Do I Need Planning Permission for my Build?

Posted by Hoban Design on 31st October 2019 -

One of the most common questions we get here at Hoban Design from our clients is: "will I need planning permission for my build?"

Of course, every project is different and whether or not you'll need to seek planning permission depends on a few different factors.

At Hoban Design, we assess every project on an individual basis and we'll be able to advise on this following our consultation with you - but for now, here's some information that will allow you to work out for yourself whether or not it's likely that your project will require planning permission.

What Types of Projects Require Planning Permission?

If you're considering adding an extension to an existing home, looking to change the use of the property (from commercial to residential use, for example) or taking on a self-build project where you design and build a home from scratch, it's likely that some form of planning permission will be needed. Your architect will be able to advise you on this or you can speak to your local planning office.

However, there are some instances where planning permissions are not needed because of something called, "Permitted Development Rights".

What are Permitted Development Rights?

Permitted Development Rights allow changes to be made to buildings and/or land without the need for planning permission. They are a type of general planning permission that allow you to bypass submitting a planning application, provided your plans fall within certain restrictions.

These rights do not apply to flat or maisonettes and may also not apply if the building is listed or located within a conservation area. Again, your architect will be able to advise you on whether your build qualifies under these rights.

How Do You Get Planning Permission?

Getting Planning Permission means contacting your local planning office with an application requesting the go ahead on a particular type of building work. This request usually needs to be granted before any work can begin.

The idea of applying for planning permission may seem daunting but it's not as scary as it sounds, especially when you have help from someone in the know - such as an architect or project manager who will be able to guide you through or take control of this process.

At Hoban Design, we can take this stress off your hands completely. Most of the projects we've worked on have required planning permissions - in fact, it's pretty rare that planning permission is not required at all. And as a result, we do have vast experience in filling and submitting planning applications. We also work regularly with planning consultants if there are concerns about the application. For example, something we have just dealt with very recently involved gaining planning permission to add 30% more space by adding a new basement to a 'locally listed' property in Wimbledon within a conservation area. Even working within such restraints, we'll use all the knowledge and expertise we have available to make the process of gaining planning permission as smooth and efficient as possible for our clients.

So if you'd like to speak to us about your project in more detail, please get in touch either by phone on 020 8947 0849.