subject: Derby Architects Advise That You Should Be Coy About Planning Permission Applications [print this page] Derby Architects Advise That You Should Be Coy About Planning Permission Applications
Derby architects know a thing or two about planning permission. It sounds like an easy job to just work out what is needed, draw up the plans and then submit the architectural drawings to the planning department. However, if you divulge everything that is needed for the build without the expert knowledge of what is required and what is not required then you could be delaying the permission.
If you were a poker player you would not show all of your cards to the other players in the game. If you did then you would be in a worse position and end up losing every game you played in!
The same principle can be applied when you are seeking planning acceptance. In fact you do not always need planning permission for domestic alterations and it is useful to know what the planning departments use as their yardstick.
What is Planning Permission?
It is the consent of the Council as Local Planning Authority to carry out development of land or buildings. Without a planning system everyone could construct buildings or use land in any way they wanted, no matter what effect this would have on other people who live and work in their area.
What Can Be Excluded?
There are developments that do not require planning such as a garage or a porch and also some alterations to the main home itself as long as it falls within the rules of what are known as "Permitted Development Rights". Other domestic developments that do not need to be submitted are fences and walls, decoration, maintenance and repair and demolition.
These can be quite complicated and subject to interpretation so it is always useful to use a local architect to discuss your proposals first and then advise you whether you need to obtain permission for the works you are thinking about.
How Much Should I Tell The Planning Department?
Even if you will need to seek permission from the local council you do not have to tell them everything. Again if you discuss this with your architectural adviser you will identify what needs to be in the application and what can be left out. This will save you a lot of time and delays as the more complicated the development the more time it will take to gain approval and also will be more expensive.
Best of luck with your development and hope it goes smoothly for you.
