Let the experts help !

Getting planning permission can be a risky business fraught with hassle and uncertainty. What can be a long and slow procedure is often overlooked by the potential gains of getting planning permission. Pre-application, you should be looking to prepare yourself for as many circumstances as possible. Keeping one step ahead of the game and having a good knowledge of the whole process is always going to give you an advantage. So here are a few tips to guide you in the right direction, let’s help you get that dream Orangery you desire…

First of all, get in touch with your local council to see if you actually need planning permission. If the authorities say you do, it’s time to prepare for your application…

Pre-application advice can: 

• Help you understand how planning policies and other requirements affect your proposals

• Gain you a useful list of contacts

• Reduce the likelihood of submitting false/invalid applications

To gain this advice, talking to a planning officer is highly recommended. Some local planning authorities charge for this service, if you’re happy with the fee, it’s definitely worth checking out. Not only will you gain some valuable guidance, but talking to a planning officer can assist your Local Planning Authority when they assess your application.

When meeting your planning officer, be fully prepared to describe your proposals and show detailed plans. The level of preparation required depends on what you’re proposing to do, Ask the right questions – you want to find out every obstacle that could get in the way of success, so make a note of anything you think might cause a problem. Taking photos, drawing diagrams and showing designs for your wanted project will also give your planning officer a better idea as to what they’re dealing with. Discuss any site problems such as power cables, footpaths, roads, as well as potential risks such as noise and traffic. Basically, the more information you can come up with, the more they can help you.

Ask for a full assessment of whether there is a small or large chance of getting permission, be realistic with your approach. It’s well worth knowing if you have a strong case before you spend more time and effort on an uncertain outcome. If you’re confident with your findings, ask the council to send you some application forms.

Return them with a plan of the site, and a copy of the drawings that show the work you’re proposing to undertake together with the required fee. A notice will be placed next to the affected area and on the Planning Register at your council offices – this is so they can be inspected by members of the public. Your application will be considered by the planning department and you should receive a decision on your proposal within eight weeks.

If your application is rejected, ask the planning department if modifying your plans would make a difference. You can usually submit a further application, with modified plans, within 12 months of the first decision – at no charge. If you decide to appeal the decision, you should do so within three months. So don’t lose faith! You may have other opportunities if you don’t get accepted the first time.

Trying to get planning permission can be a very long winded process, but remember, if you’re successful, you’ll transform the value of your land and create massive development opportunities.

If you would like to speak to Rococo to see how we can help you create the Orangery Extension of your dreams then we will be more than happy to hear from you. Our full service offering includes conducting this phase of the project on your behalf, preparing architectural quality drawings and design which will meet planning requirements and filling out all the necessary paper work required.

At Rococo we also go one step further and will liaise with building control and organise for structural calculations and thermal calculations to conduct all as part of our planning processes.

Good Luck!

Team Rococo