When considering work that requires planning permission, make sure that you stay within the regulations for a hassle-free project.
Your first port of call is your local planning authority.
Note that they're likely to be very busy as they manage all the commercial and residential planning for your area. It's recommended that you get in touch with them three to four months before you start your project.
Typically they will make a visit to your property for an inspection. They will then advise you on whether your building application will be accepted and what you'll need to do to make sure the planning is approved on first application.
What you need to do
- Make sure the application forms are correct and fill in all details – include any changes to access of your property and a list of any trees, buildings or part(s) of the property that will need to be taken down
- Sign the forms and complete and sign the certificates (including the Ownership Certificate)
- Serve notice on your tenant if you're a landlord
- Attach four copies of all of the plans (include a block plan of the site to at least 1:500 scale and a location plan to the Ordnance Survey base at 1:1250 or 1:2500 scale, showing the site with and without the change)
- Include details about drainage and external materials used
- Supply contact details: yours, your builder's or your architect's
- Include the correct fee
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