Planning & Applications
Embarking on a building project, be it small or large, is a complex task, and the rules and regulations surrounding planning permission can be potential hurdles in the application process.
WHAT IS PLANNING PERMISSION?
Planning permission is the formal consent granted by the local planning authority relating to the construction, extension, or change of use of a building. It’s a critical part of the building process, where the detailed proposal of your project is evaluated against a range of factors including community benefit, environmental sustainability, appearance, use, and how your plans fit into wider strategic goals in local and national planning policy.
Not all works require planning permission – some alterations or changes within the building might be classed under permitted developments. However, major works or changes to listed buildings will almost certainly require you to navigate the planning application process.
The goal of the planning system in England and Wales is to prevent unsafe and inappropriate development, ensuring every project contributes positively to the surrounding area, reinforcing its character, and promoting sustainable growth. As your partners, we create a proposal that aligns your vision with planning policy requirements, maximising the chances of consent being granted.
Whether your project is a straightforward home extension, a large-scale commercial venture, or an update to a property of historical importance, understanding and adeptly handling planning permission and its complexities is crucial for your project’s success. This is where our architectural planning services step in – offering you the advantage of our experience combined with the adaptability of innovation.
Types of
Planning Permission
We are well-versed in the various types of planning permission that you might be required to obtain for your project. Here is a list of those that we encounter most frequently, and what a typical reason for needing the type of application might be.
By choosing to work with us, our team will be able to:
Provide Expertise & Experience: our team of architects come with over 65 years of combined experience and in-depth knowledge of planning laws, regulations, and application processes. This allows us to anticipate potential hurdles in order to maximise the chances of your application’s success.
Produce Effective Design Solutions: we work with you to provide innovative design solutions that comply with the planning rules whilst aligning with the vision of your project. We’ll always aim to strike the perfect balance between aesthetic appeal, functionality, sustainability, and planning permission requirements.
Save Time and Effort: Handling planning applications can be time-consuming, and by allowing us to assume this responsibility, you’ll be able to focus on the other aspects of your project.
Increase Your Property Value: We design not only for the present but also with an eye on the future. Good architectural design increases the value of your property and improves its appeal should you decide to sell.
Manage Negotiations: If your project is complex or faces objections, we can negotiate with the local planning authority on your behalf, presenting a compelling case for your proposal.
In essence, we help you navigate the complex process of seeking planning approval in an effective and efficient manner whilst ensuring that the finished project is as you envisaged.
This process is a preliminary discussion with planning authorities before submitting a formal application. It helps spot potential issues early and streamlines the application process.
This is for alterations and extensions to a single house, such as building an extension or constructing outbuildings.
Also known as a ‘full planning application’, this involves submitting complete and detailed designs to gain full planning permission for a project with broader scope beyond that covered under householder applications and permitted development.
This verifies whether a proposed development is acceptable in principle before detailed designs are submitted. It’s beneficial to reduce upfront spending on design work and useful for master planning schemes
Following an outline application, the reserved matters application provides detailed proposals for the ‘reserved’ aspects of the scheme, or those which are not yet approved.
If your building is listed, you’ll need this application to make any changes within its curtilage, internal or external, that might affect its character.
If you’re looking to change the use of a building (e.g. from agricultural to commercial), you’ll need this special type of application.
Required if you’re planning to demolish a building or structure in a designated conservation area.
Necessary for the removal or alteration of conditions attached to an existing planning permission.
Used to remove or vary a condition attached to an already granted planning permission.
A method for certifying that an existing use, operation or failure to comply with a condition is lawful.
Establishes the lawfulness of proposed use or development before it proceeds.
Certain types of development granted under permitted development rights require this application to assess the impact of certain aspects.
If minor changes are needed post-planning permission, this application is used to request them.
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With two decades of experience in architecture, we recognise how navigating planning applications can often be intricate and demand substantial time.
Our team of architects and designers stand beside you, ensuring each stage of the planning process is simplified and marked by meaningful progress.
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