Planning
The planning application process for homeowners can be separated into 7 key stages. The process is largely governed by legislation and is designed to allow the input of expert and interested parties into the decision-making process.
Step 1 – Homeowners Pre-application advice
Before you decide whether to make a planning application or not, we strongly recommend that you obtain pre-application planning advice from your local council planning officer.
They will be able to advise you whether your proposal is likely to be approved or not, and can recommend changes to ensure that your planning application has the best chance of success.
Step 2 – Application and validation For Homeowners
Put your application together and submit through your Council Planning Portal which will help you to submit the correct documents you will need, and the correct fees, which means that your application is more likely to be accepted (“Validated”) without any delays.
Once submitted, applications are checked to ensure all documents and fees required are correct.
Any missing information will be requested before processing can start.
Step 3 – Consultation and publicity For Homeowners
Letters are sent to neighbours to notify them of the proposals, and, where applicable, the planning officer will consult specialists to get their expert opinion.
Notices, where required, are placed in the appropriate local paper and on or near the site. Neighbours and consultees have a minimum of 21 days to respond.
Step 4 – Site visit and assessment
If a site visit is required, the planning officer will go out to the site and make an inspection. Where relevant, the planning officer will also gather any site specific information such as photographs.
Step 5 – Recommendation
The planning officer will make a recommendation on the application, taking into account planning policies, consultation responses and public representations.
Step 6 – Decision
The Council will aim to process household and non-major application within 8 weeks of the planning application being accepted, so submitting the correct information first time can help avoid delays. The timescale for major planning applications is 13 weeks.
On more elaborate plans the application will be reviewed by senior officers who have delegated authority from the Planning Committee.
Straight-forward plans will normally be decided by planning officers who have the power to make the decision under what’s known as ‘delegated powers’. This means that they can make the decision without going to the Planning Committee. Most applications are decided this way.
Step 7 – Appeal
If your application is refused and you do not believe the decision was correct, or you wish to appeal against a condition imposed on a permission, then you do have the right to appeal.
Appeals are handled by the Planning Inspectorate, an independent government body. It is recommended that you seek professional advice before deciding whether to appeal as this can be an expensive and lengthy process.
Mid Sussex District Council- https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/planning-building/
Wealden District Council- https://www.wealden.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/
Tandridge District Council- https://www.tandridge.gov.uk/Planning-and-building
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council- https://www.tmbc.gov.uk/planning
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council- https://tunbridgewells.gov.uk/planning
Crawley Borough Council- https://crawley.gov.uk/planning
Building Control
Building control is the department who inspects the work completed, offers best building practises and sign off the each stages of your build. Your builder must inform the building control team at the following stages:
- Commencement
- Foundation excavations
- Oversite preparation
- Damp proof course
- Oversite concrete
- Drains prior to back-filling
- Roof structure/beams
- Drains test
- Completion/occupation
- Others as agreed
The building officer will come to site and inspect the work. Your builder will need to book in the appointments and provide documentation (Gas certificate, Electrical certificate, structural calculations, etc) to them for the sign off. You will receive a completion certificate (needed should you decided to sell) once they are completely satisfied with all aspect of the work.
Permitted Development
Some building projects fall under Permitted Development Rights, which allows specific types of development to proceed without the need for a full planning application. The aim is to streamline the process for minor alterations, extensions or changes to existing buildings, allowing property owners to enhance their homes without unnecessary paperwork and fees. You will still need building control approval through out your build.
Here is the link to see if your project falls within permitted development rights.
Your council website will cover any other questions you may have and provide the application forms for your project.
We at Created Space Building Contractors Ltd would be delighted to work with you on your project and are confident that we can deliver results that you will be proud of for years to come.
Please contact us to discuss your project on 01342 895783 or email info@devtestsites.co.uk
Thank you for considering our building company.