What is planning permission?

What is planning permission?

Planning permission is only needed when development occurs. This is defined as:

‘The carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operations, which are in, on or under the land, or the making of any material change in the use of any buildings land.’ In other words, extensions and alterations and work to dwellings. It can also be changes to buildings such as the insertion of dorma windows.

However not all changes to a building need planning permission, typically this is, maintenance, improvements or other alterations inside the building and work which does not materially affect the way the outside of the building looks.

When do you need planning permission?

Every case is different, but usually the larger the build and the closer the changes to the road and to neighbours’ properties the more likely you are to need planning permission.  If you live in a listed building, a conservation area, a National Park or an area of outstanding natural beauty restrictions are tighter so you are more likely to need planning permission. Changing the use of a building is also likely to need planning permission, for example a change from a pub to a private home.

Popular projects such as adding a conservatory or a loft conversion often fall within householders development rights, but be warned if you live in a listed building or a conservation area this might not be the case.

Taking advice

You can check out your local authority web site to find local policy on planning permissions and talk to a local planning officer. Typically people consult an architect or plan drawer. Consulting a builder providing ‘a whole service’ from initial idea, through plan drawing, to planning permission and completed build can make the whole build including applying for planning permission simpler, more efficient and more cost effective.

Garden rooms, family rooms and extensions from Kent Building Developements

Shooting Box Cottage

Most of the renovation projects Kent Building Developments takes on are for existing stone or brick constructed buildings. Occasionally something a little more unusual comes along. So it was with the Shooting Box Cottage which was built at the turn of the 19th century. This distinctive wooden building with ship lap cladding to its walls and gables was in a sorry state.

The decision taken was sadly to demolish and rebuild. The challenge with Shooting Box Cottage was to rebuild this charming estate cottage to comply with both modern building regulations and to comply with conservation regulations. Saving the original Victorian fire place and chimney’s was a priority.

Today Shooting Box Cottage sits proudly alongside the Shooting box. The cottage is a sturdy brick built structure but you would never know. Wooden cladding has brought this distinctive cottage back to life. Replaced decorative timber tracery to the gables and a newly commissioned roof with decorative finials, with the replacement of the original chimneys mean the cottage has retained its Victorian appearance.

Finally the original Victorian fireplace was restored and a stunning new balcony to the rear of the building completes the picture.

Kent Building Developments is often involved in larger renovation projects. We do also get involved in  smaller projects, such as sun room and garden room extensions. We work closely with all our customers to ensure that deadlines are met and that expected standards are maintained.

Kent Building Developments Newsletter

Barn Conversion North Yorkshire

When we first saw the barn near Malton it was a wreck. The setting, structure and potential of this part brick part stone barn shone out. The setting has beautiful views, is peaceful and full of bird song.  'Special'building conversions always present challenges. The plan for the barn was to convert it into two holiday cottages and a home for us. It was such an interesting and challenging build that I've decided to publish our progress from the start to completion of the holiday cottages.

The challenges were to preserve the character of the original building and get the finished building in on time despite very cold and snowy weather!

Wolds End holiday cottages took its first bookings in September 2010 and bookings have been steady since then. Rose Cottage sleeps 2 to 4 and Granary Cottage sleeps 2 to 8. Both cottages and 'our bit' retain original features of the barn. We move in this month!

Energy Efficient Homes

Kent Building Developments has a long held commitment to producing energy efficient buildings. Using the best products and energy efficient measures in all the projects we work on. The Eco House in York is our first energy efficient new build.

An Energy Efficient home has to be a new build. True or false? Both! To be energy efficient and carbon friendly your home needs various elements which reduce the overall amount of energy consumed. For more information and to see more of our energy efficient homes and conversions click here