PROJECT PLANNER l KBB
PLANNING OFFICER do?
What does a
Here are our key tips and tricks to get you in the know and help make your working relationship a success
Words: Stefanie Gerdes W
hether you’re extending your home, adding a basement, converting your loſt , or demolishing parts of your property, for example an unused conservatory,
you’ll oſt en need planning permission. You may also need it for changing windows, depending on what project you’re about to undertake as well as where you live.
What is a planning offi cer? A planning offi cer works for the local council and is responsible for all issues relating to how our towns look and whether our homes are safe and in keeping with the location. They usually hold a relevant Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, for example in urban planning, environmental policy, or human geography and planning. Some may also have studied architecture or environmental science. However, a degree is not always necessary; some of these professionals have also worked as support staff in the planning offi ce before receiving training from the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). Aſt er completing their training, a planning offi cer
will start working, most oſt en for a council, where they normally focus on one specifi c area – so the person responsible for your application to add an extension will be an expert in all things residential, but some of their colleagues will be focusing on things such as commercial buildings or even creating new parks.
What does a planning offi cer do? They are primarily responsible for ensuring building guidelines are adhered to. It is their responsibility to reach decisions on whether projects – such as an extension – are granted planning permission or not. If you are refused on fi rst application, they’ll tell you the reasons and what you need to change to make your ideas feasible, from choosing diff erent cladding (for example to be in keeping with your house’s exterior as well as the neighbourhood’s overall look) to lowering the height of your build so you don’t steal sunlight from your neighbours. They might also conduct site visits, if you request one, to give you advice before you start your application.
Why do I need a planning offi cer? They are the only authority who can allow you to legally pursue your project. If you add an extension without planning permission and it doesn’t fall within permitted development (see the box on the right to learn about the diff erence), you might fi nd yourself in a sticky situation. You can oſt en apply for retrospective permission, but if it is rejected or your initial application failed and you still built it, the council can serve you an enforcement notice – so you’d have to return things back to how they were, which could mean tearing down your extension. However, a planning offi cer can be very helpful even
before you set out to submit your application. Part of their job is to share their knowledge with residents looking to start a project, so you’ll hopefully only have to apply for planning permission once. They can give advice on what is and isn’t possible in your neighbourhood, the overall process, and any conditions all applications need to meet. To use this service, check with your local authority on
how to make an appointment and visit planningportal.
co.uk to research rules that apply in your area.
How much does it cost? If you work with a planning offi cer at your council, their service is oſt en free. However, if you ask them to come visit your site for advice they might charge you. Applying for full planning permission costs £206 in England, £190 Wales, £202 in Scotland, and £291 in Northern Ireland.
PLANNING
PERMISSION VS PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT
Planning permission If you’re building something new or are making a major change to your property – such as adding a large extension – you’ll most likely need planning permission. You will need to apply to your local authority for this, who will then decide on whether to grant it based on your plans. Getting planning permission usually takes around eight weeks, but it can take up to 13 (which is the limit in England). Applying usually costs a fee, which in England is currently at £206 for a single house or fl at.
Permitted development This allows you to carry out a range of projects – including certain kinds of extension – without planning permission. This was initially intended to be temporary, but the government has now made it permanent. Under permitted development, you usually can increase your fl oor area as long as the space you add is a single-storey extension that does not stretch further than 4m from the original wall in a detached house, or 3m in a terraced or semi-detached home. Bear in mind that this means the property as it was originally built, so if you already have an extension and live in a semi-detached house, you can’t add another 3m onto it under permitted development. Permitted development is often limited if you live in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Park, conservation area, heritage site or listed building, so always double check.
KBB
HEAD TO...
planningportal.co.uk for more information on how to apply for planning permission
Illustration:
iStock.com/-Vladimir-; image:
iStock.com/ Anna Cinaroglu
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