Planning permission

[theforceuk]

I thought the architect who did the plans would make sure that what you're asking for would comply with the rules? So, you'd discuss what you wanted with him, he'd tell you what you could/couldn't have and then the compromise would be a set of plans that at least stood a chance of being approved. You're paying him for that expertise surely? I think the site visit is more to see how your extension fits into the road, how it might overlook other properties etc. They'll write to loads of your neighbours as well whose opinion is taken into account, so presumably their input is reviewed at the site visit.

We had one done a few years back and pushed it to the limit of what we could, but when I submitted the plans I explained why that was to the planning officer and she made notes to put to the planning committee as to why we were doings things that way.

Our council just put a notice up in public declaring intentions of a planning application, sending individual letters to your neighbers is a bit over the top and I've never heard of that happening before. But then it wouldn't surprise me!

 

[sith-smith]

I've heard of it happening. I've also heard of neighbours opposing it and it still going ahead. So not sure how important their views are?

Certainly my planned works do not affect anyone. At least, not that I can see. It's on a side that is not attached to another house, there's no house directly opposite or behind or view will be compromised.

 

[theforceuk]

Yeah as I said mine have been aposed but they have to be relevant, you can't just reject an application because some neighbers don't like the look of it.

 

[sith-smith]

Latest up date.

Had site visit the other day.

And found out today that next door neighbours have objected!

:twisted:

 

[theforceuk]

I wouldn't worry to much, I had objections none of them were of any importance. People think if they object then it will help stop the application going through, but the objection probably has no reason behind it other than the fact they don't won't you to extend your house because they live next door.

 

[lejackal]

Latest up date.

Had site visit the other day.

And found out today that next door neighbours have objected!

:twisted:

Time for a "polite" chat :wink:

Do they have an extension?

 

[sith-smith]

Ha!

We had a polite chat, that's when they told me they'd objected!

They have a rear extension, but was there before they or me moved in

 

[Clarkspie&chips]

What was their objection? You can post a response if you feel you need to on the planning portal but as already mentioned it probably them just moaning.

 

[sith-smith]

Well, he said they'd objected on the grounds that it did fit the style of the street.

Before he told me they'd objected he asked what I planned to do with the house and I'd the intention was to sell or rent out

 

[theforceuk]

It's an exstention isn't it? How will it not fit in with the rest of the street? You paint it the same colour as the house, job done!

Those sort of objections crack me up, like your architect has not already thought of that and taken it into consideration. :roll:

 

[sith-smith]

I think though that because there is that rule that says that an extension must look like an extension and my plans don't, the council will insist I change it, whether neighbours object or not!

That at least is what I am expecting. Hopefully with negotiation I might be able to get something somewhere in between what i want and what the council will let me have.

Wonder if other neighbours have complained. What impact can their objections have?

 

[sith-smith]

What was their objection? You can post a response if you feel you need to on the planning portal but as already mentioned it probably them just moaning.

How do I go about doing that? I did have a look on the site to see if I could find my application bit couldn't

 

[Mr-shifter]

What are you building on your house Gary? Hopefully you haven't moddled the extension on jabbas palace!

Do you share any party walls with these people?

Perhaps tell them if you can't get the extension you will need to buy a bigger house, and then you will be renting the place out. Tell them you have a friend who owns student houses and that he could fill your house up with university students no problem.

 

[sith-smith]

All I've gone for is a two story side extension and loft conversion.

In terms of party walls, this will possibly only affect loft conversion. For the side extension there are no neighbours

 

[Mr-shifter]

Scott might be able to weigh in here, but I think party wall solicitors are like the no blame no claim/ppi versions of the building world. They can engage your neighbours to do the legals and you have to pay their extortionate bills. Just be careful if it gets to that stage. A lot of them aren't even qualified.

 

[yoda]

I know over our way people can also object to planning. As stated earlier sometimes it's just because they don't want you renovating no other reason. I think unless you are directly blocking sunlight on them with the proposed exstention or new building there objection won't be taken into consideration. I think that's the way it works around me but it could be different in England.

 

[Clarkspie&chips]

Scott might be able to weigh in here, but I think party wall solicitors are like the no blame no claim/ppi versions of the building world. They can engage your neighbours to do the legals and you have to pay their extortionate bills. Just be careful if it gets to that stage. A lot of them aren't even qualified.

Ha ha, yes party wall surveyors are a legal necessity if you are doing works that affect our neighbours structure. However, depending on how twatty they are you probably won't need one. Your loft will only need to punch small holes in the the wall so I'd just let them know there'll be some noise and crack on. If they object, by the time the council has come out you'll be finished.
If you go down the official route you could end up spending loads on surveyors and holding the whole project up and, unless you live in some ancient house or its about to fall down, it will be completely unnecessary.

As far as the objections, each planning portal is different so if you can't find what you need, give them a ring and ask how to counter the statement.

 

[sith-smith]

Well, as predicted, planning permission was refused.

I guess it's now time to appeal/rethink designs.

 

[Clarkspie&chips]

Really? On what grounds?

 

[sith-smith]

It says that it 'would be out of character and appearance with the wider surrounding area'