Planning permission about to expire Post Reply

[Tilly&Roo]

Our new house had planning permission in place when we bought it however it is due to expire in a couple of months. The permission stipulates that work must have commenced before the expiry date. We are in a position to start work fairly soon but maybe not by the expiry date and we would ideally like to change a few things on the planning permission. Does anyone know how much work needs to have started? Would just starting to get builders on site be sufficient? Is it possible to get an extension to the permission? Can we start work and then apply for changes to the planning permission? It's a bit more complex than a standard conversion. The house is in Wandsworth.

Thanks

[SW12dadfincladviser]

Hi - certainly have a chat with Philip Nicholson (from Architectural Services Group) on 07836 336467 - he knows and understands the rules in Wandsworth well so can answer your questions and advise on the next best steps.

[jonathan @ hamptons]

Hi Tilly&Roo,

It sounds like an obvious question but have you spoken to the council? Unlike many boroughs I've had experience with, Wandsworth tend to be pretty approachable and friendly. As a general rule of thumb, unless your planning permission would be considered quite contentious, they will generally be quite open to either extending the planning permission or asking you to re-apply and they will just rubber stamp it. If it's more complicated than that then as SW12dad says, a local planning consultant might be a better route.

Jonathan

[Jazx68]

We've had a similar issue. You can solve this quite easily without spending a small fortune. Definitely speak to the local Building Control at the council and ask what is the minimum work which needs to be carried out in order to permanently keep open your planning permission - explaining that you will wish to commence work soon but you just don't have a set date yet. You carry out the work (in our case laying 1.5 m of drainage pipe), Building Control inspects and approves the work, and that you have commenced work. Your PP is now permanent and you will not need to renew, as work has commenced. Finishing the work is kind of open ended, commencement is not.

I suspect it really depends on what your PP involves but there should be a way to commence without major works. Ours was a conversion on a lIsted building, so the drainage was an easy commencement and was part of the approved PP. As Building Control have to sign off on any new work, they are the best ones to ask about this. I believe from memory it has to be 'new' work rather than repairs/renovations.

Here is a link that gives you simple(limited) information. See "Starting to build where Full Planning Permission or Reserved Matters has been granted" There's more information out there but this will get you started. https://www.planningni.gov.uk/index/adv ... opment.htm