If you are planning to undertake any development work it is important that you understand the difference between planning permission and permitted development. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to two distinct processes with different requirements and outcomes. Read on to learn more about the differences between planning permission and permitted development, and how these processes can affect your development plans.
Planning Permission
Planning permission is a legal process that gives you the right to make changes to property or land. These changes typically include building an extension to an existing property or building something entirely new. It is granted by a local planning authority (LPA) you can find your LPA here via your local council website. Planning permission amounts to a number of rules and regulations that must be followed. The planning permission process can be lengthy and complicated, and often requires a significant amount of time, money and expertise to complete.
To obtain planning permission, you must submit a planning application to the LPA. Applications generally include detailed plans and drawings of the proposed changes, along with a written explanation of the reasons for the changes. The LPA will then assess the application, taking into account a number of factors. These can include the impact of the changes on the surrounding area and the local community.
Following the assessment of the planning permission application. If approved, the LPA will issue a planning permission certificate that outlines the conditions that must be followed during the development. If the changes are rejected, the LPA will provide reasons for the rejection and may suggest alternative approaches.
Permitted Development
Permitted development is a different process entirely that allows you to make certain changes to a property without the need for planning permission. Therefore, permitted development rights are a form of planning permission. Permitted development is automatically granted and subject to less stringent rules and regulations. The benefit of this is that you are able to make changes to your property more quickly and at a lower cost when compared to full planning permission.
However, it’s important to note that permitted development rights do not cover all changes to a property. The types of changes that are covered by permitted development rights include things like adding a porch to the front of a house, converting a garage into a living space, or adding a new conservatory to the back of a house.
In order to make changes to a property under permitted development, you will need to ensure that the changes are in accordance with the rules set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015. It is important to note this link is relevant for England only. This order outlines the types of changes that can be made to a property without planning permission and sets out the restrictions and conditions that must be followed.
All clear?
In conclusion, planning permission and permitted development are two distinct processes that allow you to make changes to a property. While planning permission is a more formal process that requires a significant amount of time and money to complete. Permitted development is a simpler process that allows you to make certain changes to a property without the need for planning permission.
Before making any changes to your property, it’s important to understand the differences between planning permission and permitted development. By doing so, you can avoid any legal issues or penalties down the line. This will also ensure that your changes are in accordance with the rules and regulations set out by the LPA.
Our recommendation is that you consult an expert such as Simple Planning Solutions. Especially for any sensitive or complex planning applications. We can save you money down the line and help avoid pitfalls in planning permission applications.
If your works can be completed under permitted development. Working alongside local architects, Simple Planning Solutions can provide all your plans for you. We will submit your application for a certificate of lawful development or application for prior approval to the planning authority.
Michelle Hill MRTPI
As a leading planning consultant I can help with the topics covered in this post. Contact me and I can find you a solution to your planning problem.
