What do planning officers look for?

lostinrates

I know this is a very general question but was wondring what planning officers look for in proposals...sensitivity to local archetecture/surroundings?

With extentions, and the 50% extra rule, if you are applying for over that, on a very small house for example, do they prioritise 'green' planning, or fitting in with the character of the area?

With the guidance of not altering th frontage, is this rigid, or are they flexible if it is likely to have a lessor/equal visual impact to go front ways rather than back or sideways (e.g. on a corner plot?)

poppysarah

Have a look what other people have been allowed to do on your street. That's an indication of what they'll allow.

On our street there are two 2 storey side extensions and one really insane dormer extension that's side and back.

lostinrates

And in rural areas/houses not in a normal street/row situation?

Debt_Free_Chick

lostinrates wrote: »

I know this is a very general question but was wondring what planning officers look for in proposals...sensitivity to local archetecture/surroundings?

With extentions, and the 50% extra rule, if you are applying for over that, on a very small house for example, do they prioritise 'green' planning, or fitting in with the character of the area?

With the guidance of not altering th frontage, is this rigid, or are they flexible if it is likely to have a lessor/equal visual impact to go front ways rather than back or sideways (e.g. on a corner plot?)

You need to look at the Local Development Plan or Framework, issued by the relevant borough/district Council, in which the property is located. This sets out exactly what will be welcomed and what will be refused. These are, effectively, the local planning policies. All planning decisions -whether to approve or refuse - must now state the policies relevant to the application e.g. application granted due to polices a, b & c or application refused due to policies x, y & z etc ...

Remember that there may be additional considerations if the property is listed or in a conservation area.

lostinrates

Thank you very much Debt_Free_Chick. I'v found that document with your help and I'm ploughing through it.