… or rather the question should be, will any action be taken by the council if a neighbour objects to your permitted development extension? A neighbour’s objection to your extension can, of course, be taken on board and investigated by your local council. However, if the extension falls within the permitted development guidelines, no action… Read more »
Planning permission is not required to replace windows if they are similar in appearance to those used in the construction of the house, unless your property is listed, in a designated area or has a relevant Article 4 Direction (see the exceptions below). Can I add new windows and doors without planning permission? Most*… Read more »
Is it a basement extension or a basement conversion? There are many reasons why basement conversions are so popular in London. But before we get into what permissions you might need for a basement conversion, we’ll explain how we differentiate between a basement conversion and a basement extension. If you are planning to extend or… Read more »
Planning rules for basement extensions Before we delve into the nitty gritty of planning rules for basement extensions, it’s worth checking whether your basement extension will require permission at all. If you’re unsure, you can see these articles: Do I need planning permission for a basement extension? Do you need planning permission for a basement… Read more »
It conflicts with national or local planning policy Before buying a house or embarking on your extension project, it’s a really good idea to look into the likelihood of gaining planning approval for your dream home. The most hard-lined reason for refusal is that the proposal fundamentally conflicts with either national or local planning policy,… Read more »
Do I need planning permission for a basement extension? Basement extensions are one of the more ambiguous projects when it comes to planning consent and unfortunately it’s not a straight yes or no. Nationally, the planning rules around forming living accommodation in basements is ever changing and under review. Local councils will also have their… Read more »
Self-building is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Government incentives such as the Help to Build Loan have been recently introduced, to make the self-build process easier and more affordable, with an aim help to ease the affordable homes shortage in the UK. Design above by Edward, architect from Nottingham, East Midlands. Click here… Read more »
Building a house on Green Belt land It is theoretically possible to build a house on Green Belt land, but it’s not easy nor can it be guaranteed. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is the underlying planning policy for the development of land in the UK. However, the local planning office will also have their… Read more »
Good news, it is possible to convert an office to residential use without needing planning permission. However, there are important exceptions where permitted development rights may not apply in your area or to your property. Image above by James, architectural designer from Islington South and Finsbury. Click here to see more and shortlist… Read more »
Section 106 agreements, the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and the new Infrastructure Levy are all similar in that they impose additional conditions on the developer, linked to planning permission. The new ‘Infrastructure Levy’, which was announced in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill (May 2022), is intended to broadly replace both Section 106 agreements and the… Read more »
