Planning permission

2 years ago

Hello,
We are about to start a full house renovation and will be adding a double storey side and single storey rear extension.
I wanted to ask about planning permission. How much of the design of the build needs to be decided for the planning stage? Of course I understand the main structure etc. needs to be decided but how about things like the size of the windows (not location as I know that needs to be determined beforehand) / bi-folds or sliding doors/ external appearance of the extension (i.e. left as brick or rendered). Does this all need to be specified for planning permission?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

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Comments (4)

Ricky Watkins
2 years ago
Yes you will need detailed building regs drawings from your architect, so that the local building regs inspector can read & refer too on site visits.
Frank
2 years ago
Planning Policies rather frequently concern themselves with "the look of the streetscape" and focus rather strongly on the "Outside" - what materials extensions are built in, window types / sizes / placement, style and shape of roofs and so on. Speaking pointedly, out of sight out of mind, what one can't see from the street concerns the planners little.

In any case, most planning departments offer a "free consultation", a chat with a planning officer on the phone for half an hour about planning / the plans you're hoping to submit. Check with your local planning department whether they offer this service.

You can ask them open questions, "what level of detail do we need to provide in the application for materials, finishes, windows, doors, sizing, ...", "what do our local planning policies suggest we should do for external finishes", "how can we obscure views from large upper-storey windows so that we're not overlooked / we're not overlooking", or "what kind of changes, should site conditions require it, can we make after without invalidating the planning permit once given".

It's usually better to ask thus openly than to "request" (I.e. don't tell them "on our listed building we intend to use bright flourescent pink window frames on a huge 3m x 4m glazed wall for the front dormer with protruding balcony that you're hopefully going to approve ... is that ok ?", if you know what I mean).
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PRO
Haru Design
2 years ago
Frank, you've absolutely smashed this answer! Loving that flourescent pink window frame example hahah!
Sana Ghauri
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you all for the advice. Thank you so much Frank for your answer - this has really helped us out! It's very much appreciated!

Planning permission

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Comments (4)

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