Planning Applications, PD and the like (General Chat)

[George from SJM Planning]

Hi all, happy Christmas etc!!

I have planning under class q for a steel portal frame, however since taking down adjoining barn it has a much better aspect on one side. I would like to increase the window size, and I would like to change the internal layout, happy to keep same room dimensions but just with the communal rooms being in the area with better view and the bedrooms where the communal area was.

It's a condition for me to have zinc roof, and my plans the sides as timber clad to upper elevations (previously fibre cement). However I think continuing the zinc would make sense rather than introduce new material. Is this going to be a problem.

I had hoped to start groundworks in the next couple of weeks. How do I go about permission for the above or can I get it retrospectively once build complete/underway?

Class Q is for Change of Use from Agricultural to Residential; the plans are informative only so you can do as you wish really. This is largely untested though as rarely do conversions take a different appearance to that submitted as part of the Class Q. Just check the prior approval decision and make sure it doesn't say that it must be constructed as per the submitted drawings.

 

[barnfield]

Class Q is for Change of Use from Agricultural to Residential; the plans are informative only so you can do as you wish really. This is largely untested though as rarely do conversions take a different appearance to that submitted as part of the Class Q. Just check the prior approval decision and make sure it doesn't say that it must be constructed as per the submitted drawings.

Thanks that was so quick! This is what it says in my decision notice...

 

[George from SJM Planning]

Thanks that was so quick! This is what it says in my decision notice...

In that is case I would recommend submitting amended plans and materials under a Non-Material Amendment application. Very straightforward to do, but as the existing permission does state the plans and materials to be adhered to then you need to get any amendments approved.

 

[George from SJM Planning]

Thanks that was so quick! This is what it says in my decision notice...

Only that quick because we are closed over Christmas so I am at home!

 

[barnfield]

Only that quick because we are closed over Christmas so I am at home!

Last question... Does this stop me from starting site works- will be a fair while before I'm at internal fitting and window stage, or can I work away on things to the current spec whilst the application is in and considered. Thanks!

 

[George from SJM Planning]

Last question... Does this stop me from starting site works- will be a fair while before I'm at internal fitting and window stage, or can I work away on things to the current spec whilst the application is in and considered. Thanks!

No you can crack on with anything that will not be affected by the changes.

 

[robin banks]

I have been asked to do a build job in the south east UK. Mate bought a property which was a barn and it has planning to be converted to a house. Planning seems broad enough just stipulates to use single glazed windows which council have to approve first. Nothing else is mentioned much.
I am not used to uk system. What is the process. In Ireland I would need to submit detailed build drawings done by engineer/architect specifying insulation etc and have them approved. Few years ago it was different and just submit commencement notice and build away.
In the UK does a conversion like this need to have a certain energy rating/airtightness etc.
Does it have to have a green energy heating system or can you still use oil.
When it's finished does it need to have someone inspect and sign off the works.
I am not worried about not being paid etc. I am more worried about doing the job and finding out after it's not in compliance due to something silly from not knowing the rules.
It's pretty remote place and neighbour said lock the gate and work away.

 

[George from SJM Planning]

I have been asked to do a build job in the south east UK. Mate bought a property which was a barn and it has planning to be converted to a house. Planning seems broad enough just stipulates to use single glazed windows which council have to approve first. Nothing else is mentioned much.
I am not used to uk system. What is the process. In Ireland I would need to submit detailed build drawings done by engineer/architect specifying insulation etc and have them approved. Few years ago it was different and just submit commencement notice and build away.
In the UK does a conversion like this need to have a certain energy rating/airtightness etc.
Does it have to have a green energy heating system or can you still use oil.
When it's finished does it need to have someone inspect and sign off the works.
I am not worried about not being paid etc. I am more worried about doing the job and finding out after it's not in compliance due to something silly from not knowing the rules.
It's pretty remote place and neighbour said lock the gate and work away.

