The UK House Planning Application Process for Self Builders
Embarking on a self-build project is an exhilarating venture for many people in the UK. It offers the chance to customise your living space to your specifications, enabling the creation of a unique and personalised home.
However, you cannot start a self-build without first going through the house planning application process. This is a comprehensive system set up by the UK government to ensure that all building projects comply with relevant regulations and standards.
Here, we will walk through the planning application process, offering a road-map to potential self-builders in the UK.
Research
Before submitting any planning application, you need to conduct thorough research. The UK planning system is complex and varies depending on where you're located. Start by investigating your local council’s policies regarding housing and self-builds in particular. Most of this information is accessible online.
Knowing your local authority's guidelines will help shape your application and reduce the chance of rejection. It is also important to help drive the planning decision process in a more general sense by making sure that you are on your local authority’s self build register. Google it and get your name down.
Planning permissions are required to be given each year to match the recent demand in the area for people to build their own homes under the Self Build and Custom Housebuilding Act so help yourself get permission and make sure you are in their numbers !
Pre-application Advice
Many local councils provide pre-application advice. This is a service where prospective self-builders can get guidance on their projects before they formally submit their planning application. While it may incur a fee, this service can be invaluable in providing feedback on your plans and identifying any potential issues that might lead to the refusal of your application. Cherish Homes can help you with this process as part of the wider planning application process.
Prepare and Submit Your Planning Application
Once you have gathered your research and received pre-application advice, you can begin preparing your planning application. This will generally include a detailed description of your proposed development, scaled architectural drawings, and potentially an environmental impact assessment. It may also be necessary to include a design and access statement, depending on the size and scale of your project. Cherish Homes can do all of this for you.
There are two types of planning applications in the UK: full planning permission and outline planning permission. Full planning permission is where you provide all the details about your project upfront, while outline planning permission is where you agree on the general principles of your project with the local council, and then provide the detailed plans at a later stage.
Planning Decision
Upon submission, your local planning authority will verify that your application is complete and valid. They will then begin a period of consultation, where local residents, the parish council, and other statutory consultees have an opportunity to comment on your proposal.
The decision on your planning application is typically made within eight weeks for less complex projects and thirteen weeks for larger projects. Factors such as the impact on neighbours, the design of the proposed building, and environmental considerations will be taken into account.
Approval, Refusal, and Appeal
If your planning application is approved, you can begin your self-build project, ensuring you adhere to the details laid out in the approval.
However, if your application is refused, the planning authority will provide reasons for the refusal. It is then possible to appeal this decision to the Planning Inspectorate, an independent body. You must lodge your appeal within six months of the decision. This process may take several months and, if successful, the original decision will be overturned, and planning permission will be granted. Cherish Homes handle all of this process for you.
Post-Approval Stage
Once you have your planning permission, it's not the end of the process. You also need to ensure compliance with Building Regulations, which cover the construction details of the project, including structural safety, fire protection, energy efficiency, and accessibility. This is part of the Cherish homes service also.
The UK house planning application process can seem daunting for self-builders. However, with careful research, preparation, and a clear understanding of your local council’s requirements, it is possible to navigate the system successfully.
It is also a lot easier to work with a specialist such as Cherish Homes. Remember to take advantage of pre-application advice services and ensure your plans align with local and national policies to maximise your chances of obtaining planning permission. It's an exciting journey with the reward of creating a unique home to your specifications.
We look forward to helping you with house design as well as your planning application and then onto your fixed price house build !