Planning applications – negotiating the minefield

Planning permission can be a complicated process and may seem daunting for anyone looking to new-build, renovate, change use or extend an existing property. The person applying must be the owner of the property or land and will need to apply for planning permission to be allowed to carry out the work they wish to.

There are a number of different types of planning permission in the UK. Full planning permission allows permission for all aspects of the proposal to be developed.

Outline planning permission establishes if the development is in keeping with the Local Planning Authority (LPA) guidelines. ‘Reserved matters’ in an application refers to specific aspects not dealt with in the outline planning application. Hybrid planning applications – combining different aspects of Full and Outline – may be incorporated for different parts of the building/development and their specific requirements. Following the granting of planning permission, a planning renewal might be needed, if the consent needed to be acted upon within a certain timescale.

Many planning permissions are passed by LPAs with certain conditions in place. In theory, this grants the planning permission, but conditions stipulated must be fulfilled. In most instances these days, planning permission is submitted via a digital planning portal. The application is processed online and the submission is processed to the relevant LPA to begin an application.

At Forge Property Consultants, we offer a free initial consultation. This will enable us to assess the potential for development work and its associated costs for submissions. We work closely with planning authorities across the UK and have an excellent understanding of the best approach to secure planning consent for a wide range of proposals. These can encompass all kinds of projects, from domestic extensions, through to larger commercial development sites.

Our expertise includes such specialist areas as dairy parlours and biomass storage sheds, and also the change-of-use of traditional buildings into holiday lets, offices and residential accommodation. We also offer advice on strategic land and property promotion. By analysing your site – either greenfield or brownfield – we can suggest potential schemes and guide you safely through the planning process, to ensure its premium sale value and ultimate success. Contact us today to see how we can help you.