PART 2 SUBMITTING A PLANNING APPLICATION

The first part of this beginner’s guide to planning [in last month’s magazine] looked in detail at understanding the planning system and the different types of planning applications. I explained how, before entering into the process, it’s vital to try and make sense of how it all works, as well as making sure the right application is chosen that best suits your project.

Once you have chosen your designer, and have begun formulating ideas as to how you want your extension or self-build to look and function, the next step is to work out what surveys you might need. This may include site surveys, ecology surveys and TPO surveys, for instance — as well as specialist consultants you may need to bring on board. Once you’ve brought this all together you can look to submit your application — but what happens next? Here, I outline what you can expect at each stage of the process.

Surveys and specialists

Before you submit your planning application there are some detailed matters to attend to, namely forms, surveys and briefs to pull together.

1 A SITE SURVEY

At the outset you will need a measured survey of the existing site or property as the plans you submit need to be absolutely accurate and to scale.

2 THE DESIGN

I would strongly recommend avoiding trying to produce the plans yourself, unless you’re competent in computer-aided design (CAD). On that note, in my experience, CAD