Planning Permission on Specialist Areas

Planning Permission on Specialist Areas

Introduction to Developing in Specialist Areas
There is no denying that developing or even renovating a property that is within a specialist area can be a real headache. Restrictions are much greater and it will be necessary to spend some time working out exactly what can (and cannot!) be achieved.

Inevitably, this all takes time and anyone considering renovating or building a property, within a specialist area, will not only have to consider their budget but also the additional timeframe required to achieve the final result.

What Alterations are Covered
For Greenbelt and conservation areas, the restrictions are actually determined by the local authority, which means that individual and local advice will be required. However, in almost all circumstances, the following alterations require additional permission:
* complete demolition or partial demolition of an listed property;
* changes to the roof of a property that is in a conservation area;
* any extension that amounts to more than 10 percent of the overall size of the property; and
* any external building that is more than 10 cubic metres in volume.

What About Improvements
It is not just renovation projects that attract added restrictions, in specialist areas; in some cases, seemingly minor improvements are also subject to more stringent regulations. The types of improvements that are dealt with under the ¡¥permitted development¡¦ rules include windows, porches and paving, outside the property. These restrictions normally prevent you from replacing wooden windows with plastic framed windows or from adding porches that may not be in keeping with the area.

Making an Application
When making an application for planning permission, you will be required to submit a location plan, on a scale of 1:1250 or 1:2500, with the direction north clearly marked. Make sure that you outline your chosen site in red and the boundaries to your land in broken blue.

A further block plan will also be required to show, in more detail, the actual layout of the building. These plans should have a scale of 1:50 or 1:100 and must show all of the elevations and walls that are currently on the land. Any building or wall that is to be demolished should be clearly noted on the plans.

Accompanying the plans should be a narrative justifying the changes which you are applying to make. Address issues such as the architecture and history of the plot and surrounding area as well as the way in which you intend to preserve the character of the property, throughout your project.

Summary
* Any renovation or development project within a specialist area will take a lot longer than other projects to complete and will require greater effort and financial outlay;
* bear in mind that even minor alterations such as changing windows may require permission;
* on the plus side, a project within a specialist area can be deeply rewarding both financially and emotionally, once successfully completed.