Pre-commencement conditions discharged. Can I crack on?

[flanagaj]

So our pre-commencement conditions have finally been discharged by planning.  We still have a few above slab conditions to get discharged, but these are not an immediate priority.
 

Our drawings have not been submitted to BC yet (in progress), but I was wondering whether I could now notify BC that we are commencing development.  I would like to clear the site ready to pull the footings and also get the TP and drainage field installed.

These are items, that do not form part of the structural warranty, but I am still unsure whether I receive a "go ahead document from planning", or whether I just make BC aware?

Edited Thursday at 13:16 by flanagaj

[JohnMo]

Clearing site has nothing to do with planning (assume you aren't taking down an existing building). It's just site or land maintenance. Again digging holes for whatever reason is just digging holes. Make sure no-one can fall in them, if staying open. We did loads of similar stuff prior to getting our building warrant.

 

The only things you are not allowed to do are foundations work as they are part of the legal process called planning and have to follow your legally approved drawings.

 

Our work start was a photo of a digger taking soil away for development of an access road, well before the building warrant was even applied for (building warrant is similar to building control drawings). Chat with who ever does your approval - Scotland is easy it's the council - not sure what England does?

 

 

[torre]

Don't forget to send your CIL commencement notice.

 

You should be fine to clear the site but If you're going down the full plans route for BC and haven't submitted yet I'd try and speak to them before doing anything else.

[Alan Ambrose]

>>> digging holes for whatever reason is just digging holes

 

I think thought that some LPAs, for CIL, use presence of heavy machinery as a proxy for start of development.

[flanagaj]

You guys keep giving me sleepless nights over CIL as I keep thinking I have missed something, or someone is trying to pull a fast one to catch me out.  I raised the payment of CIL and received the response below.

"Although the developments approved under both planning permissions 23/00259/FUL and the more recent 24/02890/FUL (each for a single dwelling) are technically CIL liable, single dwellings benefit from a £nil CIL charge at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)).  Therefore, in accordance with Regulation 67(1A)(b) of the CIL Regulations, a Commencement Notice is not required, and no further action (including the submission of any forms) is necessary in relation to these approvals and CIL, either before construction begins or after completion and occupation.

 

You may wish to discuss with your planning consultant the reason why a self-build exemption was indicated when completing CIL Form 1.  I can confirm, however, that no relief is required where no CIL is payable."