An application for planning is an essential staged in the construction process whether it is personal home construction or commercial construction or even home renovation. A well-prepared planning application means its approval and if done wrongly it may result to a lot of trouble and time wastage. This article aims at giving a step by step guide on how to make planning application with detailed information on preparation for the application, the act of submitting the application and the process that follows application.
1. Understanding the planning application process
The planning application procedure is the obtaining of authorization from the LPA for undertaking some forms of development. This process makes an assurance of compliance of all the proposed developments with local planning policies and environmental regulations as well as the building standards. There are several types of planning applications.
Full Planning Application: Usually for most of the developments consisting of a new building, an extension of more than 25% of the building, or where the use of the building is altered drastically.
Outline Planning Application: Employed to determine when a development is feasibly acceptable in its broad conception contrary to its specific definition.
Householder Planning Application: More particularly in relation to additions, alterations or improvement to a dwelling house.
Listed Building Consent: Required in connection with any adaptations or enlargements of a listed structure.
2. Preparing Your Planning Application
As a result, the application should comprise of all the information and papers which are required before submitting the planning application. This preparation phase involves several key steps:
Research and Pre-Application Advice: First you should review regional planning policies and procedures so your project complies with them. Getting introduction to the LPA is an excellent way of getting to know what could go wrong, and what is needed for a successful application.
Site Survey and Design: In this context, it is crucial to complete a site survey and learn all the opportunities and limitations that the site offers. According to the survey strategies formulated, make concrete design strategies that will take into consideration features such as location, size, look, and reputation of the region.
Supporting Documents: Again when writing your planning application there are various documents that you need to attach to your application in addition to the planning drawings, they include: site plan, floor plan, elevation, and the design and access statement. A project application may also require you to submit environmental impact statements, flood risk appraisals or a heritage appraisal.
3. Submission of Planning Application
After you have done your planning application you can then send it to the LPA. This can usually be done on line using the planning portal or directly with the LPA. The submission process involves several important steps:
Application Forms: The applicant should fill all the needed areas of the relevant application forms, entering all the necessary information. When proposing the project, ensure you give enough information about the development proposed.
Application Fee: It’s normally mandatory to get a charge when making a planning application. It differs with the kind and size of development that is undertaken. If any payments are to be made they are often online or can be made directly to the LPA where necessary.
Validation: Once the application has been submitted to an LPA, it will be processed in the applicant’s case and checked whether all the details that can be requested and all the documents that are required have been provided. Incomplete applications may be sent back or rejected, the applicant may be asked to provide some more information.
4. Post-Submission Steps
After your application has been submitted and validated, it will go through several stages before a decision is made:
Public Consultation: The LPA will advertise your application; this they will place a notice on the site, inform the neighboring occupants, and post it on their website if any. This enables the public and other stakeholders to give their opinions over any proposal as contained in the plan.
Assessment: Our planning officers will consider your application against the adopted national planning policies; in relation to design, the impact on the environment and taking into account the views of the consultees. They will also visit the site to get more information about the investment.
Decision: The LPA is empowered to either grant or deny the application. Often this decision is made within the period of 8 to 13 weeks depending on the specifics of the project. The LPA itself may also include conditions that must be fulfilled in the course of the development process if the LPA is granted.
Appeals: In case your application has been rejected, or if you do not agree with the conditions of the decision, you are capable of appealing the decision made. Appeals are considered by an independent inspector to re-consider the application being appealed against.
The submission of the planning application is usually considered as a significant stage of any development scheme. Just knowing that it is going to take place, being prepared well and knowing the best practices to follow will enhance the chances of a positive outcome. Whether you are a homeowner, installing a conservatory/ sun-room, or a contractor/ builder constructing a new house, block of flats, shop, office, warehouse, the presence of an appropriate preparation of a planning application will assist you in achieving your objectives in a legal, lawful and legitimate manner.
