Paint vs Timber

[learner]

Hi Experts

 

The council said in planning permission  I have to paint the timber cladding white to fit with the local environment, even though there are very few white houses in the local area like this.

I am in conservation area and next door is a dreaded listed building.

I have treated the timber in wood stain at the road facing front and the neighbours and i love it. White else where.

 

Question is, if they insist I paint it white how do I protest and do I have a chance of winning??

 

[Temp]

Planners rarely come and check unless someone complains. If there is a complaint the planners often feel obliged to get the situation "regularised". So they might send you a "notice of intended enforcement action". This may look scary but don't panic. If you get such a letter its important to contact them and ask them what they recommend you do.

 

It might be they would be happy to ammend your existing planning grant to allow the wood stain. In which case ask how you go about getting that done. Can you just apply for a non-material ammendment? 

 

If they really insist you paint it white you could wait for them to actually issue an enforcement notice and then appeal it. Nothing happens immediately but there are deadlines for submitting appeals so dont put off responding. Its also possible to both appeal and apply for permission for the change at the same time. If permission for the change is refused you can appeal that decision as well.

 

I think if they start insisting it's white I would discuss the issue with a planning consultant as to which is the best route to take. In the end it might come down to how much you want to spend as applications and appeals all have fees.

[SteamyTea]

Wax the woodstain, slap some cheap white paint in it.

Then let it 'weather'.

 

[ToughButterCup]

Hello @learner.

Forget it, until you get a sh1tty letter. Then do as @Temp suggests and do your very best to avoid setting a date for the agreed action.

Then forget it again. 

Until you get another sh1tty letter. 

Then do your very best to .... 

 

That is what is happening right next door to me and 6 years later nothing - not a thing - has happened. Enforcement sounds nasty, but , locally at least, it's  toothless

 

BTW, we aren't experts. Just hard-bitten 

Edited March 17, 2022 by ToughButterCup

[bassanclan]

If the neighbours are happy, just leave it. If they take "enforcement action" you can always apply for a minor amendment planning permission and if it matches surrounding properties you should win, if not then appeal, but all of this is very unlikely to occur.

[Mr Punter]

Be aware that any outstanding enforcement action will be discoverable when you come to sell or even mortgage.  If nobody complains you will not need to do anything.

[Temp]

This reminds me my shed is the wrong colour. Needed PP as it's in a conservation area. Planners said they wanted it painted barn black. I sent a sample painted with black paint from my kids paint set which they approved.  I actually painted it with Ronseal General Purpose Wood stain which is brown. Nobody has ever come to check or complained.

 

I think it will soon be too late for them to take enforcement action as they only have 10 years to enforce a breach of a planning condition. 

[learner]

Great feedback people...Thanks...