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Planning Permission

Whether you are planning to extend up, out or down, it is always best to check with your local Council's planning department as to whether you need planning permission before embarking on any kind of building project.

You are allowed to make certain minor alterations and extensions to your home without applying for planning permission, under permitted development rights.

If planning permission is required, ask for an application form, find out how many copies of the form you will need to return, and what the application fee will be.

Ask the planners if they anticipate any difficulties that could be overcome by amending your proposal at an early stage. Changes later could increase the cost of your professional fees.

Decide what type of application to make. Usually this will be a full planning application, but if you want to see what the Council feels about your proposed work before investing in detailed drawings you may choose to submit an outline application first.

Your application should be considered within eight weeks.

If planning permission is refused or conditions imposed, the Council must give reasons. Ask the planning department if changing your plans would make a difference. You may be allowed to submit another application with modified plans, free of charge, within twelve months of the original decision.

You also have the right of appeal to the Planning lnspectorate within six months of the date of the Council's notice of decision.

If you build something that requires planning permission without first obtaining permission, you may be forced to put things right later at your own cost. You may even be required to remove an unauthorised building.

Further information is available at www.onlineplanningoffices.co.uk or request The Planning Inspectorate's free booklet Planning, a Guide for Householders by phoning 0870 1226 236. If you live in Northern Ireland, find out more at www.planningni.gov.uk.