Planning permission: Where to start?

siliconbits

The extension I want to build is 2.9m x 5m (shorter side perperdicular to existing wall). So in theory, I can bypass the NCS (http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/neighbour_consultation_scheme_guidance_may13.pdf). Am I right to believe so? There's no windows on walls on either side. I just want to build a rectangular extension which will house an open plan kitchen with a dining room. Also (a) what if one of my neighbours is a council tenant, do they have a say? (b) what's a PW surveyor?

Thanks so much for your help

ds1980 wrote: »

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.

ds1980

Yes it may fall under permitted development but that's basically the same as what is required for ncs anyway. You just need to notify them of building works. If using council for buildig regs they'd advise what they need for go ahead. If private they'll send notification to. Council.

If you are doing anything near your neighbours there may be a PW agreement required. There are a number of different ones depending on the type of work. Check government website for templates. Get neighbour to sign but they're (stupidly in most cases) allowed to employ a surveyor at your cost and there's nothing you can really do about it. However if you speak to them and advise them appropriately and you're not doing a cowboy job then this should be able to be negated. If you don't and crack on there's not much they can do anyway but best to do things properly.

Tenant will get the say but if it's permitted development as long as you stick to the rules then you can do what you want.