Gaining Planning Permission is rarely straightforward. Retrospective Planning Permission is applied for after development work has been completed. There are endless reasons why planning permission may not have been sought in the first place. Finding yourself in this situation can be daunting but getting the right help and guidance can make all the difference between a successful or unsuccessful application. This article gives you an overview of how the need for Retrospective Planning can come about and what can happen.
Planning Permission
There are some home improvements that do not require planning permission such as changes to the inside of a building, small alternations externally such as a small porch and walls/fences below a certain height. No matter what, it is a good idea to consult your local council when unsure whether you need planning permission or not. A great online resource for planning permission is the Planning Portal website which provides up to date information and guidance on planning permission in England and Wales.
Ignoring Planning Permission
Seeking planning permission can be a lengthy and costly process but should never be overlooked or ignored when needed. There can be serious consequences when people choose to develop a property without planning permission. If your local council find out you have done so, they will regard this as a planning breach and issue you with an enforcement notice. If you do not adhere to the councils requests, you could be prosecuted.
Other Options
Depending on the nature of your development your council could allow you to make a Retrospective Planning Permission application to gain the correct permission. However, this is not always an option, for example if you were to carry out a development of which planning permission had previously been rejected, the council would not allow you to make a retrospective planning application. Within an enforcement notice, your council can request your development be restored to its original state. You will be required to do this at you own cost.
The Application
It should always be understood that submitting a planning application retrospectively does not guarantee approval. When completing an application, it is highly recommended that you seek the help of a Planning Consultant. Planning Consultants are very familiar with planning legislation and guidelines giving your application the best chance of success.
Case Study
Our client approached MPD needing help with a development they wished to rent out on their property, however in doing so it had come to light that planning permission had never been obtained for this property by previous owners. We put together a detailed application for our client which was submitted to their local council. From this application retrospective planning permission was successful granted. This allowed our client to continue with their plan to rent this development out without any worries. Read the full case study by clicking here.
About Us
We are MPD Built Environment Consultants based in the North of England. We cover many locations including Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, Merseyside and beyond. With over 30 year’s experience in all aspects of Planning, our team include Chartered Planners and Surveyors. We are members of RICS, RTPI, IHBC and various other bodies giving you confidence in the work we do.
Do you need help with Retrospective Planning Permission? Get in touch with us today by clicking here.
