What is a 'finish' in planning terms?

Slinky

We have this condition as part of our planning approval:

The materials and finishes shall be as indicated within the submitted application and
thereafter retained as such, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the local planning
authority.
Reason: To ensure the satisfactory appearance of the development in the interests of visual
amenity

On the notes on the plans we made reference to the brand of split faced slate mosaic tiles we planned to use, 'or similar'. These are replacing the green hung concrete tiles on the front elevation. We've gone with a very similar tile as the reviews on the original choice weren't good. Unless I pointed it out that we've used a different manufacturers tiles, it wouldn't be noticed, particularly as they are mixed slate where the colours will naturally vary. We would have got the permission if we'd applied with our final choice I'm sure. Our planning note also said that the lower walls would be rendered in a 'complimentary colour' to the mosaics.

In terms of planning, what is a 'finish'?  Do I need to get permission in writing for my choice of render colour, which will be a shade of grey similar to the ones in the tiles? Or have I already got the freedom to choose my complimentary colour within the original approval.

Section62

Slinky said:

In terms of planning, what is a 'finish'?  Do I need to get permission in writing for my choice of render colour, which will be a shade of grey similar to the ones in the tiles? Or have I already got the freedom to choose my complimentary colour within the original approval.

Finish means any kind of paint, stain, varnish, or other coating applied to a material. Or in some cases the final surface texture/colour of the base material.

Did they ask for any material samples?

I think you probably have approval already, but it doesn't hurt (much) to email the planning officer to get them to confirm.  Once you have it in writing there will be no question.

Given the condition requires retention 'thereafter' this is the kind of thing a future buyer's solicitor might query - having written confirmation now may prevent a headache later.

Slinky

No they didn't ask for any samples. We did give a reference to the specific tile by name so it would have been possible for them to check this. I'll bung up some pictures later when the tiler has gone home.

We are thinking of adding some more tiling to the gable on the front porch, and losing a rectangle of tiling we had planned between the porch window and front door. I'm guessing we will have to apply for a minor amendment, in which case if we put the render colour in as a grey, that will cover a multitude of colours.

Slinky

Here's what we've used, and what we had planned to use. There are more coppers and browns in the ones we've used than are showing up on the photo.

Section62

Slinky said:

Here's what we've used, and what we had planned to use. There are more coppers and browns in the ones we've used than are showing up on the photo.

"Natural variability" would be the words I'd use if anyone complained.

Slinky

Section62 said:

Slinky said:

Here's what we've used, and what we had planned to use. There are more coppers and browns in the ones we've used than are showing up on the photo.

"Natural variability" would be the words I'd use if anyone complained.

Exactly.

stuart45

Not sure if anyone would notice.      

Slinky

stuart45 said:

Not sure if anyone would notice.      

That's our view too.

casper_gutman

I wouldn't go go out of my way to agree a render colour with the planners. The condition only says you'll stick with the materials and finishes "specified in the application" and the render colour isn't specified there. At present I would think you, and future owners of the house, would be free to choose any colour you think complements the tiles. This is vague and subjective, and not something anyone will attempt to enforce, I'm sure.

Slinky

casper_gutman said:

I wouldn't go go out of my way to agree a render colour with the planners. The condition only says you'll stick with the materials and finishes "specified in the application" and the render colour isn't specified there. At present I would think you, and future owners of the house, would be free to choose any colour you think complements the tiles. This is vague and subjective, and not something anyone will attempt to enforce, I'm sure.

Good point.

Round the back we're having grey cladding and render and dark purple (RAL 4007) window frames to break up the grey on our new extension. Haven't mentioned this colour to the planners, but in my opinion dark purple complements grey nicely. Thinking about it, we have a local pub which I'm sure is in the conservation zone (we're just outside it) that is painted dark purple.... It's way more visible than ours, so I'll argue the toss about that if necessary.