Wondering if acquiring Planning Permission is necessary for building a new garage? Well, the answer may not be a straight yes, for the process is not so easily simplified. There are a set of strict parameters which the construction plan has to meet for the Planning Permission For Garage in South East London to be approved. By the way, a garage can be a fantastic addition to a property.
It refers to those single-size fits all rooms which can be used for a variety of purposes including housing a vehicle, protecting it from the weather or even as a storage unit. Furthermore, adding a garage to a property can boost its curb appeal and besides that, a home with a garage is more likely to be sold easily.
Anyhow, whether or not a project is approved, the process of acquiring planning permission is complex and lengthy, to say the least. Before diving into the details let’s first deconstruct what goes into building a garage from a practical perspective.
Things to Consider When Building a Garage
As simple as it might seem, building a garage is not that straightforward. Before one can initiate their planning permission application, several factors need to be considered as there are multiple types of garages – each with its benefits and drawbacks.
The first thing on the list of considerations is whether to go for an attached garage or a detached garage. Most construction contractors would recommend opting for an attached garage for a few obvious reasons. They are attached to the primary building and can be accessed directly from there. This is especially beneficial during the winter season. Attached garages are also easier and cheaper to build as one wall is already in place.
There are certain benefits offered by a detached garage that cannot be overlooked. For instance, a free-standing structure such as a detached garage offers more flexibility in terms of customization. It is also a well-insulated shed that prevents noise from emitting from power tools. The next factor to look at is the actual size of the garage. This depends on the number of cars that are going to be housed under the garage which will inadvertently affect its square footage.
Traditionally, most standard single-car garages are measured at 14 by 20 feet while double-car garages can extend as much as 24 by 20 feet. It is of course to possible add more space to the garage if the owner intends on using the space for anything else. While laying down the plans for the garage square footage it is also important to determine the size of the driveway as well.
In most cases, the driveway is 10 feet in length from the garage which should suffice. However, more areas can be added. The cost however relies on factors like the location of the property, the type of garage installed, the quality of insulation and such.
When Do You Need Planning Permission for Building a Garage?
Whenever someone is making any substantial changes to a property such as constructing a completely new garage, they are sure to require planning permission. However, this does depend in part on the local government laws and regulations.
There are about two types of planning permissions that are applicable in case of a garage building process; Full Permission and Outline Permission. Full permission refers to the standard planning permission which is necessary for any type of building construction, while outline permission is focused on a specific outline of any part or room involved in the project.
When the construction of a building has been authorized, submitting more detailed drawings related to the planning process becomes necessary. Such permissions can last for a duration of 3 to 5 years. Attempting to add a significant structure to a building such as a garage without the appropriate permission can result in charges or hefty fines.
The Local Planning Authority can take about eight weeks to decide on a planning permission authority. However, this period is subject to extensions making the entire process even longer.
A prerequisite to making a planning application is to make the proposal public. This can be done by circulating the proposal in the local newspaper, however, online platforms are also viable platforms for public announcements. The proposal must be submitted to the local planning authority within a fortnight.
Step-by-Step Guide for Acquiring Planning Permission
Acquiring planning permission is a vital part of any construction project, otherwise, it runs the risk of being served with an enforcement notice. Following these steps to get planning permission for any construction project;
Step 1 – Understand the Characteristics and Needs of the Project
The purpose of acquiring planning permission is to prevent inappropriate or disruptive buildings from being constructed in a certain area. Only certain types of building projects or development ventures necessitate obtaining planning permission. Therefore, before initiating the process of getting planning permission best confirm whether the project requires one.
Step 2 – Contact the Local Planning Authority
It comes professionally recommended to first consult with the local planning authorities as it offers insight into whether planning permission will be granted or not. They can advise on what types of changes can help increase the chances of getting a planning application approved.
Step 3 – Prepare an Application
Once the local planning authorities have been consulted and all the necessary changes to boost the project’s chances of success have been made, it is now time to fill in the planning application.
It is necessary to fill in the planning application with the local planning department. Keep in mind that most planning and development applications have been filed using an online portal.
The following supporting information needs to be provided in the planning application;
- The location of the project.
- The site plan.
- A Certificate of Ownership.
- An Agricultural Holdings Certificate.
- The Application Fees.
After submitting the application and paying the appropriate fees, a confirmation mail and receipt of the transaction will be sent to the applicant’s mail. The amount for application fees may vary depending on the specifics of the project.
Step 4 – The application goes through Assessment
All planning applications submitted to the local planning authority will be assessed. The application is likely to be accepted or rejected depending on whether or not they meet the following factors;
- Noise Control
- Privacy Preservation
- Impact on Listed Buildings
- The appearance of the project
- Materials used in the project
- Conservation of Natural Features
- Local Government Policies
- Previous Planning Decisions
- Highway Safety
In certain parts of London and Whales, executives from the planning department may visit the locality of
the concerned construction project to enquire from residents about the project’s adherence to the factors mentioned above.
Step 5 – The Decision is Communicated
After the planning application has been properly assessed, the authorities would either decide to approve or disapprove the construction. If approved, it is okay to go ahead with the construction details mentioned in the planning application. If disproved, there is no point in proceeding further with the construction.
As mentioned earlier, not complying with the decision of the local planning authority concerning project disapproval can result in being served with an enforcement notice. In this case, the construction owner would have to undo whatever has been built.
However, the applicant whose proposal has been rejected can decide to appeal to the Local Planning Authorities if they didn’t agree with the decision. Then again the process of appealing can take a long while and it would be better to seek professional advice before appealing.
Conclusion
Although acquiring planning permission is likely to become necessary at some point in time, it is better to consider certain practicalities first such as deciding on the size or type of garage to be installed. The project would also need to hire a professional for Drawing plans for House Extensions in South East London. There are certain restrictions involved in getting planning permission based on the dimensions of the garage and whether or not it is meant to be used for domestic purposes.