I would suggest you contact my colleague Michael Stevens. He is the Technical Manager for SJM Projects, they deal with all the post planning technical aspects of builds, building control etc. They are based in West Kent. [email protected].

 

[br jones]

I have been asked to do a build job in the south east UK. Mate bought a property which was a barn and it has planning to be converted to a house. Planning seems broad enough just stipulates to use single glazed windows which council have to approve first. Nothing else is mentioned much.
I am not used to uk system. What is the process. In Ireland I would need to submit detailed build drawings done by engineer/architect specifying insulation etc and have them approved. Few years ago it was different and just submit commencement notice and build away.
In the UK does a conversion like this need to have a certain energy rating/airtightness etc.
Does it have to have a green energy heating system or can you still use oil.
When it's finished does it need to have someone inspect and sign off the works.
I am not worried about not being paid etc. I am more worried about doing the job and finding out after it's not in compliance due to something silly from not knowing the rules.
It's pretty remote place and neighbour said lock the gate and work away.

Also talk to the building inspector first ,,to get the regs or whoever drew the plans to do the regs

 

[Kidds]

I have found my local council building inspector to be incredibly helpful. Planning dept just dont want you to do anything, building control just want you to build it to correct standard and do what they can to help.

 

[robin banks]

Thanks very much. I knew it can't be a free for all. Does anyone care to tell me what would happen if only part of the house was done up at first. Its a pretty big house at 400m2 and in 2 distinct parts although has planning as one house. But he may need to get it livable and then refinance with another lender. And then he will have enough to finish it off properly.

 

[br jones]

Thanks very much. I knew it can't be a free for all. Does anyone care to tell me what would happen if only part of the house was done up at first. Its a pretty big house at 400m2 and in 2 distinct parts although has planning as one house. But he may need to get it livable and then refinance with another lender. And then he will have enough to finish it off properly.

There is also some new rules in england that are coming in now (jan 1 st ) so your new regs will comply to those ,insulation are 1 big thing ,suds another ,they like you to try to obtain the best epc rating possible ,so more green energy stuff you put ,ie ashp ,gshp, solar etc all counts toward epc rating .

 

[Still Farming]

There is also some new rules in england that are coming in now (jan 1 st ) so your new regs will comply to those ,insulation are 1 big thing ,suds another ,they like you to try to obtain the best epc rating possible ,so more green energy stuff you put ,ie ashp ,gshp, solar etc all counts toward epc rating .

What about sprinkler systems etc too

 

[br jones]

What about sprinkler systems etc too

I dont know if they have become compulsory in england ,wales yes

 

[holwellcourtfarm]

I dont know if they have become compulsory in england ,wales yes

Not in single dwellings, only in "houses of multiple occupation" I believe.

 

[George from SJM Planning]

With everything that needs

Not in single dwellings, only in "houses of multiple occupation" I believe.

That is my understanding too

 

[Warnesworth]

Hi @George from SJM Planning
slightly off topic but do you know if this PD was amended, or does the requirement for prior approval to happen before 1st October 2020 still apply?

Amendments in relation to change of use of light industrial to dwellinghouses
8. In Part 3 of Schedule 2, after Class P insert—


“Class PA – premises in light industrial use to dwellinghouses

Permitted development
PA. Development consisting of a change of use of a building and any land within its curtilage from a use falling within Class B1(c) (light industrial) of the Schedule to the Use Classes Order to a use falling within Class C3 (dwellinghouses) of that Schedule.

Thanks
James

 

[George from SJM Planning]

As I understand it Class PA must have been approved prior to 1st October. In effect Class PA is now defunct.

 

[Warnesworth]

As I understand it Class PA must have been approved prior to 1st October. In effect Class PA is now defunct.

Many thanks

 

[TheBouncing BogTrotter]

Quick query - we will be asking our Planning Department next week: field has an existing gateway onto the road, is planning permission/consent needed to widen the entrance and put down a non-permeable track surface about 50metres long to give improved access? There is no hard surface track there currently.

Thank you