Whether you are building an extension or putting in a pool, you may need planning permission and to get planning permission you have to fill out a planning application. So here is everything you need to know about planning applications.
Do I need it?
The first thing you need to check is whether what you are building actually needs planning permission. You don’t want to waste your time applying for planning when you don’t need it. Whether you need planning permission will depend on a lot of different things some of these could be: whether you own the building, how much of the land you own, the buildings classification and what type of build you are undertaking. Do your research about it and go from there.
Write up a Proposal
A lot of local councils encourage discussions with applicants and/or their agents before a planning application is submitted. Having these discussions can help you with planning questions. It can also help in saving time and creating a better standard of application. However a lot of councils will charge for advice it provides to applicants prior to submitting a planning application.
Get your documents
You will be required to provide some (if not all) of the following documents for your planning application to be valid:
- The application form
- Most planning applications require two plans to be submitted as supporting documents e.g. a Location plan and a Site Plan
- An ownership certificate A, B, C or D must be completed stating the ownership of the property.
- Agricultural holdings certificate – this is required whether or not the site includes an agricultural holding.
- Design and access statement – this should outline the design principles and concepts that have been applied to the proposed development and how issues relating to access to the development have been dealt with.
- Correct application fee
Local level requirements
You need to check what your local planning authority requirements are as they may produce a list which will detail any other documentation that is required to accompany the application.
by Jade Twohey
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