"Free Go" planning application queries

[Deejay_2]

We received planning approval in June 2022 for a double garage with granny accommodation attached at the bottom of our garden.  We managed to obtain Building Regs approval just before the June 2022 changes.  We would like to make some changes, mostly the positioning of a couple of doors and windows, but also increasing the double garage space by bringing it forward 1 metre.  This will enable us to make better use of the rear of the garage and provide better access to the loft space, even though it is only for storage.

 

1  I emailed the Planning Officer (Conservation Area) who said these changes would not fall within a Non Material Amendment application and would require a new planning application mainly because of the extra metre to the garage. This app would be free as it falls within the 12 month period from the original approval. 

 

2   If we do this, as the changes are minimal, does anyone know whether we have to do a new submission to Building Control.  The plans will be almost the same.  We have paid for all the inspections already and hope to get the footings done in April 2023.

 

I really thought this would be a NMA and am not looking forward to going through the planning process again.

 

Thanks for any help.

 

 

 

[nod]

Unless a neighbor has a valid objection it’s usually straight forward 

No you won’t have to make a new BC submission 

Just send them the amended drawing once passed 

[Deejay_2]

16 hours ago, nod said:

Unless a neighbor has a valid objection it’s usually straight forward 

No you won’t have to make a new BC submission 

Just send them the amended drawing once passed 

Thank you - that's very helpful.

 

We had to lower the roof considerably during the original planning process.  I obtained some sketch plans from a roof truss company and briefly it appears that raising the roof by half a metre would provide "habitable" space say for a spare bedroom.   We are not sure whether to include this on the new application or leave it until the build has progressed and then go back with a Section 73 application. 

I

The current changes we are envisioning are not contentious and I would be surprised if we received objections.  However the increased roof height might attract the attention of the Parish Council and presumably if they objected this would scupper any further application in the future.

 

Does anyone have any thoughts or previous experience on this.  

 

Thanks again for any help.

[DevilDamo]

If they object, the Planning Officer would have to see whether that objection stood and had any valid grounds.

 

Although it has already been answered, you would just submit revised drawings to Building Control under the current application. If the floor area has changed for example, it may warrant additional fees as their fees are usually based on floor area. Unless they have calculated the fees another way but it’s all relative. 

[patp]

Having served on our Parish Council I can tell you that most are lay people who know nothing about planning regs. They may, indeed, object but the objection has to be a valid one. It cannot just be a spiteful "we don't like it" kind of objection or it will be ignored.