If you are thinking of doing a house extension, then the process is fairly simple. There is some legal jargon involved, and one is the Town And Country Planning Act. The current Act in force is the 1990 version.
Basically this document explains that every significant change to your house needs to be approved by the local authority (the Council) before you can commence any work.
How does one get approval? Well you need to show to the Council what you are proposing by way of drawings.
The Town And Country Planning Act 1990 effects control over volume of development, appearance and layout of buildings.
PROCEDURE:
The first question to ask: Is it Permitted development?
Permitted development allows a certain amount of changes to be made to a house without needing planning permission.
The Council looks at the state of the house in 1948, or if not so old, they look at it when it was built.
Then provided what you propose does not exceed 50 cubic metres or 25% for semi-detached property, it is PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT.
You are allowed the greater of the two
1. 50 cubic metres or
2. 25% of the volume of the existing house at 1948 (semi detatched) – Terraced houses have this 25% reduced to 15%
If It Is Not Permitted Development, There are now a few possiblilites.
1. Outline Planning Application
2. Detailed Planning Application.
Generally, it is best to go for option 2, as it is quicker, and you can go into the Council beforehand if you need “Outline” guidance.
Once you make a detailed planning application you have to decided
1. Householder Planning Application
2. Full planning application
The Full planning application is for larger or combined changes, for example if there is a shop below flats which also needs changes done to it.
So, generally, with House Extensions, you will go with option 1 – Householder Planning Application.
You also have to note your area:
Do you need:
1. Conservation Area Consent
2. Listed Building Consent
3. Neither
This is decided for you, depending on where you live.
Most Applications will not need listed building consent.
If you are in a conservation area, you will need to submit a Design and Access Statement, in addition to your householder application.
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