The Reasons Your Planning Application May Be Rejected

Simon Levy Associates • 12 June 2024
Commercial Property

Building your very own property can be an existing process. It’s an opportunity to create a building that is perfectly tailored to you, whether for commercial or domestic uses. The worst scenario, therefore, is having your planning application rejected before you even begin. In this article, we’ll cover some of the reasons that might be given for rejecting your application, so please read on to learn more. 


Impacts Safety

Before submitting your planning permission application, it is worthwhile to consider how your new property will impact those who will live or work there. If you intend to build a commercial kitchen, for example, it’s incredibly important to consider how fire safety measures will be implemented. If your local authority cannot see evidence of a practical implementation of these, they may reject your application.


Use of Dangerous Materials

While certain materials may be aesthetically pleasing or appear appropriate, some can be hazardous and therefore prohibited. One example of a dangerous material that has long been banned from use is asbestos. It was once utilised for insulating purposes, however, it is a dangerous carcinogenic material, leading to its removal from many period buildings. Consider whether there are any restrictions on the building materials you’re allowed to use and whether you might have included any in your proposed plans.


Blocks Out Light

A flourishing neighbourhood needs plenty of light, whether a singular household or a collection of homes and businesses. To become a welcome new property owner or to prevent complaints about extensions to your existing home, it’s important to consider whether your new structure will be blocking light from shining down on your neighbour's property. Your application may be rejected if so.


Intrudes on Privacy

Privacy is important to a happy household. If you’re planning on building a new property, it’s important not to intrude on the privacy of your neighbours. If your new structure is to be built close to the windows or doors of neighbouring properties, the planning authority may see this as a reason to reject your application. To avoid this situation, ensure that your plan will not encroach on the privacy of those who live near you.


Restricts Road Access

Access is an incredibly important part of our daily lives, with the transportation of goods and persons being invaluable. So, if your proposed new structure restricts access to the local roads, it might be rejected by the planning authority. To avoid this, keep any planned structures away from important access points.


Our Services

If you are looking to obtain professional property advice on planning matters, our specialists at Simon Levy Associates are here to help. We can even help you make a planning permission appeal, should you have already received a rejected application. Please visit our website to learn more about us and our team. Alternatively, please get in touch with our friendly team, who would be happy to provide you with advice and support.

29 April 2025
Discover expert building maintenance tips from trusted chartered surveyors. Protect your investment with advice from leading construction consultants.
24 March 2025
Looking to have your property assessed? Both structural surveyors and dilapidation surveyors can be of assistance. Learn about each type of surveyor here.
4 March 2025
When submitting a planning application for your business, it is important to include all the right details - read on to find out how best to proceed.
12 February 2025
Making your way through the planning permission process can be daunting, but luckily, this guide is here to answer your most burning questions.
12 February 2025
In this guide, you can discover how the support of construction consultants can be invaluable to developers throughout a construction project.
3 January 2025
A construction expert witness can assist the courts in understanding a specialist case or dispute - read on to find out more about this essential service.
3 December 2024
If you're considering buying a home, our article is here to help you understand the importance of a property inspection and how it can help you.
2 October 2024
In this blog, we’ve put together eleven important questions you should be asking yourself before you take the plunge on a commercial property.
2 October 2024
Discover Simon Levy Associates' essential planning permission guidance for listed buildings before beginning a planning application for your property.
2 October 2024
Learn more about what's involved in industrial building surveys and get property advice from Simon Levy Associates, a firm of chartered surveyors.
More posts