EnglishFlynn

footings were poured and was signed off by building control, was also uploaded to the planning reference as supporting documentation. Hopefully all should be okay

Unfortunately, on top of this, we want to increase the ground floor ceiling height (currently 2109mm) which is allocated for parking to 2300mm for provisions to possibly add 2 flats to the ground floor too. Ive tried to contact the council over the phone and email to see if we would be able to make these changes without a new application but they usually just redirect me to the website, maybe i should try to get in direct contact with a planning officer and see their opinions on whether it would require a full new planning app. Ideally we would build out the current planning while making sure they still comply with regs and after we get them signed off, apply for a 2m extension out the back to increase the size of the units, however, doing this in retrospect will massively interfere with the current roof design and wouldnt really be feasable. In essence, the options are to build out the current specification while cooperating with the council to build them closer to current regs without having to apply for a full application, or we completely reapply, build the flats to the current regs and try to increase the footprint as much as possible. For reference, the current plans offer 6 flats, 44sqm 2 bed, 37sqm 1 bed, 2 x 33sqm 2 bed and 2 x 28 sqm 1 bed. If we were able to extend out the plans, we might be able to achieve 8 flats, 3 x 40sqm 1 bed, 3 x 50sqm 2 bed, 2 x 35sqm 1 bed. The more i work through it in my head, the more it makes sense to reapply with fresh plans, the cost isnt the issue at the moment but the time itll take to get a decision. Thank you for your input too, its made me think and ill more than likely get in direct contact with a planning officer

from what i can see, once a material start is made, there doesnt seem to be an expiry. I absolutely want to take it back through planning to deliver some great units at the end, i just know if the current permission is still valid, it gives us more leverage with the planning officer. Also, as the sound proofing between flat requirement has changed, each ceiling will need another 100mm of sound insulation, were more than happy to comply but dont want the council having issues with the roof height increase etc.

Everything ive seen suggests that we would be able to build it out (if we wanted to). We really want to improve the scope of the plot and as we are keeping the units once completed, its in our best interest to make it as well insulated and well built as possible. I just want to know if we technically 'can' build it out as it gives a bigger lever to pull on when we reapply and gives a fall back option. I just thought it was an interesting situation

Hi everyone, I'm in the process of purchasing a plot with permission to build a block of small flats, ranging from 54 sqm for two-bedroom units to 28 sqm for one-bedroom units. The planning application was submitted and approved in 2008/9, and a material start was made (footings were poured). However, minimum size requirements have changed significantly since then. For reference, there's permission to build a 27.5 sqm GIA one-bedroom flat on the first floor, accompanied by a 34 sqm two-bedroom flat (it gets worse). On the second floor, the footprint remains the same, but the roof starts pitching at about 1.45 meters up the wall. While this is technically usable, it still restricts the overall space further (dormers are also implemented). I'm currently trying to decide whether to take the project back through planning. The plot is small, but I believe it could be further optimized to increase the GIA of the first and second floors to around 90 sqm, split between two flats (a 50/40 split for a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom). If we were to push the footprint back by 2 meters, because of the shape of the plot the building would pinch the boundary to provide approximately 1.3 meters of access at its narrowest point and 3-4 meters at its widest point. There will be 3 floors of living space, GF, FF, SF and don't know whether the planning officer will see it as overbearing as its so close to the boundary. For more context, it backs onto a commercial unit that is a little run down so hopefully we wont have any trouble pushing closer to the boundary. One question I have is: if a material start was made, proof submitted to the council, and building control signed off on it, are we still allowed to build under the current planning permission to the existing specifications? While I believe we'll likely take it back through planning, the process is lengthy and expensive, so I'm just trying to weigh all the options. Additionally, does anyone have experience with mortgaging units this small? I assume it would require a specialist lender. On top of all this, I believe we're in a unique position with the local planning committee. We could build out the current application and offer substandard-sized housing, or they could allow us to work with them to develop a superior project that would benefit everyone involved. Just hoping to hear some opinions on this. Thanks in advance!

We do have CIL on anything over 10 units, if we reapply, itll be for 8 so hopefully no issues haha Very worse case we have the initial application to fall back on though!

Just emailed them with the subject title 'Inquiry Regarding Variation of Condition (Section 73) Application' So hopefully we will see. Thanks for your response!

'Hi, I think altering the roof heights would require a full app rather than a variation - did the planning consultant suggest a variation app' As the initial plans were hand drawn theyre recommending a full redraw and have quoted a bunch of money for what seems like a relatively small change. Ive just emailed the local planning office so will await a response, as for the 'report of handling' i have looked through the planning application and everything i can see suggests the roof height has never been a major factor and all the surrounding buildings are taller. Hopefully the planning office will get back to me and give a formal, informal decision haha Many thanks for your input too!

Hi everyone, Ive got a plot that has permission granted for 2009 that has a material start so its sill valid. Were wanting to increase the roof height by ~500mm on plans that already have a finished roof height of ~8m. Does anyone know whether id need a new full application or whether i could amend current plans to push the roof height up, architect is quoting £5-7K for a new full planning app. Based in south west if that makes any difference Many thanks

Sounds like a mega deal, will you be building up the second plot once youve lived in the current one for a few years?

Also what did you pay for the plot out of that 550??

Damn, did you use dev finance or were you able to self fund?

The plot has been on the market for 4-5 months already so its clearly not a crazy deal, just trying to get an idea for the next one that comes up. Also the most painful part is the development finance, i think qs ing the build at the right price will allow us to take some wage as we build it too. definitely will bear in mind professional fees too

Using £1000 m2 should be a better bench mark as its more recent, this was around about what i was expecting

For the project to be worth it, id need to be on the lower end, although this one is fairly straight forward