Building a new house can be an exciting experience. However, you must ensure that you follow all of the regulations and processes as required by law. You must apply for a planning permit from the local authority.
Planning permission is a legal requirement for most construction projects. However, applying for a planning permit can be stressful depending on the project’s complexities. If you’re in the process of applying for a planning permit, this guide is for you.
Herein, we share essential tips to consider during the application process. The guide will also include the steps followed when applying for a planning permit and why it is crucial to hire a planning consultant.
Understanding Planning Permission
As mentioned, planning permission is a legal requirement in most towns and cities. The regulations may vary, but the goal is to ensure that your construction project aligns with the city’s development plans. This includes protecting the environment and services such as sewerage lines.
However, you can do some construction projects without applying for planning permission. For example, you don’t need a planning permit for loft extensions and conversions, allowing project owners to renovate their properties without notifying the local authority.
Applying for planning permission can be a daunting process. You can do it solo, but errors in your application can make the process longer. Remember, the local authority will review all of your documents, and they will reject the application if there are any errors.
Getting help with planning permission near you can come in handy at this stage. You can hire a professional planning consultant to help you during the application process. Planning professionals are well-versed with the local regulations, including the local planning policies.
Steps For Getting a Planning Permission
The first step involves a site visit from a city inspector for a site inspection. The professional will test the soil to ensure that it is safe and stable for the construction project. Stage two is about putting all of your documents together.
Work with experienced professionals such as architects and quantity surveyors to ensure that you have all of the supporting documents and drawings. Your planning consultant will help review the documents to ensure that they are correct and valid.
The last step is submitting the documents to the local authority offices. The review process takes anywhere between 8-12 weeks. If the documents are approved, you will get a green light to begin the project. However, if there are any errors, you must make changes and resubmit the documents for review.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Planning Consultant
So, why should you get help with planning permission near me? Professionals near you are conversant with the city’s laws and regulations. They will bring experience to the table and cross check the documents before submission, boosting your chances of approval.
Getting permissions can be tiring, especially when working on complex projects. By streamlining the planning process and anticipating potential hurdles, consultants can help expedite the journey. Reviewing takes 8-12 weeks, but if you must reapply, the process will take even longer.
What to Consider When Hiring a Professional
The first thing you must consider is that the professional is experienced with the local building regulations and policies. Ensure that the professional is licensed by the local authority. Registration with a relevant body is also a plus. It is a sign that the consultant is committed to staying up-to-date with what’s happening in their field.
Also, discuss the fees and payment terms before hiring the expert to work on your project. Experienced professionals may charge a higher fee, but it is well worth it. It is always good to have a written agreement and highlight any upcoming fees to avoid any future misunderstandings.
Read reviews from other clients to gain more insight about the professional consultant. Pay more attention to what other people say about professionalism, experience, and communication. Don’t ignore any red flags that may pop up in the reviews.
Wrapping Up
Applying for planning permission can be daunting, but you don’t have to go it alone. Hiring a professional consultant can be expensive, but is worth every penny spent. Help with planning permission near you, from local planning authorities to experienced professionals, can streamline the process and turn your development dreams into reality.
