Potential Constraints

With any development including a wall, fence or gate there are always potential constraints that can make even the simplest of developments into a very complex or even impossible project.

Unfortunately, in the world of planning permission things are seldom as “simple” and straightforward as we might hope. In fact, most enforcements and retrospective planning issues are related to minor developments that people assumed would be permitted development.

A wall, fence or gate must first of all meet the necessary design criteria, whether that is for permitted development or the relevant planning policies. There are also lots of potential planning constraints that could remove your permitted development rights or make it difficult to get planning approval.

Some examples of constraints include; article 4 direction, section 106, conservation areas and even just living under a flight path can remove your permitted development rights or make it difficult to get planning approval.

This could literally mean there could be two houses in the same town that building the exact same wall, fence or gate and one could be built under permitted development while the other needs full planning permission.

Specialist reports may need to be submitted with all the usual supporting evidence and drawings. Examples of these include heritage statements, flood risk assessments, transport surveys, wildlife reports and many others.

If the building is listed in addition to securing planning approval you will also require listed building consent and building regulations approval before work can commence. Carrying out any works on a listed building without the necessary approvals is a criminal offence.

If you would like to find out what is required for your loft conversion, the likelihood of success or the costs associated with applying for planning permission please contact us to speak with one of our expert planning consultants today.

Get in touch!