FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Would You Like to Know?
Are you interested in learning more about Architeam Architectural Consultants and our design process? Quickly find out whether we’ve already addressed your questions by checking out our FAQs below. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, feel free to give us a call and we’ll be happy to answer any additional questions you may have.
HOW MUCH DOES A PLANNING APPLICATION COST?
The planning application fees can vary and can be dependent on the type of application that is required for your project.
HOW LONG DOES A PLANNING APPLICATION TAKE FOR A DECISION TO BE REACHED?
This can also vary, however most decisions are usually reached within 8 weeks of the application being received and validated by the council. The wait for a decision can also depend on the workload of each individual council. If the planning department do need an extension after the 8 weeks, they will ask permission for the extension period that is required.
DO I NEED ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS FOR MY APPLICATION?
Most planning applications do need to have architectural drawings accompanied with them. For some applications, if the project is small, you may only require sketches but please bare in mind that for a planning officer to determine a decision they must have as much information as possible to support an application.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY PLANNING APPLICATION IS REFUSED?
There are 2 main options to consider if an application is refused:
You can re submit a new application free of charge within a 12 month time frame, submitting new or amended plans after considering the reasons for refusal.
You can make an appeal to the appeal inspectorate. Once this appeal is made it is out of authorities hands. A decision will be made with a new approach considering the initial application and drawings. This can take long for a decision to be reached and an appeal is only usually made after option 1 has failed.
WILL THE COUNCIL VISIT MY PROPERTY?
In most instances a case officer from the planning department will make a site visit to help their determination during the 8 week process. They will usually arrange a convenient time but on some occasions can just turn up unannounced.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION OR IF MY PROJECT IS WITHIN MY PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS?
During our consultation, we will visit your property and help you by establishing firstly if the project is feasible and secondly determine what planning permission (if needed) should be applied for.
You can also looked at the technical guidance the government has about permitted developmentsa href=”https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/permitted-development-rights-for-householders-technical-guidance”>here.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO DO THE CONSTRUCTION BEFORE MY PLANNING PERMISSION APPROVAL EXPIRES?
Commonly, you will have up to 3 years from when the permission was granted. This period of time is usually stated within the conditions of approval.
DO I HAVE TO STICK TO THE ORIGINAL PLANS THAT WERE APPROVED BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, OR CAN I CHANGE THEM ONCE A DECISION HAS BEEN MADE?
Once planning permission has been obtained, you can now carry out the construction. The construction must be the original design that was supplied to the planning department, any major alteration from the approved plans & application can risk any construction being taken down, or new planning permission being sought.
DOES THE AREA I LIVE IN EFFECT WHICH TYPE OF PLANNING PERMISSION I NEED?
The area you live in can influence the type of planning application you require as there are several constraints to developing in certain areas. Depending on what category it falls into will determine what application is needed.
Common constraints can include:
A Conservation Area
A Green Belt Area
Area of natural beauty
An Article 4 area
Listed Buildings.
WHO CAN OBJECT TO MY PROPOSAL?
When the application is received by the local council, the application will firstly be validated. Once it has been validated it will be allocated to a case officer. The application will be live for the public to view and comment. Any comments or objections can be made here and is visible online to the public.
A letter may also go out to adjoining neighbours that may be affected by the proposed works and letters/notices may be put up in the local vicinity.
Still have questions? We’re happy to answer them.