RADICAL NEW PLANNING RULES FOR HOME IMPROVEMENTS

From the 1^st October 2008, new planning regulations will come into force, which mean that many extensions which have previously required planning permission can now be constructed without the need to apply to the Local Authority. However, some proposals which were previously “permitted development” will now require planning permission, including, for example, all conservatories or rear extensions over 3m in length.

As well as new size limits for extensions and roof alterations, the new regulations prevent householders from installing driveways, parking areas and hard standings of more than 5 square metres in area, in their front gardens, without planning permission, unless they have permeable surfaces. New controls have also been introduced for balconies, verandas and decking.

The Planning Portal provides information relating to the need for planning permission on their web page at http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/.

However, home owners should be aware that the Planning Portal is unable to give specific advice relating to individual properties. For example, it does not contain information on whether or not a property is Listed, located within a Conservation Area or subject to restrictive conditions attached to previous planning permissions.

Therefore, householders who are considering undertaking works to their properties are advised to use the Council’s Permitted Development Enquiry Service which will provide written confirmation of whether or not planning permission is required, which is often required by purchaser’s solicitors. The current fee for this service is £35 and an application form can be downloaded here.

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The following are common examples of when you will need to for apply for planning permission.

 

You want to make additions or extensions to a flat or maisonette (including those converted from houses). (But you do not need planning permission to carry out internal alterations or work which does not affect the external appearance of the building.)

 

You want to divide off part of your house for use as a separate home (for example, a self-contained flat or bed-sit) or use a caravan in your garden as a home for someone else. (But you do not need planning permission to let one or two of your rooms to lodgers.)

 

You want to build a separate house in your garden.

 

You want to divide off part of your home for business or commercial use (for example, a workshop) or you want to build a parking place for a commercial vehicle at your home.

 

You want to build something which goes against the terms of the original planning permission for your house - for example, your house may have been built with a restriction to stop people putting up fences in front gardens because it is on an "open plan" estate. The Council has a record of all planning permissions in its area.

 

The work you want to do might obstruct the view of road users.

 

The work would involve a new or wider access to a trunk or classified road.

 

You want to alter the use of a building (change of use).

 

The Householders Guide on the Planning Portal is a tool which outlines common household projects.
 
You do not always need planning permission. It is not required, generally speaking, for changes to the inside of buildings, or for small alterations to the outside such as the installation of telephone connections and alarm boxes. Other small changes, for example putting up walls and fences below a certain height, have a general planning permission for which a specific application is not required.

 

If you require advice on the need for planning permission contact the Planning Help desk on 01270 537502 or 537503.

Alternatively you can e-mail planning@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk.undefined

In addition to planning permission you may also require other consents.