Planning permission- can I bend it?

[chocolateshoes]

We live in a barn conversion and had to apply for planning oermission to put in timber bifold doors. We have just been granted our permission but in the meantime have decided we would like aluminuim bifolds. Do you think we could just put aluminuim bifolds in instead? Is this a big risk? Will anyone come and check?

It is a big risk and I personally wouldn't do it. Where I am, aluminium would be unlikely to be passed on a barn conversion- it's about keeping its character and using traditional materials.

If you plan on selling its likely to also be picked up.

Thanks OB. I wonder if we can ask planning or if we'd have to submit another application

Give them a call- it usually depends on how strict they are. Worth a chat though.

Just ask planning. You probably don't need another application.

A couple of years ago, we did some building work, and had to change the position of an external door. Some nosy neighbours complained, and a planning inspector came round. They just asked us to provide drawings of the alteration.

Obviously, they might also say no, so I wouldn't buy your doors until you have their agreement.

What about having aluminum bi folds in a wood colour ? If its about blending in, should be fine ?

A friend has wooden doors & they are not great - expanding & contracting with weather & drafty.

Thanks everyone. I emailed them this morning and the reply sounded very negative. I wonder if I dare ring as well!

You might have to resubmit another application. Depending on if you're in am conservation area etc. they always sound bloody negative though! They told us we would 'never' get our planning past and it sailed through with no objections!

I would check with planning. Also are you in a conservation area?
We have recently converted a barn/bakery which is not listed but in a conservation area. We have installed large sliding doors with aluminium frames.

We had to get the conservation officer to approve all of the materials we were using on the exterior (part of the planning approval) but he could not insist that we used timber.

Our doors are very large but the frames are black and the barn is clad in traditional looking black painted boards so it all fits in very well, but it does look quite modern.

You may need to submit a new drawing for approval (rather than a full application) that shows the changes, as I believe you now must build to your approved drawings and submit any changes for approval.