Initial On Site Consultation
The first step on your journey to an extension, loft conversion or new dwelling is to understand the planning rules that will be applied to your property. The rules that will be applied will depend on three main factors:
1. Location
The location of your property has a bearing on the planning policy, and therefore design rules that will apply. This will be divided into 3 main areas:-
a) Built up Areas
The majority of buildings in England are built within defined settlement areas. Cities, Towns and Villages. These are generally easy to define by the presence of footpaths along the roads, street lights, frequent bus services and facilities such as shops and schools.
Planning policies for dwellings within settlement areas are fairly relaxed and new development and home extensions will generally be acceptable.
b) Countryside
Generally all areas outside of defined settlement boundaries are defined as Countryside and the planning polices are more restrictive.
In broad terms, dwellings in countryside can be identified by roads without pavements and little or no street lighting.
c) Special Designated Areas
In addition to Built up and Countryside locations there are additional categories such as Conservation Areas, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Special Scientific Interest which will attract additional planning policy considerations for home extensions.
2. Building Classification
In addition to the location of the building, the type of building will have a bearing on the policy that will apply.
The majority of dwellings have no specific classification, but some historic buildings may be Grade II or Grade I listed and again additional planning polices and restrictions will apply.
3. The Proposal
The extent of your proposed works has the final bearing on the process that you will follow. You may be surprised to know that not all building work will require planning approval. Many dwellings have allowances that are exempt from planning. These are referred to as ‘Permitted Development Rights’.
Any questions?
Please do not hesitate to call us on 01962 622633 or email with any queries you may have.