What is a Householder Planning Application?
A householder planning application is needed when an individual plans to alter or extend their home, including any works within the property’s boundary and/or curtilage. There are two types of householder planning application: outline planning permission and full planning application. It is best to consult a planning consultant and the local planning authority to determine the best approach.
A householder planning application is typically applied for projects such as loft conversions, dormer windows, conservatories, extensions, garages, car ports, and outbuildings. However, some types of development are covered under permitted development and a planning consultant can confirm if a householder planning application is needed.
The fee for a householder planning application varies depending on the type and scale of the proposed alteration/extension, with a typical fee in England of £206. This fee does not include the cost of producing the necessary planning application information.
Once a householder planning application is considered valid, the determination period begins and the application is placed on the planning register and given a reference number. Validation typically takes 3-5 days from receipt. Most householder planning applications are decided within 8 weeks, but larger or more complex developments may take up to 13 weeks. Delays can occur due to resource shortages in local planning authority teams.
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What is included in a Householder Planning Application?
A householder planning application typically requires the following information:
- Application form
- Ownership certificate (signed)
- Location plan, site plan, block plan, and elevations of the existing and proposed development
- Design and access statement
- Application fee
The application form, requires information such as:
- Applicant name and address
- Agent name and address
- Description of proposed works
- Site address details
- Pedestrian and vehicle access, roads, and rights of way
- Pre-application advice
- Trees and hedges
- Parking
- Authority employee/member
- Materials
- Ownership certificates and agricultural land declaration
- Declaration of requirements
- Applicant and agent contact details
- Site visit information
What happens when I obtain approval or are refused a householder planning application?
A formal decision notice will be issued once a decision has been made on a householder planning application. If the application is approved, works must commence within 3 years of the decision notice and may be subject to conditions that need to be discharged prior to or during development.
If the application is refused, the decision can be accepted and a new householder planning application can be submitted with amended development plans or an appeal can be launched if the refusal is deemed unfair or ungrounded within 3 months of the refusal.
Reasons for refusal include:
- Loss of light to neighboring properties
- Loss of privacy to neighboring properties
- Impact on nature/ecology
- Impact on listed building/building in a conservation area
- Design, choice of materials, and appearance
- Building layout
- Impact on parking, vehicle turning, etc.
- Relevant planning policies
What are the benefits of submitting a householder planning application?
The benefits of submitting a householder planning application include compliance with planning regulations and the potential for increased home value when selling property. If work is done without consent, a retrospective application may be required and could be refused.
Obtaining householder planning application can assist in obtaining a higher sale price.