Always have a plan
What exactly is planning permission? Simple- it means asking the council to allow you to carry out major building construction, whether self build or renovation. Even if you own the property, the council has the final say on what you can build on it, and how.
Do you need planning permission for your home project? If you answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you probably do.
Am I self-building?
· Am I making a ‘major’ change to an existing house, more than a small alteration- i.e. an extension or changing the use of the building?
· Is the property listed or in a conservation area?
Some properties may already have planning permission in place, so be sure to check. You can also apply for planning permission on a piece of land before you buy it, as long as you inform the owner. This can be a good idea, because if your application is refused, you may be paying for a parcel of land or a building contract that doesn’t meet your needs.
And if you go rogue and plough ahead without obtaining the right paperwork, the council can order you to tear down what you just built!
For all this and more, download your FREE copy of Abode magazine, here:
Abode Magazine 2023
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