do not require planning permission, they may be subject to terms and conditions. While seeking planning permission is the property owner's responsibility, if you are unsure if your project requires permission, you should contact your local planning authority and, if necessary, complete an enquiry form.
While most project proposals can be decided upon, there are some proposals where a clear-cut decision cannot be made. In the event this happens, you can instead apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC). While an LDC and planning permission are different, an LCD will certify your home improvement project doesn't violate the law.
While some home improvement projects are exempt from regulations, any general construction work must comply with building regulations. Projects that these regulations apply to include but are not limited to: construction of a new building, extension/altering of an existing building or Service additions/modifications to water lines, drainage, windows, and fuel-burning appliances such as stoves and furnaces. Of course, the projects themselves have to be up to par with the technical requirements of the building regulations, and cannot make any existing fabrics, services, or appliances less compliant than before.
Explore more:
Planning Permission & Building Regulations
What To Do when a Planning Application is Refused
What are the Building Regulations?
What is the Party Wall Agreement?
Objecting to a Planning Application
Do you need to find out more about planning permission and building regulations? Follow this link for RICS Surveyors in Maidstone and Kent.