Planning permission: Where to start?

siliconbits

I would like to add a single storey (with a flattish roof) to my existing building but I don't know where to start. I have been to the very useful http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/ and it seems that I don't actually need a planning permission to do so. My question therefore is what are the next steps. Is there a document somewhere akin to a checklist? Do I need to contact my local authority first? Or my bank or my house insurance or builders or my neighbours or an architect? Thanks for your help and I hope that answers here will help others as well

the_matrix

I would ask a local builder for a quote and he will go though everything with you. From there you'll get an idea of what is possible, the costs and the method.

jackyann

Look at the Home Building & Renovating site

Hoploz

Your local council will have info for you. The borough council rather than the county. They will have leaflets and normally there is a duty planning officer you can speak to, either by phone or in person. Have a look at your local council's website and you'll probably find lots of info on there that is relevant in your area, as they do differ.

siliconbits

jackyann wrote: »

Look at the Home Building & Renovating site

What site is that?

siliconbits

the_matrix wrote: »

I would ask a local builder for a quote and he will go though everything with you. From there you'll get an idea of what is possible, the costs and the method.

How to find the right one though? Any tips welcomed.

Mrs_Imp

It would be worthwhile writing to the planning department just to confirm that you don't need PP.
You will need to comply with building regulations even if you don't need PP
Ask neighbours and friends for recommendations

penguine

Arrange an appointment to see the duty planning officer in your council's planning department to talk through what you want to do. Then you will need to get drawings done by a surveyor or architect. For tradesmen I always use Checkatrade and look thoroughly through the reviews to see if they've done a job similar to mine. We had 5 builders out to quote for our extension and renovation project last year. The advice I was given is be wary of any quote that's considerably lower than the others as it's likely to mean that they are either cutting corners or not everything is included in the quote.

ds1980

Look for neighbour consultation scheme on council website. Check the parameters you can build to on there. As long as your build is within them then no planning required and pointless contacting council if you don't except about the neighbour scheme. Fill in the form and send to council. They will send to any neighbours side and rear and they have a certain time to raise any concerns. As long as your build falls into the parameters then there's nowt they can do anyway really. Next you'll need some plans which can can steal from neighbours or houses in the area doing or have done something similar to you and adjust or pay crazy money to an architect to do this. It really depends on the extension of there's lots of wall removal and rejiggkng of space then this may be something you'd want to do but you don't need architect plans to build although builders will need / want something to work to. Next get a builder recommendations are the best way and discuss things with them. Remember a quote is just that and likely to go up due to unforeseen problems so always try and get as detailed quote as possible. If you're taking out walls etc you may require structural calcs but these aren't necacsarily required and can be expensive. You may also need party wall agreements but again they don't have to cost anything. Just chat to neighbours and be transparent about what you're proposing and this should negate the need for expensive PW surveyors. You will need to have building regs which you will get through the council or there are private surveyors who do the same work and can be cheaper so shop around. You will probably have to speak to your water company about potential drain build overs but their forms are simple. If like me then you can do all the above yourself however some people don't want the hassle and an architect and good builder will take care of all of that for you however that comes at a price. Best of luck.

warwick69

We live in Christchurch and are trying to convert a 1950's bungalow into a modern day family chalet bungalow. Both the neighbours on either side are large 5 bedroom houses. We were originally going out on the side over a garage as well as 2m to the back. But we had to withdraw our plans as the council stated that there was too much bulk. We had to reduce this. We had a amacable meeting with our planning officer who liked our plan "B". So we resubmitted plans with an extention only two the back. Thus reducing the size by 30%. We have now heard that our plans have been recommended to be granted but with the condition that all the dormer windows on the back to have obscure glass and limited opening. Two of the dormers are bedrooms. Our neighbour who has complained via the local counsellor is 17m back behind a 5 foot fence and large bush. I have never heard of bedroom windows with obscure glass, especially when our boundary fence is 17m away.
Will this condition pass at the next council meeting? What are our rights? Please send any advice as we feel like the persecuted party here.

siliconbits

warwick69 wrote: »

We live in Christchurch and are trying to convert a 1950's bungalow into a modern day family chalet bungalow. Both the neighbours on either side are large 5 bedroom houses. We were originally going out on the side over a garage as well as 2m to the back. But we had to withdraw our plans as the council stated that there was too much bulk. We had to reduce this. We had a amacable meeting with our planning officer who liked our plan "B". So we resubmitted plans with an extention only two the back. Thus reducing the size by 30%. We have now heard that our plans have been recommended to be granted but with the condition that all the dormer windows on the back to have obscure glass and limited opening. Two of the dormers are bedrooms. Our neighbour who has complained via the local counsellor is 17m back behind a 5 foot fence and large bush. I have never heard of bedroom windows with obscure glass, especially when our boundary fence is 17m away.
Will this condition pass at the next council meeting? What are our rights? Please send any advice as we feel like the persecuted party here.

Hello, I suggest you start your own thread simply because your issue is a tad different from mine and having your own thread will significantly increase your reach and get you more pertinent answers. No bad feelings and good luck in your endeavour.