Does anyone know anything about planning permission?

Sweet_Pea_2

I'm not sure I have put this in the right place, so if I haven't, apologies.

I live in a cul de sac off a main road. There is a dispute going on between residents on the main road as someone wants to build some houses in their garden, and petitions etc have been bought round. A neighbour was telling me this morning that this person who wants to build in his garden also wants to buy or has applied for planning permission to build in the garden of the house that our back garden backs onto.
This would mean that if this were to happen these houses or whatever they would be would be virtually on top of us as our garden is quite small. I dont know if this is just gossip or not. The land he would be building on belongs to a large old house that has been divided up into flats that are rented out, and none of the tenants use the garden at all. If this land were for sale, we would definately be interested in buying part of it to enlarge our garden, but I cant speak for my neighbours.
I know nothing about planning consent/permission at all. I have had a look on the council website but have been unable to find anything. How do I find out about this? Does anyone know?

Sweet_Pea_2

Sorry for some reason I have managed to post this thread twice!

abaxas

It's easy

1) give money to random associate
2) get random associate to give money to the labour party
3) build what you like where you like
4) (optional) get money back from labour party by telling the media about above

silvercar

If he makes a formal application you have the right to object. As the development would be very close to you, I would expect the council to write to you. Keep an eye out for notices posted on nearby street lights, just in case the council don't notify you individually.

ameliarate

If a planning application is in then it will be on the website. Ring your local council and ask them if you can't find it, I am sure they will be helpful. If you think the land may be up for sale you could find out who owns it from land registry and contact them direct if you are interested in buying to extend your garden though if a developer is buying it I wouldn't fancy your chances.

emeraldbugle

There is usually a minimum distance required between houses. This information should be available from the council.

Dozey_Mare_2

You can object, if there is a planning application. But objections do not automatically lead to a refusal of planning permission.

This land might already have been designated by the Council as "available for development" meaning that any reasonable planning application meeting any criteria set by the Council is likely to get planning permission.

You need to call the Planning Department at your local Council and see if there's an application in. Call before 10am as the planning officers tend to go out and do site visits after then.

Objecting is very difficult, though. You need to object on "planning grounds" which are set out in planning legislation, national planning policies, national planning guidance and your Council's Local Development Plan or Framework. You could waste a lot of time and energy so speak to a planning officer at the local council first. If there is an application in, ask the planning officer what chance of success it stands. They will be candid - they are only employees (in the nicest possible way) and can only apply the planning laws and, in particular, the Local Development Plan which was approved by Council.

guppy

Hello,

There was a very similar thread on here recently.

I would agree you should go and see the duty planning officer at the council, they will be able to tell you if an application is outstanding, and also which issues that will influence one being granted.

If you decide to object, the main grounds on which you can do so are listed here:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=6973789#post6973789

Good luck

Sweet_Pea_2

Thanks for all your help, I will ring the council tomorrow.