A planning application is details requested by local authorities for the owner of the land to gain Planning permission or planning consent in order to be allowed to build on land, or change the use of your land or your building. In simple terms it is a medium to check that your proposed development is suited to the site, street, and area. If we did not have this medium in place, we could find buildings like in other parts of the world where there is no uniformity in their designs, form or function. So it’s a way to keep your home in situ with the characteristics of your area.

Permitted Development Rights are a set of policies which allow homeowners greater freedom in enlarging their home, granting pre-approved permission. By acting upon these rights you can extend your property to a certain degree, greater than the norm, without the need for Full Planning Permission, which can be a more expensive and time-consuming process, as long as you comply with relevant rules.

Contact us to see if you fall within these rights

There are many factors that will affect whether or not you need to apply for planning permission or affect your chances of gaining planning approval.

• Your Neighbours: Advising neighbours prior to planning application, as they are likely to be concerned about the proposal and the work it will entail, changes which may affect directly and indirectly to their property and standard of living.

• Design: There is no right and wrong in design. Nevertheless, a well-designed building or extension is likely to be much more attractive to you and to your neighbours. More attractiveness, the higher the value of your property.

• Environment and Health: Covers the health and safety aspects of people living and working in your area.

• Trees: Trees protected by tree preservation orders mean that planning permission is a must. We can help you check if your tree has a preservation order with a quick phone call.

• Hedges: You do not normally need permission to plant a hedge in your garden, no restriction on how high the hedge can grow, but maintenance and responsibility if the hedge becomes a nuisance is with the owner.

• Fencing: Walls and gates – You would need to apply for planning permission if you wish to erect/add to a fence, wall or gate. This again reiterates the point that changes of the streetscape means planning approval is needed

• Conservation Area: Full planning permission if any external amendments are required. There are many types of different Conservation orders, knowing these orders will help you win the application or the appeal process.

• Listed Building: Full planning permission if any external amendments are required. There are different grades of listed buildings. Usually with thoughtful designs, the obstacles of listed buildings can be overcome.