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As you may already have seen and heard in the national media, important changes took place to planning legislation on 1 October 2008 that may have an impact on householders who are proposing to alter or extend their property.
In summary, the previous ‘permitted development’ allowances that were based upon cubic content calculations for extensions have been replaced by an impact based approach. Likewise, similar revisions have been made to the rules governing roof additions and alterations. The provisions relating to porches have not been changed, but those relating to garden sheds and swimming pool covers have been revised, and domestic oil and liquid petroleum gas tanks now fall within the same class of development.
The former class that related to hard surfaces has also been revised and now limits the surface area that may be paved to the front of a dwelling to a maximum of five square metres unless it is made of porous materials. A new class has also been introduced relating to the provision of flues and chimneys. The previous provisions relating to satellite dishes have not been changed but the restrictions that used to apply to the installation of solar and photovoltaic panels have been amended.
A copy of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (No.2) (England) Order, 2008 can be viewed at the Office of Public Sector Information website.
For a simplified and informal guide, see the Planning Portal Interactive Guide for Householders for householders at the Planning Portal website.
This guide provides information on common domestic projects inside and outside of the home including, porches, conservatories, garden decking, extensions, fences, driveways, chimneys, TV aerials, fuel tanks, garages, solar panels, loft conversions and much more.
If you require a view on whether you need to submit a formal planning application for proposed alterations/extensions to your home then please use the Planning Enquiry Form (PDF, 90kb)
In order for us to provide you with an answer we require the form completed including a sketch showing the location and overall dimensions of the proposal together with any previous additions to the property including detached outbuildings. The plan must show the distance to the boundaries of the property.
If you require pre-application advice about the potential acceptability of development proposals you should complete the Preliminary Enquiry Form (PDF, 54kb).
For major developments, planning officers will usually meet with you. In other cases, this is not always possible.
Important Notes When Completing the Forms:
Both forms are intended to be used for guidance only and they do not constitute a formal planning application or lawful development certificate. Any misrepresentation or failure to declare information can lead to unreliable advice and may result in unauthorised development. It is at your own risk, if you carry out any works without the appropriate consent(s) from the Local Planning Authority. When using these forms it is essential that you provide full and accurate information, so that any advice given is not based on partial information. All pre-application advice is informal only, and cannot prejudice the decision of any eventual application. Planning officers will strive to give high quality advice. However, the acceptability or otherwise of a proposal can only be fully tested through the submission of an application. The application process includes publicising the application and carrying out consultations and further investigations. All relevant comments and information gained through the application process must be fully considered in coming to a decision on the application.
For more complex issues, or questions regarding specific applications, please contact Planning Support on 01473 825858 or email planningcontrol@babergh.gov.uk
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