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.

Look after your listed property

With any house or property it is always advisable to check the property on a regular basis. Many people simply respond to property damage and repairs when it has often gone beyond a simple problem. Doing this often deals with relatively minor problems before they become greater and more expensive. This is even more important with listed buildings.

Something as simple as checking the guttering when it rains can prevent more serious problems. Spotting a leaky guttering can be fairly easily and cheaply repaired, leave it and you risk damage to internal plaster and roof timbers. Checking for damp patches can also show up underlying problems that if left can lead to potential serious repairs.


Check for crumbling brick or stone work, simple repairs can often put these problems right while leaving them can lead to more significant damage such as to chimney stacks.

One of the most common causes of damage to properties in the UK by fire is the result of electrical faults. This is often a problem with older and listed buildings so it is essential to make sure your electrics are safe. Checks by NICEIC registered electricians will show up any problems before they lead to more serious damage.

For any property it makes sense to check before serious problems arise, for a listed property it is even more important as owners have a greater responsibility to rebuild on a like for like basis. 

Finally don't forget to check your buildings insurance on a regular basis to make sure you are adequately covered for any necessary repairs.

Kent Building Developments Newsletter

Diversification

Newsletter Autumn/Winter 2010