Architect charging more for reapplying a rejected planning application.

gbasavar

Hi,

We had hired an architect to help with planning application to convert our bungalow to proper two floor house.

Architect charged 1500 for planning application. But now we have been told that our application will be rejected as one of the rear window will look into the house behind the garden and the planner has asked to change the plan so that room is not habitable and to remove the window from the room.

As this needs changes, my architect is asking me to pay more for the changes to the plan required.

My concern is that the architect didn't find that window as a potential problem to the neighbour. The architect didn't advise me to have a chat with the neighbour to find a common solution. Hence when we applied, they objected to our plan.

I need your help to understand should I pay more or should I ask architect to be more considerate in accepting a mistake of completly ignoring the neighbour and not anticipating the issue. I understand that there could be rejections for any planning applications. But I feel that this could have been avoided.

Thanks,
G

Cisco001

Question: Is your £1500 a lump sum quotation?

princeofpounds

entirely depends what your original contract covered.


reapplying entails a little extra work (but probably only 2+ hours depending on how significant the redesign is), and also extra fees (if they are included in the quotation).


I am no expert in this process, but I would imagine it is quite common that architect deals only run up to the first application.


If you pass, then as a customer you would be paying for the risk of re-application needlessly.


If you fail then the architect will lose a lot of money, they are not planning consultants.


Planning rules are often rather grey and subject to the interpretation of a planning officer. Furthermore, they typically offer only limited advance guidance.


So it is not as if you can mechanically design a property to pass planning with full confidence; if you want to do that then you pretty much have to stay within permitted development requirements and that's very limiting.

gbasavar

Yes it was a one of payment for the planning application

ManofLeisure_2

gbasavar wrote: »

Hi

My concern is that the architect didn't find that window as a potential problem to the neighbour. The architect didn't advise me to have a chat with the neighbour to find a common solution. Hence when we applied, they objected to our plan.

As an architect, I agree, he would be aware of the potential problem and should have discussed the matter with you. I would have a very polite chat with him, expressing your concerns.

G_M

gbasavar wrote: »

Yes it was a one of payment for the planning application

That is a very bald statement. I'm sure his contract with you says more than that!

Does it include the planning fees? Does it include attendance at Planning meetings?

I've recently been getting quotes for similar work (drawings for planning submission) and all 4 companies I've approached made clear in their quotes that re-submission following a planning rejection would require further work so further cost.

Whether an architect should have foresen this problem is debateable - did he sell his services specifically as a planning consultant and/or architect? One navigates through the planning rules, the other designs buildings.........

anselld

gbasavar wrote: »

Yes it was a one of payment for the planning application

... and an application has been made.

Presumably the contract did not stipulate the outcome of the planning process, nor repeat applications to cover the whims of the planners (which tend to be many and various!)

gbasavar

It was mentioned to me personally that if there are small changes necessary it will be done free of cost. But the doesn't seem to state that!

G_M

gbasavar wrote: »

It was mentioned to me personally that if there are small changes necessary it will be done free of cost. But the doesn't seem to state that!

When discussing a contract, if changes or promises are discussed, they are meaningless unless agreed and added o the contract.

Mr_Costcutter

gbasavar wrote: »

Hi,



Architect charged 1500 for planning application.




G

That seems an astonishing figure to submit a planning application. Five years ago I had an architect draw up plans for a large extension (2 rooms) and the figure charged was far less.

Mr_Costcutter

[QUOTE=G_M;69552713

Whether an architect should have foresen this problem is debateable - did he sell his services specifically as a planning consultant and/or architect? One navigates through the planning rules, the other designs buildings.........[/QUOTE]

Both should have a knowledge of national and local planning law/regulations.