Once you have your design, the next stage is often to apply for planning permission via your Local Planning Authority. Read on, to find out more about your planning application and how Hestia Town Planning can help.
1. Do you have Permitted Development Rights?
These have increased considerably in recent years can now be undertaken in many cases without requiring planning permission. Always consult a professional before undertaking works that you believe to be Permitted Development.
2. Early Involvement
Local Planning Authorities periodically review their Local Development Plans and will always invite comments from members of the public. This is your opportunity to promote land for development. Check your Local Planning Authorities ‘Planning Policy’ webpage to see where they are with the production of their Local Plan.
3. Engage with your Local Planning Authority
A duty Planning Officer is available during working hours to offer general advice. Alternatively you may want to have a pre-application meeting to discuss your scheme in more detail. A pre-application meeting is not compulsory and with the help of a planning professional, this stage can sometimes be bypassed to speed up the application process – some Local Authorities currently have a waiting list of a 9 months!
4. Talk to an expert
An expert may suggest other options which suit your requirements and are likely to have a smoother passage through the planning process.
5. Research
Check your Local Planning Authorities planning database to see if similar proposals been accepted in the area before.
6. Check your sites history
Check whether the site/property already has a planning history. Even if a scheme was not previously approved, changes in law mean that the scheme may now be viewed favourably, so it is always important to check the laws or seek advise from a planning specialist.
7. Consult
Whilst not always compulsory for smaller schemes, it is advisable to discuss your plans with neighbours and members of the local community. For larger schemes, the Local Planning Authority will want to see how you have engaged and shaped your plans with the input of the local community.
8. Negotiate and Compromise
You may need to compromise slightly on your original proposal or offer additional benefits that will arise as a result of your development in order to tip the planning balance. A good planning officer will always advise you what changes you can make, to ensure your application is successful.
9. Try again
If your first application is unsuccessful you are entitled to a ‘free go’. Contact Hestia Town Planning for some advice to make sure your proposal will be successful the second time around.
10. Appeal
Don’t give up! You have the right to appeal the decision and have the application determined by a Planning Inspector who is not local to the area.
Hestia Town Planning 