Local authorities decide on planning policies in their area based on legislation and consultation with interested parties. They delegate the interpretation of those policies to a planning officer or committee. While we can’t guarantee Planning Approval, if you are refused permission we can always revise the design and resubmit for no extra charge. You also have the right to appeal to the Secretary of State.
Planning is a bit like driving, everyone has an opinion; neighbours have the opportunity to give their opinion on your proposed extension. Local authorities have residential design guidance policies and local plan policies. That’s why we’re here, we can guide you through explaining what the council wants while still keeping you design and ideas intact.
Special considerations apply if any of these apply to your dwelling ...
- You live in a Listed Building
- You live in the green belt
- You live in a Conservation Area
- You live in a area of outstanding natural beauty
- You live in an area where Article 4 has been implemented restricting certain permitted development rights
- You live in a house that has had restrictive covenants
Other things to consider are ...
- Will the extension dominate?
- Will the extension blend with the existing?
- Try to keep the same horizontal and vertical emphasis.
- Do the windows match?
- Are the materials for the new build similar to the existing?
- What would your first impression be if you were buying this house with this extension?
- What would the extension look like from your neighbour’s property?
- Will you affect your neighbour’s right to light?
- Have you let your lender know of your proposal?
But don’t let this overwhelm you – we will guide you; it’s our aim to get you planning approval, not just to leave you with a set of drawings.
Visit the government’s Planning Portal for a detailed guide or use their interactive guide.
If you live in a house or a bungalow, you can make certain types of alterations to it without needing to apply for planning permission. These are known as 'Permitted Development Rights'.
You should note that the Council may have removed some of your permitted development rights when permission was first granted to the property. If this has happened you will require planning permission. If you are unsure about this, you can check with the planning department, who will send out a simple form to gather the necessary details.
Be aware that the rules relating to conservatories are the same as those that apply to any other form of extension to a house or bungalow.
Also please note that flats and residential mobile homes do not benefit from Permitted Development Rights, and therefore planning permission will be required for all extensions/alterations.