In my recent conversation with Claire Thompson, a 38-year-old homeowner from Surrey, I delved into the nuanced world of Permitted Development Rights and Building Regulations. Claire recently undertook a home extension project, and her experience offers invaluable insights for anyone considering similar ventures.
Focus360 Energy: property compliance services – pre-planning to post-construction. Learn more.
Understanding Permitted Development
Claire began her story by recounting her initial excitement about extending her home without the need for formal planning permission. “The idea of Permitted Development Rights was incredibly appealing,” she said. “I was thrilled at the prospect of bypassing the usual bureaucratic hurdles.”
Permitted Development Rights, as set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development)(England) Order 2015, allow homeowners to carry out certain types of development without applying for planning permission. Claire’s project, which involved extending her kitchen and adding a small outbuilding, fell comfortably within these rights.
“I spent a lot of time on the Planning Portal’s Interactive House tool,” Claire explained. “It really helped me understand what I could and couldn’t do without needing to apply for planning permission.”
The Role of Building Regulations
However, Claire soon realised that avoiding planning permission was just one piece of the puzzle. “Whilst you may not need planning permission for some projects, there is still a legal requirement to get building regulations approval for works involving structural changes,” she pointed out.
Claire’s project involved structural changes, which meant she needed to submit a building control application before any work could commence. “I think this is where a lot of people get tripped up,” she said. “You assume that if you don’t need planning permission, you can just go ahead. But that’s not the case.”
The Application Process
The process of obtaining building regulations approval was more detailed than Claire had anticipated. “I had to provide comprehensive plans and specifications for the work,” she recalled. “It wasn’t just a matter of saying, ‘I’m building an extension.’ They needed to know exactly how it was going to be built, what materials would be used, and how it would adhere to safety standards.”
Claire submitted her application online, which she found relatively straightforward. “The local council’s Building Control webpages were quite helpful. They provided clear guidelines on what was required.”
Inspections and Compliance
Once her application was approved, Claire’s project was subject to several inspections. “The inspectors came out at different stages of the build to ensure everything was up to code,” she said. “It was a bit nerve-wracking, but I understood the necessity. They were looking out for my safety and the structural integrity of my home.”
One of the critical points of inspection was the foundation work. “They checked the depth and quality of the foundations before we could proceed with the walls,” Claire explained. “Any issues at this stage could have caused significant delays.”
Navigating Challenges
Claire’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. “We did hit a few snags,” she admitted. “For instance, there was an issue with the insulation we initially chose. It didn’t meet the required thermal performance standards, so we had to switch to a different type.”
Despite these hiccups, Claire found the building control officers to be supportive and helpful. “They weren’t there to trip us up; they genuinely wanted to help us get it right,” she said. “Their guidance was invaluable.”
Article 4 Directions and Ecological Considerations
Claire also touched upon Article 4 Directions, which can remove Permitted Development Rights for specific areas or properties. “Thankfully, our area wasn’t affected by any Article 4 Directions, but it’s something we had to check,” she noted.
Additionally, she highlighted the importance of considering ecological impacts. “We did a Wildlife Assessment Check to ensure there were no protected species in our build area,” Claire said. “It’s easy to overlook these things, but they can have serious legal implications.”
Reflecting on the Experience
Looking back, Claire expressed satisfaction with how the project turned out. “It was a learning curve, for sure,” she said. “But understanding the balance between Permitted Development Rights and building regulations made all the difference. It ensured our extension was not only legally compliant but also safe and well-constructed.”
Her advice to others considering similar projects? “Do your homework. Make use of the resources available, like the Planning Portal and your local council’s websites. And don’t underestimate the importance of building regulations—they’re there for a reason.”
Claire’s experience serves as a valuable reminder that while Permitted Development Rights can simplify the planning process, they do not eliminate the need for due diligence. Building regulations approval is a crucial step in ensuring that your dream project stands the test of time.
Kenneth George
Be the first to comment