Why Do You Need Planning Permission?

Planning permission is something that needs to be taken seriously by all those involved in new building projects, both big and small, because you may be served with an enforcement notice if your local planning authority considers that you have broken planning policy rules.

While a breach of planning policy and or permission isn’t illegal, it is against the law to disobey an enforcement notice unless you appeal and your case is successful.

You are able to appeal against refusals of permission and enforcement notices, but you may face prosecution if your appeals fail and you still refuse to comply.

You will probably need to have planning permission if you want to build something new, change the use of your building or make a major change to it, such as building an extension. To find out if you do need it, get in touch with your local planning authority through your local council. 

Some projects won’t require planning permission, however, which is known as permitted development rights. Projects that usually fall into this category include industrial premises and warehouses, demolition (although you will need approval to demolish instead) and some outdoor signs and advertisements.

The reason we have planning permission regulations is to make sure that the nature and scale of the proposed project is acceptable, so as to be of benefit to the local community and the land itself, rather than detrimental.

For example, only certain works will be permissible on designated land such as conservation areas, World Heritage Sites, areas of outstanding natural beauty, national parks and so on. You will be restricted as to what sort of work you can carry out on listed or historic buildings, meanwhile, so as to protect their special architectural or historical interests.

You may also require retrospective Building Control Certification to confirm that the relevant

standards apply to your project and that it meets standards compliant with the relevant Building Control Parts.

You will also find that any insurance policies that you have regarding your build and/or warranties your builder may have offered are invalid and will affect your existing home insurance policy.

If you need help with either retrospective planning applications or building control requirements, get in touch with Bounce Architecture today.