How to Get Planning Permission

Find out if this is the case and how to apply for it here.

Do You Need Planning Permission?

You will likely need to apply for planning permission if you want to build something new, build a large extension or make another major change, or to change the use of a building. Factors such as the development plans, neighbours and the natural environment of the site will all be taken into account by the planning department in your local council and an application will either be granted (possibly with conditions) or rejected.

But, what happens if you don’t get planning permission? Well, you could be served an enforcement notice and ordered to undo any work you have done i.e. knock down the building or rip out any fixtures or fittings. Therefore, it is always advised to apply for the appropriate permissions beforehand – it’ll certainly save you some money.

However, there are some exceptions to planning permission under permitted development rights in England. You can see a full list of these in The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.

To find out if you will need planning permission, contact your local authority through the planning portal here.

How to Apply for Planning Permission

You can apply for planning permission online here. However, there are a number of things to consider before you begin.

For your application you will have to present a number of mandatory documents. This includes the following:

• Application form
• Location plan
• Site plan
• Ownership certificate A, B, C or D
• Agricultural holdings certificate
• Design and Access Statement (not always required)

You will also be required to pay an application fee. This varies depending on the type of planning permission being sought.

Financing Your Development or Refurbishment Project

If you require finance for your project, you have a number of options.

Refurbishment finance would be suitable if you will simply be renovating a property and require funds to complete work such as a conversion or to cover professional or labour fees.

Mezzanine finance acts as top up funding to fill any gaps between a developer’s equity and the amount a main lender will loan.

Permitted development finance is funding specifically designed for this kind of project.

Land finance is sourced to develop a site from the ground up.

If you want to assess your finance options once your plans have been granted permission, give our friendly team of financial brokers a call on 02920 766 565 to discuss your options.