Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Applying for Planning Permission

Planning permission is required if you want to modify or extend your home. However, most homeowners commit errors while doing the same. These errors will retard the project or even have the application turned down by the council. These kinds of errors will waste your time, money, and plenty of stress. To prevent all these issues, we are going to discuss the most frequent mistakes that homeowners commit when requesting planningpermission. We are also going to discuss how to prevent such mistakes.

Knowing these mistakes will help you make the planning process easier and to make it faster. Let us consider the most frequent mistakes and the way to prevent them.

Mistake 1: Not Reading Local Planning Policies

Every place has its own rules on what you can construct. Most homeowners think that if something is done somewhere, then it will be done in their place, too. That is not the case. Every place is different.

For instance, the rules for a flat are not equal to a house. The rules have items like:

• The amount of square space you can add to your house

• How your extension will appear from the outside

• What you are able to build with

• How your extension could impact your neighbours

  
  

Check local regulations in your area before starting your project. If you don’t, your planning permission application could be refused.

HoumTree Design can find the regulations for your area for you. They will ensure that your proposals match up with those regulations.

Mistake 2: Not Including Clear and Comprehensive Drawings

Another frequent error is submitting poor or incomplete diagrams with your planning application. The diagrams indicate precisely what you would like to construct. If the diagrams are incomplete or unclear, the council may reject your application.

To steer clear of this error, get an architect or designer who will offer precise and clear plans.

HoumTree Design provides expert design services. They will see to it that your plans are correct and readable.

Mistake 3: Not Leaving Sufficient Time for Approval

Some residents believe that the planning permission will not take long. It takes longer than anticipated. The process could take weeks or months, depending on the size or the complexity of the project.

There are usually 8 weeks in which most planning applications will be considered. Your application could take longer to be considered by the council, though. You will feel rushed if you don’t allow time for delays.

To prevent this from happening, allow sufficient time for the process of approval.

HoumTree Design can guide you through the duration of your project. They will ensure you prepare ahead of time and do not have to rush.

Mistake 4: Failure to Consult Your Neighbours

If your extension will impact your neighbors, they may not be pleased. They may worry about things like losing their view or privacy. If you do not approach your neighbors beforehand, they can complain about your plans subsequently. This could result in delays or issues.

It is good practice to go and see your neighbors before making your application. If there are objections, these can be raised beforehand. This will avoid difficulties when your application comes before the council to be debated.

HoumeTree Design is able to assist you in working through your neighbors and resolving any objections that they might raise.

Mistake 5: Not Including All Required Documents

When you apply for planning permission, you are required to produce some documents. These can be:

• Detailed drawings of the project

• What needs to be carried out in the description

• Any report or study that is mandatory

• Evidence that the work will be subject to building regulations

In case you do not present these documents, your application may be turned down by the council. Be sure to present all that is needed.

HoumTree Design will sort out all the forms for you. They’ll ensure you don’t miss anything critical.

Mistake 6: Failing to Comply with Building Regulations

Planning permission isn’t all about getting your design approved. You must also comply with building regulations. These ensure your extension is safe and stable.

Building regulations include:

• Electrical and plumbing installations

• Insulation and heating

• Structural stability

If you already have permission to plan, your building cannot go on unless you follow these regulations.

HoumTree Design can guide you through compliance and meeting planning guidelines, besides building regulations. You will never have issues later on that way.

Mistake 7: Not Creating a Serious Budget

The most common error is failing to budget realistically for the expansion. Homeowners are typically thrilled about their new building, but fail to plan for all the expenses. You need to factor in:

• Design charges

• Planning application charges

• Construction expenses

• Contingency charges

You will spend your cash on the development before you have started without a budget. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you have enough money to accommodate everything.

You can get a budget that fits you from HoumTree Design. They will walk you through the process and ensure your expenses are within your budget.

The most common error is failing to budget realistically for the expansion. Homeowners are typically thrilled about their new building, but fail to plan for all the expenses. You need to factor in:

Design charges

Planning application charges

Construction expenses

Contingency charges

You will spend your cash on the development before you have started without a budget. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you have enough money to accommodate everything.

You can get a budget that fits you from HB Planning Services. They will walk you through the process and ensure your expenses are within your budget.

The most common error is failing to budget realistically for the expansion. Homeowners are typically thrilled about their new building, but fail to plan for all the expenses. You need to factor in:

Design charges

Planning application charges

Construction expenses

Contingency charges

You will spend your cash on the development before you have started without a budget. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you have enough money to accommodate everything.

You can get a budget that fits you from HB Planning Services. They will walk you through the process and ensure your expenses are within your budget.

Mistake 8: Submitting Too Early

Other neighbors submit planning applications before they are well prepared. They may be lacking in clear plans or may not have employed experts to direct them. Hurrying is likely to make you make mistakes.

Take time to arrange all this before your application. You should have:

• Detailed and clear plans

• A viable budget

• A schedule for the project

HoumTree Design will arrange all that is needed prior to applying. They ensure that you are well-equipped to make your application.

Mistake 9: Failure to Take into Account Environmental Implications

If your project harms nature, like trees or animals, think about it before asking for planning permission. Not all councils request an environmental impact report for all projects.

If you ignore the environmental element, your application will be postponed or turned down. Ensure you provide any information that could impact the local environment.

You can leave the environmental side to HoumTree Design. They will ensure that you provide all the required information to the council.

Mistake 10: Failure to Hire Experts

The majority of homeowners attempt to plan for themselves. This is, however, prone to making errors. Experts such as architects and planning consultants have all the regulations and requirements in mind. Employing professionals may save you trouble and time.

HoumTree Design is a good company that will assist you from start to finish. They can help with the design of your extension and the application to be submitted.

Final thought

Applying for planning permission does not have to be a worrisome experience. With the help of experts like HoumTree Design, the process becomes simple. Follow the rules, prepare clear drawings, and apply on time. This way, your project gets approved faster without delays.