Planing permission

[leftie]

Does anybody know whether the fact a house has previously stood on a site will make it easier to get a new permission to build?

There is a plot of land I have an eye on which had a house on the site until the early 60's when it was demolished after a fire. Since then it has been left to become overgrown and the land used to graze cows. I think the chances of getting permission to build on it as a greenfield site are about nil, but the old house was a substantial building and the garden walls and landscaping is still there.

Any builders or planner know if there is an exemption or special scheme to rebuild, even after 40 years?

[rolyrat]

No, i lied. according to mother, who is a planner, it is now classed as a new build. So no easier. Sorry.

>> Edited by rolyrat on Wednesday 28th December 18:55

[Piglet]

I think the only think that might save you (and I don't have a planning book at home) is if the previous use of the site has not been abandoned - but from what you've said that sounds a bit tenuous. It might be worth digging into though.

[A911DOM]

Sorry to sneak in on the thread, but can I simply tare down my wooden front porch and put one of the same size (brick/upvc) without gaining any permissions?

Thanks
Dom

[tvrgit]

It is not a "greenfield" site - it had a previous use and is therefore "brownfield" - that is at least one step closer, ie a site that has had a previous use, and is not therefore "green".

The fact that the old use ceased so long ago is not helpful - the more recent the previous use, the easier the argument - but do not refer to the site as "greenfield", even in conversation with the Council, from the start - don't give them the idea that it is.

Itemise exactly what is still there - you mention garden walls and landscaping. What about drains / sewer connections, wall foundations, floor slabs? Or service connections (water gas electic) even if disused? The more that is still in place, the more the "brownfield" argument applies.

[Piglet]

The other thing that is worth doing is looking at your Local Plan - you should be able to see it at your local council office or alternatively you may find it in the library. This will show you what areas your council feel are "developable" and what aren't.

[leftie]

Piglet said:

The other thing that is worth doing is looking at your Local Plan - you should be able to see it at your local council office or alternatively you may find it in the library. This will show you what areas your council feel are "developable" and what aren't.

I think they say 'we intend to leave everything as it is for ever'. We even had to get permission to trim the bushes on a local footpath.

[Yugguy]

Feel free to remove small amounts of material from any object you desire.

[MikeyT]

A911DOM said:

Sorry to sneak in on the thread, but can I simply tare down my wooden front porch and put one of the same size (brick/upvc) without gaining any permissions? Thanks Dom

As a rule of thumb I think you can, as long as the building is not listed and you are not in a conservation area.

Usual caveats apply etc