Extending
your home offers the perfect solution to a growing family and is most
definitely less expensive than moving house. However, to make structural
changes for substantial home improvements, you’ll need to apply for planning
permission beforehand. Planning is a notoriously lengthy process and property
owners always want to do what they can to ensure it goes through as quickly as
possible.
To make sure
your project gets off to the best start, you’ll need to take the time to get
clued up in the world of planning and work with a variety of experts. Whilst
you can’t control the final outcome of your application, there are a number of
routes you can take to ensure the process runs smoothly, achieving an outcome
that works for you, your neighbours and local community.
As chartered
surveyors, we at Simon Levy regularly advise clients on both sides of the
planning application process- those making their own applications, as well as
those objecting to neighbours’ applications. With more than 30 years of experience
working with property owners, we’ve seen a wide range of both successful and
unsuccessful applications over the years, so we know what makes a successful
application. To help you improve your chances of getting planning permission
for your upcoming project, we’ve put together this helpful guide, filled with
top tips to support you through the process.
Hire an architect
The first
thing any property owner must do when planning to extend or alter their home is
hire a qualified architect. You should always work with a reputable firm who’ve
completed similar projects to yours and are well-versed in planning required
projects. Look out for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) logo on
your chosen architect’s website.
It goes
without saying that quality design is the most crucial part of the planning
process. Choose an architect that you trust will produce quality designs that
incorporate a fine balance between policy and ambition. Your design should
include appropriate scaling, a smart layout and be considerate to the character
of the surrounding environment. Your architect may also base your plans on
similar projects in your area in order to create a design that is most likely
to be accepted by the local planning office.
Do your research
Whilst your
architect will help you to ensure your plans comply, it pays off to make sure
you understand the local planning policies yourself. With any application,
certain issues will be taken into account. These are known as ‘material
planning considerations’ and refer to the aspects of a building design that
could affect the planning application outcome. Here are just a few examples of
material planning considerations:
●Loss of sunlight.
●Effect on listed buildings and
conservation area.
●Overlooking and loss of privacy.
●Loss of effect on trees.
●Layout, density of building design
and finishing materials.
If you’ve
chosen a reputable and experienced architect, they’ll know which of these
considerations might affect your application and factor them into your plans.
However, to build a good rapport with your planning officer, it’s a good idea
to ensure you understand the ins and outs of your plans, including the
potential problem areas.
Submit a pre-application
Once you’ve
formulated your plans, it’s now time to begin the planning application process.
To stay one step ahead, it’s advisable to speak to your local authority sooner
rather than later and complete a pre-application. This will allow you to
receive expert advice on your proposed plans before you submit them formally
and also enable you to get to know the planning officer who’ll be taking on
your case.
Pre-application
is also a good opportunity to gage how the council take to your current plans,
enabling you to amend them where necessary. Not everyone opts to submit a
pre-application, however, for those who do, it saves time and money in the
future, as you’ll spend less time revising your plans once you’ve formally
applied- something that costs each time you do it.
Talk to your neighbours
As you
probably already know, your neighbours have a significant impact on your
planning application and whether it’s approved or not. Whether you know them
well or not, it’s in your best interest to chat to your neighbours about your
upcoming home improvement plans- there’s nothing worse than finding out about
major alterations to your street via a formally written letter from the
planning office.
Not only
will having a neighbourly chat give them a heads up, but it also pays off for
you too. You can chat to them about any similar extensions they’ve made and how
smooth the planning process was for said plans. They may even suggest an
architect or chartered surveyor who was particularly helpful during their
project.
Cooperate with your planning officer
One of the
best ways to improve your chances of a successful planning application is to
cooperate and build a strong rapport with your planning officer- also referred
to as your case officer. Every property owner who applies for planning
permission will be allocated a specific officer and the outcome is ultimately
this officer’s decision, based on advice and opinions from other parties within
the council and the surrounding community.
Your
allocated officer will administer your application, seek feedback from
consultees and put together a report with recommendations for your plans. You
may be concerned that your officer is trying to make changes to your designs,
however, you shouldn’t be disheartened- this is generally a good sign that your
plans aren’t going to be objected outright and the council is working on trying
to make your project work for everyone.
Case
officers often have a lot of applications to deal with at one time, and some
only work part time, so communicating with them can sometimes prove difficult.
Despite this, it’s a good idea to build a professional rapport with your
officer and forge a good relationship from the get go. This doesn’t mean
schmoozing and buttering them up; it simply means showing your knowledge and
understanding of the planning process, as well as a willingness to cooperate.
You should communicate that you’re committed to good design and achieving a
successful project for all involved, including you, your neighbours and the
wider community.
Work with an expert chartered surveyor
Whilst
enlisting the services of a qualified chartered surveyor isn’t a necessary
element of the planning application process, it’s no doubt a shrewd move and
will pay dividends throughout. Many people opt not to hire planning experts
like chartered surveyors as they think it will cost them excessively, however,
having a dedicated consultant can really ease up the process and enable you to
iron out any issues that you may not have noticed, especially if planning is
new territory for you.
Chartered
surveyors don’t just carry out house surveys; they are qualified and
experienced in a wide range of property related matters, from party wall and boundary disputes
to
planning applications and objections. If you hire a property surveyor for your
planning application, they’ll assist in proposals and forms, recommend
reputable architectural services and can even submit your application on your
behalf. Your surveyor will review, analyse and scrutinise your application
before it’s submitted, ensuring you have the best chance possible of a
successful outcome. They’ll advise and support you throughout, saving you
money, time and effort and making sure your finished project is perfect for
you.
Simon Levy: Qualified chartered surveyors and
structural engineers providing quality property surveys and general property
advice to customers in Greater London and beyond
If you’re in
the process of designing a new addition or alteration to your home and you’re
looking for trusted advice through the planning process, you can rely on Simon
Levy’s team of qualified chartered surveyors. Whether you need a land surveyor
for a ground up building project or a property surveyor to analyse your home
extension plans and application, we have decades of experience and always offer
a high quality service.
We deliver
comprehensive and professional advice on all building related matters, from structural surveys
and survey
reports for property buyers to expert
witness services
for clients seeking a professional
opinion on a property issue. We operate across the Greater London area, as well
as Essex, Middlesex and Hertfordshire, so we are well-versed in all types of
properties and locations.
To find out more about our wide range of
services, please don’t hesitate to
get in
touch with our team today
. We always deliver friendly and
professional advice and are happy to discuss your specific requirements at a
time that suits you.
