Home improvements across the UK need to adhere to a lot of planning regulations. The urban development planning system is constantly changing, and that’s why you must consider equipping your knowledge with Permitted Development and Prior Approval. To be honest, building your house through top-notch architecture planning sounds exciting! However, you need to learn the nitty-gritty and nuances of Permitted Development and Prior Approval to avoid every room for errors. In this blog, we will dig deeper to navigate through the Permitted Development and Prior Approval. Stay tuned with us till the very end for crucial insights.
Permitted Development- A Quick Guide
Speaking of the history of Permitted Development (PD), we will have to date back to the Act of Parliament, Town and Country Planning Act, 1948. It speaks volumes about a British law where property owners are not allowed to redevelop, change, or extend their homes. In order to make any sort of changes, these homeowners were subjected to seeking planning permission from their local authority.
Cut to the present scenario, the updated Permitted Development enables you to make certain home changes without undergoing the time-consuming process of a full planning application. Because of this relaxation, homeowners are now free to opt for quick renovations and minor changes under the expert guidance of architects in London, UK. It is an accessible and precise route that encourages property enhancement and bespoke alterations.
Now, let’s check out the types of home alterations that are considered under the PD rights:
● Garage conversion
● Front porch erection
● Extension of the rear building
● Side extension
● Loft conversion
● Building’s internal alterations
● Dormer windows and roof light installations
● Satellite dishes and antennae installation
● Installation of external solar roof panel
● According to the new legislation introduced on 31st August 2020, the right to add new stories to the building has been implemented.
Here’s the list of home alterations that are not allowed under PD:
● Balconies
● Front extension
● If the extension size is more than half of the land around your home
● Raised platforms
● Home extensions nearly 4 metres larger or high than the home’s original width
Apart from that, Permitted Development isn’t applicable when it comes to these few designated areas:
● National parks
● Conservation areas
● World Heritage Sites
● Areas that are famous as natural beauties
● The Suffolk or Norfolk Broads
The benefits of the recently updated PD enable you to install single-story extensions in your semi-detached and terrace property that is up to three metres deep. For a detached house, the extensions can be stretched up to a depth of 4 metres.
A lawful development certificate comes in handy while selling or remortgaging your home.
Prior Approval- A Short Note
Another important part of planning and development, Prior Approval is a boon to the ever-changing urban landscape. It plays a pivotal role for house owners willing to make alterations that are not typically allowed under Permitted Development. When compared to a fully-fledged planning permission, a Prior Approval can be less challenging. However, it still demands your prompt attention and careful consideration.
The importance of Prior Approval revolves around the following factors:
● Detached houses can be stretched up to 8 metres of depth to the rear
● Other houses can be stretched up to 6 metres of depth to the rear
● Every kind of home development is supposed to align with community harmony
● The visual appeal and aesthetic integrity of the surroundings should be maintained and preserved
● The neighbouring properties shouldn’t get affected due to your house extensions
Take a Glance at the Prior Approval Application Process
While applying for a Prior Approval, you will have to craft an application including information such as:
● Mention every detail of your extension or renovation proposal. Make sure to state the numbers such as length and height.
● Prepare a comprehensive site plan that perfectly describes the development you are proposing.
● Include your contact information along with a local authority fee.
Important note to remember: If your neighbours come across some kinds of problems and raise objections, the planning council might rethink their decision twice. Apart from that, chances are high that your PA will get approved. It is definitely a less rigorous process when compared to a full planning procedure.
The Key to a Successful Mission Is a Quick Permission
Now that you are familiar with both the terms- Permitted Development and Prior Approval, you can consider hiring our services at Cincotta Architects and making the most out of it. Our passion for architecture combined with top-notch knowledge and years of experience won’t disappoint you at all.
Get in touch with our professional team and share your vision with us, turning them into reality is our responsibility. We make sure to follow every guideline for the exterior and interior architecture of your extension so that you don’t find yourself in a dilemma while paving the way to your dream house!
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