When home owners consider whether or not they should move or improve, they take into account a lot of varying factors. For example, should they create that garden room on their existing house, or do they have other aspirations for a much larger extension(s). Some may decide it’s time to move, but can’t find that perfect home. For others purchasing a new dwelling where an extension(s) may offer the opportunity to create that dream home maybe a consideration. Some people will move, others will improve.
So there will be some questions that you will need to consider.
Will you require express planning permission from the local authority for your changes? Are you likely to get express planning permission for your proposal? Could your proposal be “permitted development”, a form of deemed consent granted for certain types of smaller extension where you do not need to apply to the local authority.
Often you can carry out quite significant extension and alteration without needing to apply for express planning permission. The permitted development (deemed consent route) will be appealing to many because it may result in the ability to build that extension much sooner without a formal express planning application.
Householder planning applications (the express application) typically take about 8 weeks to determine, by the local authority, once the application is submitted with all of its supporting documentation.
However, a word of caution, do be careful when providing a brief for your proposal. Make sure that the proposed extension is likely to be financially viable and within your budget. A real pitfall is that people get carried away with their proposal and then cannot afford the extension that they have got express planning permission for. The result is that the proposal requires change by way of a further application to the local authority creating delay and frustration for the homeowner who is keen to realise their aspirations. What you had hoped to achieve this year, may end up being pushed in to next year.
Seek planning advice at an early stage so that you can develop your proposal and make your dream a reality whether it be to move or improve. If you would like to speak to a member of our planning team, please call 01206 704043 or email [email protected]