Can Planning Permission be Guaranteed?
The simple answer to this is No. However, there are ways of gauging the likelihood of success of an application. Some of the basic principles that can be considered are:
Reviewing Recent Applications; This is a good indicator to see how favourably a Local Authority is to what you are proposing. A Design Consultant (Architect or otherwise) can review the planning portal and see what has been approved on your street and the surrounding area. If it’s clear that what you are thinking of doing is not too far away from recently approved schemes, it’s highly likely yours will too.
Adhering to Local Design Guides; Most Local Authorities will have guidelines which set out principles and approaches to development within the area. Complying with these guidelines is an easy way to tick all the boxes to gaining planning approval. The further a scheme deviates from some of these principles the more likely it may prove contentious. This is not to say it isn’t possible, but it will require more input at the design stage. Arranging a pre-application meeting with the Local Authority would be beneficial for the more adventurous schemes!
Making Your Mark at the Back; When it comes to the appearance of a proposal, the primary interest of the Local Authority is to maintain the character of the street. So if you’re thinking of going big and bold, express yourself at the back. A modern, contemporary single storey rear extension should have minimal objection as long as the scale is not detrimental to the neighbouring properties. If right of light issues to neighbouring properties have been dealt with, even a double storey rear extension shouldn’t raise too many objections.
Whilst Planning cannot be guaranteed, an Architect can help you to understand how planning policy and strategy may impact the likelihood of an approval for your project. For the bolder and more adventurous proposals, early engagement and consultation with the Local Authority can help to pave the way for a greater likelihood of success.