Planning Permission Mistakes That You Should Avoid

Planning permission isn’t as linear a process as a first-time applicant might expect. Many offshoots to the process can lead to costly dead ends.

There are some areas of this effort where the likelihood of mistakes increases somewhat. It’s worth assessing these circumstances, helping you plan more effectively and workaround them.

So, what should you expect? What planning permission mistakes should you most keenly avoid? Keep reading for our insights on these matters.

Designing Without a Plot

Everyone has some idea of what their dream home looks like. However, it’s important to temper these ambitions. After all, some people manage to build their dream home, but unfortunately not without stressful circumstances overshadowing things at times.

The entire process of securing planning permission needs to be focused and pragmatic. If your aspirations get out of control, you may find yourself designing a plot prematurely, long before any type of plot is bought and secured.

Numerous problems can arise from this approach. First, you will significantly limit your ability to make progress because your build specifications are unlikely to match the criteria of different plots. Space measurements, the area’s architecture, biodiversity net gain considerations – all of these factors determine what you have to work with.

Depending on how well you manage stress, delays, and disappointment, an entire series of subsequent headaches can follow on from here. Avoid this disastrous domino effect and ensure that you are logically going through the process.

Underestimating Biodiversity Requirements

Many aspects of society’s functioning are being updated with eco-friendly measures. Construction and planning permission applications are no exception. Most development projects in England now require a biodiversity net gain plan under UK legislation. Experts like Arbtech are experts in the field and can give you a more comprehensive overview of what’s required. They also have a planning acceptance guarantee, so contact them today for a free quote and reliable consultation.

The mandatory status of the biodiversity net gain means it can’t be omitted from a planning application, and local planning authorities grant or refuse permissions on the quality of its inclusion. It ensures that habitats are protected or moved elsewhere instead of destroyed and that the development otherwise enhances biodiversity rather than detracts from it.

Of course, considering what’s at stake today, there’s a moral obligation here as well as a legal one. Secure expert advice on biodiversity metrics and be as thorough as possible.

Hoping Rules Stay the Same

When you’re thinking about building something, it’s natural to source inspiration from many places. At first, only style and architecture may take your interest, but as your ambitions become more serious, you may start to look at how others managed the planning application process.

While broad comparisons are likely harmless, delving deep into past natural and local policies can be risky. After all, biodiversity is just one regulation change you need to be mindful of. Many regulations around planning permission are subject to frequent changes today. If you’re too presumptuous, you could get an unrealistic idea of what to expect or prepare for in your plans.

Many aspects of planning applications can change through the years. New conservation areas may materialise, property boundaries could have been altered, and local communities may have more influence over what was built than a few years ago. Therefore, just because one person secured their planning permission one way, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can expect to do the same.

It’s important to set reasonable expectations not only for yourself but also for others. For instance, if you’re trying to secure planning permission with a partner, miscalculating how much you have ahead may lead to unnecessary tensions. Try to be informed with the most up to date information at every step of the process.

Failing to Build Neighbourly Rapport

As previously mentioned, local communities can now have powers that affect the viability of your development ambitions. Some may have formed neighbourhood planning groups, giving them a greater say over what can be built in their area.

It’s good to establish a stronger rapport with those near the site. That way, they may be less troubled by any minor disruptions and grievances, and they could be more likely to permit works to be carried out. They can even secure grants and support to develop their neighbourhood plans. Anyone can start one of these groups if one is not already established in their area.

Of course, even if you’re operating within your rights and can legally quash their objections, it’s still a good idea to have people on board with your plans. It can minimise tensions, reduce stress, and ultimately give you a clearer head when managing your property proposals and construction. Planning applications are best submitted with a guilt-free conscience, too.

Assuming Changes Can’t be Made

When filling out all your planning application details, it can feel like there’s a lot of pressure to get things right. There’s a hefty fee involved too, so it’s in your interest to get everything in order on the first attempt.

There is some wiggle room, so try not to assume that everything is finalised and irreversible should you get your approval. Contact your local council to see whether the changes you request can be worked in as an amendment to your current application. In some instances, you may need to file a fresh application.

You’re putting a lot of time, money, and work into your construction project, so things need to be perfect. Remind yourself that you don’t need to settle for anything less than that. Inspiration can occur at random, so know that there are always solutions at hand, even if the timing is inconvenient.

Even if you don’t need to make changes, knowing that you can be immensely reassuring during such big life events.

There’s also an opposite problem to have here; making too many changes. Don’t submit any planning application that you don’t wholeheartedly believe in. After all, while changes can be made, it’s best not to keep fine-tuning your proposals at multiple junctures. If an amendment is needed, it should be a rarity, not a routine.