Making a plan
Before any significant construction – think self-builds or substantial alterations – you need a crucial go-ahead: planning permission. It’s essentially getting official approval from your local council. They hold the keys, ensuring developments fit local rules and the surrounding area, even if you own the property outright
So, do you need this permission for your project? You almost certainly do if you’re:
• Building from scratch (self-building).
• Making a major change to an existing house – more than just minor tweaks. This includes significant extensions or changing the building’s use entirely.
• Working on a property that’s Listed or located within a Conservation Area.
It’s worth noting that some properties might already have permission in place, so always check the records. A smart strategy is applying for permission on land before you buy it (just inform the owner). Why? If your application is refused after you’ve bought, you could own land or face contracts for a project you can’t actually build. Think about skipping this step? Don’t! The council has serious teeth – they can order you to demolish everything you’ve just built!
Here’s a tip: Get ahead! Planning permission takes time, so apply as early as possible. It’s also wise to chat with a planning officer at the council before submitting; they can highlight any potential hiccups upfront. And to save yourself hassle, consider letting your architect, solicitor or builder handle the application on your behalf. Navigating planning permission smoothly is key to bringing your vision safely to life.
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General Manager - Visitor Centre & Larder Cafe - The Highland Soap Co. Ltd
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Latest News
JOBS
General Manager - Visitor Centre & Larder Cafe - The Highland Soap Co. Ltd
Sign up to our daily Newsletters
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I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
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