How to Obtain Planning Permission for an Eco-Friendly Building or Renovation |
Posted: May 2, 2017 |
Regardless of how eco-friendly or sympathetic any planned building or renovation is, planning permission will almost certainly be needed. Making an application for planning permission can be complex as there are many restrictions and regulations. Much will also depend upon the type of building that is planned, or is to be worked upon, and the area in which it is situated. Because of local variations and restrictions it is not an easy matter to give very specific advice, but there are a number of things that can be done to make the process a little less problematic.
It is important to bear in mind the difference between planning permission and building control. Planning permission is concerned about the appearance and size of a building or building work; building control regulates the type of materials that can be used and issues such as drainage and fire prevention. Studying the type of buildings and building work in the relevant area may yield results. If similar projects to the one to hand have been completed it may be worth speaking to those involved to ascertain how they went about obtaining planning permission. RESEARCH The first thing to do to is to undertake research into the area in which work is to take place. If the area is in a conservation area, an area designated as one of natural beauty or a national park, restrictions may include having to build or carry out work that is in keeping with other buildings in the area; this may mean using a particular type of brick or stone, and the finish for a roof or other features. THE USE OF ALTERNATIVE BUILDING MATERIALS AND METHODS For the reasons outlined above, the area in which work is to be carried out may well dictate what materials and methods of work can be used. There are instances, however, where building in such areas is actually conducive to building in a sustainable way. An example is Devon where there are a number of traditional ‘cob’ style buildings in the same area as some new buildings. In areas such as these sustainable building, for example using timber, may be considered more acceptable. Councils that have in place a Sustainability Plan may be more sympathetic to the construction of a sustainable, environmentally-friendly building and the use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials. An example would be the use of lime mortar rather than traditional cement. On the other hand, permission to install such modern innovations as solar panels, insulation and energy-efficient glazing will be more difficult to obtain if the building is listed or in a conservation area. HELPFUL STEPS TO TAKE IN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION 1. Obtain the contact details of the relevant planning department of the council that controls the area in which work is to be carried out. The planning department will be able to indicate whether there are any special restrictions on the area in which the work is to be carried. If the area is within a national park, the planning department will be able to advise whether it is Park Authority who control planning and to whom the application should be made. 2. The planning department will have plans for the development of the area and these will include what development work is to be allowed (regardless of whether it is residential, commercial, industrial or agricultural). Researching the local plans will show the statements they make about the requirements placed upon the construction of new buildings as well as the use of particular materials on already established local buildings. The plans should also provide information relevant to all other aspects of the work planned. 3. In order to ensure that important information is not missed before submitting any application it is wise to specifically ask the planning department for precise detail of any restrictions that may apply, for example in an area of conservation. 4. It is advisable to speak with neighbours in the area and ensure that they are clear on the type of work to be carried out. Apart from being the decent thing to do, it could also prevent objections to any planning permission being made after an application has been submitted. Such objections could result in delay, additional costs, or even the rejection of the planning application. 5. Details and drawings of the planned work should be drawn together so that as many potential questions from the planning department can be answered easily and quickly. These plans can be used in a discussion with a planning officer, and an appointment to do this should be made before a full application is submitted. This could save money and valuable time, and ensure that any issues are addressed and remedied at an early stage. After the above have been undertaken either an outline of full application for planning permission can be submitted. No work should be started until permission has been formally granted. After the application has been made, there will be a period during which the public are given notice of the plans and a suitable period of time in which to lodge any objections. If the planning department agree that the application should be either approved or refused, it will be presented to the council’s planning committee who will need to give final approval. There is a process of appeal for those whose application is refused. RESTRICTIONS THAT MAY APPLY
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