Wilkobury

Hi All, So I've decided to refurbish the existing house on my plot following two failed applications and appeals to demolish and build two properties. I have checked the LPA's website and there are no article 4's removing permitted development in the conservation area. All that I want to do is the following work: 1. Turn the integral garage into a kitchen/dining room (knock through from the kitchen, replace garage door with a window - window will match other existing windows) 2. Hack off the existing render which is blown and re-render (but with two different render colours - nothing too crazy, just a dark grey/black render on one or two flanks and the rest white render). 3. Re-landscape my garden and have a secluded car park area possibly with a car port. I believe that all of the above comes under permitted development and that all that I need is to do a notice to Building control for regs. If I want to, I can get a Lawful Development Cert - but I'm not intending to as it stands. Be good to hear any words of warning if any.... Thanks

Guys, One further question. Has anyone got any experience of making a formal complaint about their LPA to the Local Government Ombudsman? I have received some advice that this may be another route to take as there may have been Malpractice by the LPA when making the decision. What are the positives and negatives? Could I be awarded costs from the Ombudsman?

Hi Guys, Thanks very much for the feedback. I wrote and led the appeal, so the buck stops with me. I am considering resubmitting using my free go and also looking at other options. Unfortunately, my local Councillor is one of the objectors. There is a strong nimby contingent.

I wish there was, Ian. We have been trying to compromise with them for four years. They were very helpful during the first pre-app, but their stance changed after locals put lots of objections in at the first full application (due to the positions within the Local Council of some of the objectors perhaps...) We've tried to compromise with the locals also, but they do not want to speak as they only want to see the existing house replaced, not an additional dwelling. The frustrating thing was, more than one of the LPA's officers told me it was big enough for two detached at the first pre-app and they even drew what would be acceptable to put in for planning!

Hi guys, After going to ebuild and finding that it was closed, I managed to find you all again. My last post link below gives the background to my case. http://www.ebuild.co.uk/topic/19183-which-drawings-will-the-inspector-determine-on/ I got the appeal decision yesterday and the Inspector decided to dismiss our appeal, in summary: 1. Inspector said he could not rule on revision A drawings as the LPA had not issued them to third parties for comment. 2. Insepctor said that he could not comment on revision A drawings as it would fetter the LPA's discretion in any future applications. The reason he dismissed our appeal was the scale and mass of the proposal (which we had dealt with in revision A, but of course, he did not decide on that and would not comment). He concluded that there was no harm to neighbouring properties, but stated that there was harm to the conservation area in terms of the "environmental dimensions" (I don't know what this means?) The LPA had already told us that they would refuse our revision A drawings for exactly the same reasons as the original submission hence why we didn't go for a resubmission when they refused and went straight to appeal asking the PINS to rule on revision A. I understand that the PINS decision is final and I don't intend to go to the High Court. I spoke to PINS customer services this morning and the advisor was very helpful. She said that I can write to their quality team with any queries that I have, but she cannot tell me whether I will get a response to my questions. I am considering whether I should use my free re-submission to resubmit the revision A drawings (so they can go out to third parties), but the LPA already made their mind up to refuse these when they told us they would have refused for the same reasons. I submitted my appeal on 31 Jan and got the decision yesterday (11 August). It's a long process. Am I likely to get anymore out of the PINS? Do I have a case against the LPA for Malpractice since they gave me an Extension of Time to consider my revised plans and then ignored it? Thanks in advance.