Planning stage
Disclaimer – Views expressed here are of my own and are not legal or building advice!
I live in a cul de sac semi detached two storey 1960s property in a leafy London suburb. I’m neither a builder or an architect – I am IT infrastructure person running and designing large enterprise IT systems hence interest in all things technical …
Originally submitted two applications for Rear dormer roof extension.
First one was done under: Section 192 Permitted Development
Second: Householder Application
My understanding was the reason for that was that Household application was required due to new flank brick walls being built and one being on the party wall side. But don’t quote me on that.
First application expired due to C-19
Unfortunately just at the end of the 3 year period when application is valid C-19 struck and we decided not to go ahead and let the application expire. Too many unknowns at that time and so many business partially closed that would have been almost impractical to execute it at the time.
If you manage to start within the 3 year period whilst application is valid you must make sure that the first fix (first major step in the works) is reported to the building control within the 3 years period. More on this: https://wslaw.co.uk/insight/commencement-development-practical-tips-pitfalls/
Second application much faster approval granted
Decided to go ahead and submit planning application myself this time based on my original one that was done by the Architect at the time.
Another month delay
As I was filling details on https://www.planningportal.co.uk/ found out about another delay.
You actually have to notify your next door neighbour (adjourning property) about the application being submitted to the council month in advance. That was one of the questions and asks on the building portal so I sent a recorded letter to my next door neighbour as I wasn’t sure if council asks how can I prove it. Only when that time has passed I was able to submit my application for consideration by the council.
After a month of wait finally all details filled, payment made and application submitted via the Planning portal.
However soon after got an email from council that I am missing two new documents since the 2017 and they were:
- Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
- Fire Safety Report
CIL form was easy to do via the portal, however surprised that the building portal didn’t warn me about these new items, hopefully it will change soon.
The second form was more difficult to find examples of and how to fill it. Asked my architect to do but in all fairness it was not worth the money. My advice search application portal in your area for the applications that have not been decided yet and see what their submitted FSR says. You can easily write one up yourselves if you have an example even better if it’s a similar property! You will save yourself £… When the application is approved the report disappeared from the planning website so looks like only undecided applications will have them. In essence it’s a writeup of the Fire Safety strategy for your home and how you can escape safely in case of fire from the loft or other rooms. I imagine becomes quite complex for a bigger building but not for a two storey semi detached house.
After this my neighbours received notifications about the proposal and had about a month to object. Unlike the first time had less objections (4 vs 2 I think) as a result decision was granted much faster and no visit or emails asking to amend the drawings from the council. Around 2 month for the first one and around 1 month for the second time. Main reason in the explanation from the council was that permission was granted earlier for essentially the same works that have now expired and the fact that all the neighbours already have the loft conversions (including the ones who objected :)).