Planning Permission Question

vanilla8

Any planning permission experts here?

I am planning on getting a new driveway installed, however while looking up about the new law associated with this, I concluded we did not need to apply for planning permission as we would have proper drainage in place (plus drive slopes towards grass/bedded area)

However while looking I stumbled upon something that said flats/maisonettes need to apply for planning permission for all work to be carried out on driveway/patio areas. IS this true?

Another point is that i have a shared path with the person who lives below me ( I live in a converted house - maisonette) - if we were to redo the path would we have to apply for planning permission for this too?

Hope i have made sense?

helenjg

Flats do not have permitted development rights therefore you are correct in thinking that planning permission is required.

RLH33

I have just had a look at the new regs and Class F of the 2008 Order means that planning permission would not be required for the work described if it was associated with a single dwellinghouse.

Unfortunately if you live in a flat/maisonette you do not benefit from the permitted development rights that a single dwellinghouse does. Therefore you will need permission for a new driveway. This also applies with regard to extensions etc.

This situation has not actually changed with the new regs, you would have needed permission under the 1995 Order as Class F still applied to a single dwellinghouse. That said I can't actually remember receiving any applications for a driveway for a maisonette or flat.

Hope that helps.

vanilla8

Thanks for replies. Not sure if I was clear in OP but do I need to apply even though I currently already have a driveway?
Where does the renovation of the shared path stand?

helenjg

I think this is a fuzzy area. If you replace like with like then it'll probably be fine, if not sketch some scale plans and stick some materials specifications and send it into your local planning department. Most will offer a free permitted development enquiry service.

RLH33

The wording of Class F includes the statement 'the replacement in whole or in part of such a surface' which says to me that even a replacement hard surface will need permission for those that do not benefit from permitted development rights. Therefore you will need permission even to relay the existing driveway.

A bit harsh I must admit but the Government have made a complete own goal in my opinion. In trying to make extending people's own homes easier and less bureaucratic and reduce the need for planning permission they have in fact made it a hell of a lot harder!! Where I work MORE things now need permission than they did under the previous regs as we are a World Heritage Site. Although to be honest none of the new regs apply to you as you are in a flat.