Outline planning permission advice...

[berry100]

Currently in process of selling our house, 3 bed semi at the end of a cul de sac, which has a plot of land at the side of approx 445 sq meters.

This has got us thinking that we should consider gaining some outline planning permission for building of 1 or 2 dwellings (both 3 bed homes)

Any advice from anyone on this and how best to approach it?

Initially we thought access was a problem as our house has an attached garage and the access to the side plot is currently approx one car wide, but having spoke to a couple of people, it was suggested we rebuild the garage further back (or state this in an application?) which would then give easy access approx 5 meters wide...

Thanks for any advice in advance...

[GuinnessMK]

Go for it.

If you can risk / speculate the cost of the architects fees / planning application.

I'd get a plan of your site / neighbours first. Head off down to the local planning dept and see if it's got legs first. It may be against policy in your area.

If you are designing to sell the plot with PP, don't pay architects fees, get an Architectural Technician to draw it up.

Where about's are you? What does a plot with PP go for? Are any plots with PP selling? Will you still be able to achieve your desired price for your existing house? It's value may come down, given that the garden will be smaller, it may become overlooked, and there will be building work going on for a while?

I'd be taking the sketch plans round the local estate agents to get some feedback from them before committing to anything.

[herbialfa]

Call your L.A. and arrange a meeting.

Discuss it with them to find out if a scheme would be acceptable.

If agreeable then start spending money!

Simples!

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

Usually a planning consultant with give you a free first consultation.

There's so much involved in an outline planning application these days you might as well go for full planning in some cases.

Where are you? The PH collective might be able to recommend someone close to you to help you.

[Sam_68]

Oi_Oi_Savaloy said:

There's so much involved in an outline planning application these days you might as well go for full planning in some cases.

Very definitely. Particularly on a small proposal like this: by the time you've provided them with all the information they require to convince them that they should grant an Outline, you might as well go the small extra step and provide detailed plans.

Outlines are still a valid approach if you're proposing 300+ units somewhere and you need to establish the principle, but for 2 or 3 houses you're just wasting your time... go for a detailed application from the outset.

[berry100]

Thanks for the advice so far, what's the best way to keep the costs down then in my approach to gaining the permission? Bearing in mind I'm doing it to sell both the property and land all in one go at a better price as I've come to realise the land could be worth a premium. Oh.....and the fact we're looking to move by June/July...ish.

[herbialfa]

Your looking at 8-10 weeks for Planning. So really make the call today to Planning and arrange a meeting early next week!

Then get your drawings and submit the application.

Thats if the Planning Officer thinks its a good idea!

Also if its for 2 dwellings that £335 x 2 for your Planning Fees!