Planning permission? You probably need one if you are building a new structure or planning a major change to your home. But when it comes to the planning application process, several factors affect the approval. In this article, we will look into these factors affecting planning permission to help you meet the requirements of the building regulations and local planning department. You should think about the following before you start the application process:
1. Your Neighbours
Whatever project that you have in mind, whether an extension or new-build, you must know how it will impact your neighbours. Upon submission of the planning application, the council will send a notice to your immediate neighbours. The notice will provide them with the relevant details on the work you want to carry out. Therefore giving them the option to express their concerns about the work. It is a good idea to let them know about your intentions beforehand. Have the courtesy and have them express their views about the work. It will help you avoid future complaints and get a good chance in the approval. Besides, you do not also want to violate their rights as dictated by the law leading to lawsuits.
Examples of violations that you need to avoid are the following:
- Building structure that will spoil their window views or block the light violating rights of light
- Installing disturbing or excessive lighting that may affect pedestrians, neighbours and traffic. To avoid this, do not point any external lighting to your neighbour’s windows or at the eye level of the streets.
2. The Design
Another important factor is the design. There are several things to evaluate before submitting the design to your local building council. The design may affect the environment and quality of life in a neighbourhood. In some areas, the local council issues design guidelines which may help you and your architect execute a good and compliant design. For example, the use of materials and finishes, specified fixtures that require certifications or overall exterior look.
3. Impact on Nature and Wildlife
You may need to consider the effects on wildlife and biodiversity in general. These may be protected by legislation. For example, Some houses may hold roosts of bats. The law gives special protection to bats roosting requirements. Any disturbances to bats must be avoided and the construction or any work should have an allowable time. Another instance is, you may be building on protected wildlife or biodiversity area. This means there is a special permission that you need to carry out to maintain the protected sites. If you are under permitted development, you still need to apply for planning permission.
3. Trees
Many trees are protected by tree preservation orders therefore you need consent to prune or fell them. You need to consult your local council to know if the trees in your property are under the preservation order and where to obtain permission.
4. Environmental Health
If the works you’re planning will create noise, produce harmful air or environmental disturbance, you may be required to have an environmental impact assessment. This is an evaluation of a proposed project or development’s impact to not only human-health but also socio-economic and cultural impacts. It aims to prevent issues such as potential flooding due to drainage destruction. This is also one of the important factors affecting planning permission.
5. Roads, Highways, Access
Roads and highway affected by developments must be consulted to the local authority. This is to provide safety to traffic and pedestrians. Also, your property should have provisions for sufficient access and parking. Obstructions in these public areas can lead to planning permission rejection.
6. Building Regulations
Lastly, compliance with building regulations is one of the significant factors affecting planning permission. Every design must always conform to the building laws. You may consult local authority to obtain the regulations or have a skilful and knowledgeable professional to do this. Planning permission plans need to be as detailed as possible and in accordance with the standards and regulations. In some areas, there are specific regulations that you need to follow.
Cadcabin offers building regulation packages that will greatly increase your chances of approval. Our packages include detailed and standard drawings and specifications that are accepted by the building council. Depending on the project that you are carrying out, we offer individual packages for garages, roof, walls, floors and junctions, water installation/plumbing and windows.