Written by Rebecca Keeshan, Partner
Rebecca Keeshan, Partner at Humphries Kirk’s Swanage office provides advice and guidance through the pitfalls of Planning Permission and Building Control.
Planning Permission/ Approval
Planning Permission or Approval is provided by your local council.
Planning is about the use of land and space locally. Most major changes to buildings are likely to need Planning Permission.
You may not need Planning Permission for most internal alterations, some extensions, loft conversions and some garages. If in doubt consult your Solicitor or Local Authority.
The Permitted Development classification means that you do not need to apply formally for planning approval. Policies regarding Permitted Development have been widened recently. Your solicitor or the local council will be available to advise you if you do need Planning Permission. Simple things like local policies, the appearance, the colour and match of bricks and tiles should all be considered as potentially needing Planning Permission.
Not all properties have permitted development rights.
Planning permission can take at least 8 weeks, so allow for that and make sure it doesn’t hold up your project.
Building Control
Building Regulations are legal minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings.
These regulations help to ensure health and safety in and around buildings. Changes to the structure and layout of a building will often require you to comply with building regulations, requiring a formal application to be made, even if Planning Permission is not required. Your local authority building control team and its surveyors are there to help you and protect you from inadvertent unsafe practices.
Even if no Planning Permission is required for a permitted development, Building Regulations may well still apply.
For further information, please contact Rebecca Keeshan in the property team on 01929 423301 or email r.keeshan@hklaw.uk. Humphries Kirk has offices in Wareham, Swanage, Dorchester, Crewkerne, Poole, Parkstone, Bournemouth and Cranborne Chase.
