Planning Applications: What You Need to do

Negotiating your way around the many rules which surround getting planning application can be enough to put some people off getting work done on their homes at all. You need to find out if your project requires planning and then set about submitting drawings and details. Many people simply turn to an architect or their builder to submit their application, but you can do it yourself if you use the resources which are out there to help you.

The government has realised that people find the whole planning application process challenging and in response they have set up a website dedicated to the issue. www.planningportal.gov.uk will help you to find your way around the planning application process and will answer many of your questions.

This site will tell you when you need to apply for planning permission and whether it is required for your project. It will also enable you to apply for your planning permission online. This will speed up the process and allow you to have a record of all transactions and appeals. You can also use the online planning portal to apply for listed building consent, conservation area consent and lawful development certificates.

But what will you need to apply for your planning permission?

National Mandatory Documents

• Location plan: Shows the site area and its situation. It should be scaled to fit A4 size and show the roads and buildings on adjoining sites. The development land should be highlighted in red and the adjoining land which might be affected should be outlined in blue. Include three copies if you are sending by post.
• Site plan or block plan: Shows the development in detail. This should show the proposed development in relation to its boundaries and other buildings. It should also include any trees and walls and fences. Include three copies if you are sending by post.
• An ownership certificate declaring the ownership of the property.
• Agricultural holdings certificate
• Design and Access Statement: showing how access issues have been dealt with. Not required for home projects unless it is in a conservation area or is on a listed building.
• The application form and the required fee. The fee will need to be calculated depending on the work you need to do.
• Include any other documentation you think might support your application.

It is important to note that your local planning office may have added requirements which you must adhere to in your application.

Plans can be purchased from government approved sites (via the portal website).

Once your application has been received by the relevant local authority they will validate it within the usual time for that authority. Their website will tell you this. You will also get a confirmation email so you know they have received it. This will contain a reference number for future correspondence.

Obviously if you are turned down for your application you can appeal, but it is best to contact your planning department and find out the reason your application did not fit their requirements. This will give you the opportunity to make any relevant changes and may improve your chances in the future.