difference between obtaining PP and reinstating PP

theGrinch

im looking to buy a property with lapsed PP (granted 1988).

I understand the vendor is looking to reinstate the PP but the estate agent is glossing over the time involved and procedure saying it will be fine and its just a matter of admin 3 or 4 months.

can anyone be kind enough to summarise the difference between obtaining PP and reinstating PP

Doozergirl

What's the PP for?

Most of the time reinstating PP is just a formality but sometimes councils do change their outlook - It could depend on how adventurous the planned work is. If you have a quick word with a planning officer from the relevant council they will be able to indicate quite quickly whether the PP it is likely to be reinstated. Anybody can apply for planning permission so they will talk to you about it, notjust the vendor.

There is a time limit of eight weeks from submission of plans that your council has to give a decision on planning applications. All the hard work is done on obtaining the original permission - there may be site visits involved, negotiations, resubmission of plans etc so it can take longer than the eight weeks but this shouldn't happen with reinstating it.

My advice then? Talk to a planning officer - they will give you a more reassuring answer than the EA.

HTH

frugal_dougal_3

I agree with Doozergirl. The planning officers are usually very helpful these days with enquiries such as this.

It is not automatic that the reinstatement will happen because certain outlooks may have changed since 1988, for example an area may now be regarded as being in a conservation area, whereas previously it wasn't, and this may affect what alterations can be undertaken.

The up side to asking their advice is that they can very often suggest an alternative if your plan is not acceptable to them, and this can save a lot of disappointment.

Good luck !