subject: Why the Planning Application Process Can Be Such a Big Problem [print this page] Why the Planning Application Process Can Be Such a Big Problem
Most of us during our lives as a homeowner will decide that it is time for some alterations or remodeling to our precious home.
The biggest stumbling block to this though is knowing what to say to the planning department or even knowing if we need to speak to them at all. A lot of people are put off from ever getting past the thinking stage and decide to either leave their home as it is or move to a bigger house.
Moving to a bigger house can be costly and stressful and if you just put a little more thought into the process of extending your existing home then you could save a lot of money and increase the value of your home at the same time.
Another thought that passes through our minds in these situations, especially if it is the first time you have considered making alterations to your home, is the expense of using an architect or suitably qualified person to draw up your plans.
Other people believe that it is easy to just submit a planning application themselves so that they avoid the expense and time of using an architect or suitably qualified person. However, this is often the wrong route to take.
If you are not fully aware of the planning application requirements and also the pitfalls that are lying in wait for you then you can end up having your application rejected eight weeks later and then having to employ an architect after all.
The drawings and plans have to be of a certain standard and if you are not well versed in dealing with the local planning authority you will be completely frustrated by the endless amount of red tape involved.
So you may end up in the annoying position of having a rejected planning application, wasted eight weeks of your time and be back at square one - which is where most people then just give up in frustration.
The correct and painless solution is to always appoint a suitably qualified person or Architect to carry out the work. They are very familiar with the planning system and with what size of project will be acceptable to the planners. Architects will know what will be acceptable and what will not. Their drawings will be clear and detailed (should be), and this will reduce queries from the planner requiring clarification or further information - Therefore saving time.
