R L Planning
Published: 25 January 2024
Reading Time: 3 minutes 10 seconds
Guest Post by: R L Planning
Positive Collaboration with Planners
A Garden Room is an exciting project and having a Planning consultancy involved right at the beginning of your journey is essential. We can incorporate your vision, preferences, and practical needs into the design whilst adhering to Planning rules and policies.
Missing out this first step is like getting on a train without looking at a timetable and, if we can push the analogy further, the destination might not be what you want and you will have missed opportunities along the way!
At R L Planning, we are well-equipped to assist you through the entire process. We specialise in detached buildings and offer a Personalised Planning Strategy before preparing and managing an Application on your behalf.
Complexities and Misconceptions
Navigating the Government’s Planning rules can certainly be daunting. Furthermore, misunderstandings and misconceptions can lead to unexpected problems, especially if the Enforcement department gets involved.
Over-simplified claims that a 2.5m high flat roof avoids the need for a Planning Application are common. We caution against being misled by this and it is important to understand that the regulations are far more intricate. Each property is unique and we ensure that our clients make informed decisions based on their own property’s circumstances and Planning history.
Experts In Our Field (Your Garden)
We have a wealth of expertise and experience to draw on. With an MA postgraduate degree in Town Planning behind us, we have detailed knowledge of the Government’s legislation. Collectively our team has more than 25 years’ experience, both in the Public and Private sector.
As part of Council Development Management teams, we have assessed and determined thousands of Applications. This hands-on Case Officer role has given us a nuanced understanding of the inner workings of the process. Without doubt, it is a distinct advantage that helps us have an exceptionally high success rate.
Legal Certificates and Permissions
We can advise you - or your client - on how to take advantage of ‘Permitted Development’ rights and obtain a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC). Alternatively, we can help obtain Planning Permission if this is the route you need or want to take. For those living in a Listed Building or a Conservation Area, we can prepare a Heritage Impact Assessment to accompany all our drawings and documents.
An LDC can be a great option for many projects that fit within the ‘Permitted Development’ parameters. It serves as a legal affirmation that local Planning Permission is unnecessary. No consultations are carried out and so neighbours can’t object. The Certificate gives you TOTAL peace of mind at the time of your investment and is a valuable document when you decide to sell your property too. As part of our Personalised Planning Strategy, we check site-specific restrictions for you (e.g. imposed Conditions and Article 4 Directions) to ensure you still have all your ‘Permitted Development’ rights intact.
Our ability to anticipate and address potential issues early on can save both time and money. In the example below, we were able to advise our client that they were incorrectly assuming the principal elevation was the line furthest forward. Shifting the proposed Garden Room backwards (to avoid the red area) meant that their LDC was issued without delay.
The Planning Application route is more involved, but it does allow you to think beyond the constraints of the ‘Permitted Development’ criteria and results in a more ambitious project. It can provide more flexibility in terms of design, height, use, and position - giving you a Garden Room that perfectly complements your home and better aligns with your requirements.
For those considering a home gym, the ability to incorporate a high ceiling can be a game-changer. A spacious, well-ventilated environment with a generous height creates an optimal setting for physical activity, enhancing the quality and ambience of the exercise space. This is one of our most commonly requested priorities and we can help you maximise your building’s key dimensions.
Our Efficient Online Service Covers All of England
We understand that once you have decided to purchase a Garden Room you want to enjoy the extra space as soon as you can, and that’s why offer a streamlined online service. All our clients have their very own webpage which provides real-time updates on their project’s progress.
With decades of experience and a proven track record of successful Applications, we enjoy navigating the complexities of the Planning system to secure the optimal outcome for clients. We can advise on different options before producing scaled drawings and preparing supporting statements for an Application.
No matter where you are located in England, you can access our expertise and support. If you are interested in our service we would love to hear from you via our website - rlplanningconsultants.com.
