Frequently asked Questions
As not all works require Planning Permission, it is best to check with a qualified professional such as a chartered planning consultant if Planning Permission is required prior to project commencement. Consulting a chartered planning consultant may well save you time and money.
Whilst there is no definitive list, the Local Planning Authority will assess ‘material planning
considerations’ when considering a Planning Application. Matters such as overlooking, loss of light, heritage issues, highways safety, traffic, noise, visual impact, design and appearance, and the relevant planning policies will be taken into consideration.
One of the important issues to be aware of is the 'right to a view'; does not exist. Nor can an application's effect on the property values of surrounding properties, boundary disputes, legal covenants or private access arrangements be considered within a Planning Application.
A Development Site Appraisal is a review of a site to provide an informed, professional opinion on the viability of development at a given location. It is normally undertaken by a qualified professional such as a chartered planning consultant who will report on the feasibility of development.
With extensive knowledge of both local and national planning policy, as well as access to a site's constraints and potential hurdles, a chartered planning consultant is best placed to carry out a Development Site Appraisal to ascertain whether a site is viable or not.
Employing a consultant who is a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) ensures your consultant will offer the highest level of professional capability. Often cited as the 'gold standard' of planners, chartership recognises the quality and competency of a planner who is also bound to the highest professional standards and ethics.
This would be an entirely site-specific answer. Making an application for planning permission can be a complicated process. Planning Law is complex. It is advisable to take advice from a chartered planning consultant before you embark on the often costly process of submitting an application to ensure the project is viable.