Getting Planning Permission

Thinking of extending your property, or applying for a change of use? If so you need to obtain planning permission. Here are Chewton Rose’s top tips for getting the top result out of your planning application.

Do the right research

Development and changes of use that can be carried out without the need for planning permission – commonly known as "Permitted Development Rights" – has increased in recent years, so ensure you do your research as you may not need planning permission at all.

You should also see if similar plans have been granted before in your area, as this is a good way to calculate your chances of having yours granted as well. You could also take a look at whether there have been previous proposals on the site/property before; recent planning reforms that weren’t approved previously can now be viewed in a more favourable light.

Start right now

Local authorities review development proposals and also take comments from the public; this is your opportunity to speak for your own development, as well as voice your own concerns for other developments in the area if you have any.

Seek advice

Contact your local planning authority and find out which office covers your area. They are available for consultation and can offer further advice for your development as it progresses.

Prepare to negotiate

There’s always the possibility of having to negotiate a kind of compromise with your proposal, or perhaps be an advocate for your plan to help your chances of approval.

Persevere

If your first planning application is denied, you’re always welcome to try again. Just make sure before doing so that you seek further advice to boost your chances for the next attempt. You also have the chance to appeal the previous decision and have a Planning Inspector (who belongs to another area) examine the application as well.