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Original poster

Planning application - how long?

16 replies

Waitingfor2025 · 13/02/2021 01:17

Just wondering how long applications are taking in the current covid climate. We have just applied for a change of use to convert our garage to a much needed office space (both DH and I are fully remote for the foreseeable!)...for those who applied recently, how long did the process take?

OP posts:
DevilDamo · 13/02/2021 08:36

The majority of LPA’s are turning round decisions in the normal 8 week period. If it does go over, it may be 1-2wks. Assuming you were not able to utilise PD for the conversion?

Loofah01 · 13/02/2021 09:48

Your LPA gives a stated timeframe, my local one is 8-13 weeks with the aim of 8.

PresentingPercy · 13/02/2021 15:02

Do you need pp for that? Everyone does it around here! No pp. garages are considered residential and so is an office. So no change.

DevilDamo · 13/02/2021 16:20

@PresentingPercy

Do you need pp for that? Everyone does it around here! No pp. garages are considered residential and so is an office. So no change.
Not if PD rights have been removed.
Original poster
Waitingfor2025 · 13/02/2021 16:35

Well, apparently de do need a planning permission in our case due to restrictions around parking where we live! Extra cost really...Hmm

OP posts:
MarieG10 · 13/02/2021 16:35

3 months here due to Covid (no idea why!)

Logmein · 13/02/2021 18:58

Applied in end of last April, permission given in August so 16 weeks!

Original poster
Waitingfor2025 · 13/02/2021 21:17

Ok, so we might need to wait for a while...I ll try to find out the timeframe for around here. Also just another question: for those who when through the process, did you need detailed building reg drawings just to get a quote from a builder? Hmm my understanding is that you can just go down the building notice road? Our usual builder is insisting on these...

OP posts:
Ariela · 14/02/2021 00:07

One thing I will say is if they go over the 8 weeks time limit for householder applications there is then zero urgency for the council to consider making a decision (they are targeted vs the 8 weeks). We had this, still no decision after almost 7 months, then a refusal. I only found out later that you just appeal when the 8 weeks is up. We had to appeal anyway and it was passed , nothing complicated just a garden room no objections and 1 letter in support from the neighbour it would affect favourably meaning their garden less overlooked by ours. Never built it in the end as the planning took so long (well over a year with the appeal).

MarieG10 · 14/02/2021 08:03

Yes for ours, the builders all wanted detailed building regs drawings. Understandably the size of steels etc and foundations to support them could make a big difference to cost

irisetta · 14/02/2021 08:48

We submitted plans for our extension back in October 2020, a decision was due by January 21 but they are STILL being listed as "Under Consideration" on the portal... Architect said everything is taking much longer because of Covid. We are in Hertfordshire, may be different elsewhere!

DevilDamo · 14/02/2021 09:34

@Waitingfor2025

Ok, so we might need to wait for a while...I ll try to find out the timeframe for around here. Also just another question: for those who when through the process, did you need detailed building reg drawings just to get a quote from a builder? Hmm my understanding is that you can just go down the building notice road? Our usual builder is insisting on these...
Not sure why you needed to create two threads for more or less the same question...

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/property/4164815-Garage-conversion-building-regs

Loofah01 · 14/02/2021 10:02

@Waitingfor2025

Well, apparently de do need a planning permission in our case due to restrictions around parking where we live! Extra cost really...Hmm
If there are already parking restrictions you might find a garage conversion is tough to get past planning as it theoretically removes parking space and adds to the problem. There's an estate near us that has all PD rights removed and no garage conversions or extensions (due to other drainage issues) allowed. They buyers have mostly seemed to forget this while buying and are now quite upset at not being able to improve their homes much!
Original poster
Waitingfor2025 · 14/02/2021 18:28

Well one of our neighbours with exact house layout as ours was granted permission to for the exact thing we have in mind, so we are helpful! :) just hoping it won’t take too long to get a decision as we are desperate for a proper office space!

OP posts:
Avaganda · 15/02/2021 07:29

We submitted an application on 1st December and it was approved on 1st February. Pretty good considering Covid, Christmas and New Year!

Original poster
Waitingfor2025 · 15/02/2021 14:23

That’s very efficient @Avaganda considering the time of the year!

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