General Contractor Guide for Planning Permission

Common Problems Do it Yourself Tips for Planning Permission

Drains

The depth can be hard to determine at submission stage. If this is judged wrongly when the work is underway, there would be an extra cost for deeper footings. Your footings need to be level with the drains.

Trees

If there are trees/large bushes close to the building line, they would probably have to be removed otherwise they would interfere with the foundation design.

Neighbours

The party wall act needs to be taken into consideration, which will be issued by your council. Written permission is requested from your neighbours, the council will inform them about your proposed plans and they will have a chance to object.

Structural Engineers

Occasionally structural engineers need to be called in to clarify the supports that will be used in your property. These visits are important and your plans man will advise you of this.

Planning Refusal

If your plans are refused you can submit new plans for free within a twelve month period. You would normally have discussions with the planning department to determine what would be allowed and they would make recommendations towards an approval. You can also make an official appeal to the Department of Environment Appeal Inspector within six months of refusal. This does not guarantee a turnover of the councils decision.

Withdrawn Planning Consent

You can withdraw planning consent but when the fee is accepted it will not be refunded.

How long do I have to build?

You can take anything up to five years to start to build based on an approval date and three years in terms of building regulations. You do not need to be finished in that time, just have started.