FAQs

Q: What is the 10-year rule in planning?

One of the statutory defences for a planning enforcement case is if the development complained of - whether it is building or change of use - took place more than 10 years ago. This rule has recently changed - see our blog post here . Essentially, if you've openly used land or a building for a particular purpose for 10 or more years, you can claim that the development has become lawful, as no enforcement action can be taken against it. In some circumstances, you don't need to show 10 years, because of there are interim arrangements following a recent change in the law. It's always worth asking a planning consultant if you think you may be at risk of enforcement action. The use or development must not be hidden in any way, and it is for the landowner or applicant to demonstrate that the use or building has been consistent for 10 years, on the balance of the evidence provided. If you think the 10 year rule might apply to you, contact us today! We can help you get a Certificate of Lawfulness for Existing Use or Development (a CLEUD).

Q: Where do Norton Taylor Nunn's town planning consultants work?

Our town planning consultants work in and around London and Suffolk. We have two strategically located offices to ensure that our planning consultancy services are easily accessible to clients across wide areas. Our City of London office is conveniently located in the heart of the capital, while our Woodbridge office provides services to clients in Suffolk and the surrounding areas. Our consultants are well-versed in the local planning policies, regulations, and procedures, and we are committed to providing tailored and practical planning solutions to meet our clients' needs. We work with all kinds of people, including private individuals, developers, architects, and local authorities, and we can provide support and guidance throughout the entire planning process.

Q: Can town planning consultants help with appealing against planning submission refusals?

Yes, planning consultants can assist with appealing planning submission refusals. They can also make moderations to your existing proposals in order to bring them closer to the guidelines and regulations that need to be met. We can diligently complete all of the amendments within the six month deadline that will be set in stone after receipt of the letter confirming the proposal has been denied.

Q: Are planning consultants worth the investment?

Yes, getting a professional town planning consultant can be a very crucial investment if you are planning to manage urban developments. With immense expertise in law, regulations, and policies, a trained and experienced planning consultant can be of invaluable aid when you’re drafting out proposals. They can also submit applications on your behalf, reducing the amount of time and stress during this side of the process.

Q: How long does pre-application advice take?

There is no statutory timeframe for pre-application advice. The amount of time it takes to hear back after seeking pre-application advice depends on the LPA you are seeking the advice from. Some local planning authority branches commit to responding to you within 28 days, others allow a longer timeframe. To feel secure in the pre-application advice process, it may help to have a town planning consultant by your side. Having an expert offer you pre-application assistance means that you can receive all the planning advice you need, get your planning appraisal and feasibility study completed with a professional, and receive your pre-application statement. Once all of these are done correctly, your planning consultant will help you with the pre-application submission and will remain by your side to help during discussions with the LPA.

Q: Can I obtain planning advice prior to submission of a planning application?

Yes, you can obtain planning advice prior to the submission of a planning application. This is typically called pre-application advice and it can be obtained either directly from your local planning authority or an independent town planning consultant. Since planning laws and regulations can be confusing and complex, it is advisable to seek pre-application planning advice to make sure the application that you submit has got the highest chances of being accepted. Working with a town planning consultant allows you to amend your application early on and optimise it according to professional advice, which ultimately increases the likelihood of it being accepted the first time around.

Q: How do you get planning advice?

Planning advice can be obtained either directly from your local planning authority, or an experienced town planning consultant. Your LPA will always provide useful planning advice notes on their website which you can use to do your research. Based on that, you can submit a request for pre-application advice to your local planning authority. However, it may take several weeks to receive a response. If you choose to seek advice from a town planning consultant, you will be able to communicate with them straight away and receive all the planning advice you need to make your next move. Having a professional look at your plans early on can help you to save money and time as it will ensure you are following all the latest rules and regulations relevant to your circumstances, before applying.

Q: Is pre-application planning advice worth it?

Pre-application planning advice can prove to be an invaluable service for anyone looking to submit a planning application to their local planning authority. By seeking pre-application planning advice, you can ensure that you are using the correct planning form and submitting the correct drawings. Your town planning consultant will be able to give you an informal view of the likelihood of achieving your planning permission or steer you towards an alternative route that may achieve the desired results. Similarly, when seeking pre-application planning permission, some people discover that their project falls under ‘permitted development’ and that they don’t need to submit a planning application at all. Therefore, seeking pre-application planning advice is definitely worth it as it could potentially save you time and money.

Q: Will planning permission be granted if my neighbours object?

An objection from your neighbour is not necessarily a reason to reject your application. Your neighbour would need to present solid and valid reasons as to why the proposed plans should not go ahead. The following are the grounds on which planning permission is most likely to be refused (although this list is not intended to be definitive) : • Adverse effect on the residential amenity of neighbours, by reason of (among other factors) noise, disturbance, overlooking, loss of privacy, overshadowing, etc. This does not include noise or disturbance arising from the actual execution of the works, which will not be taken into account, except possibly concerning conditions that may be imposed on the planning permission, dealing with hours and methods of working, etc. during the development. • Unacceptably high density/over-development of the site, especially if it involves loss of garden land or the open aspect of the neighbourhood (so-called ‘garden grabbing’) • Visual impact of the development • Effect of the development on the character of the neighbourhood • Design (including bulk and massing, detailing and materials, if these form part of the application) • The proposed development is overbearing, out-of-scale or out of character in terms of its appearance compared with existing development in the vicinity • The loss of existing views from neighbouring properties would adversely affect the residential amenity of neighbouring owners • If in a Conservation Area, adverse effect of the development on the character and appearance of the Conservation Area • If near a Listed Building, adverse effect of the development on the setting of the Listed Building. • The development would adversely affect highway safety or the convenience of road users, but only if there is technical evidence to back up such a claim.

Q: How do you oppose a planning application?

Objecting to planning applications can be done online. Your Local Planning Authority (LPA) gives access to viewing all planning applications that are submitted to anyone interested via their website. Objections to planning permission are visible on the LPA database, but you can request that your name and address are withheld. However, if there is a chance that new development is going to be worked on in your local area and the planning officer that is assigned to the case deems it necessary to inform you because they believe that the new development may affect you, they will send a letter to your home directly presenting the proposed plans. Not all reasons that you may put forward will be considered as the grounds for the planning permission to be rejected - you need to make sure you are proposing a valid reason for the refusal.

What is the 10-year rule in planning?

Ben Norton2024-05-28T17:15:57+00:00May 28th, 2024|

Where do Norton Taylor Nunn’s town planning consultants work?

website-admin2023-03-31T10:50:36+00:00March 31st, 2023|

Can town planning consultants help with appealing against planning submission refusals?

website-admin2024-05-28T16:40:49+00:00March 30th, 2023|

Are planning consultants worth the investment?

website-admin2023-03-30T10:30:13+00:00March 30th, 2023|

How long does pre-application advice take?

[email protected]2024-05-28T16:41:57+00:00August 16th, 2021|

Can I obtain planning advice prior to submission of a planning application?

[email protected]2024-05-28T16:43:02+00:00August 16th, 2021|

How do you get planning advice?

[email protected]2024-05-28T16:44:00+00:00August 16th, 2021|

Is pre-application planning advice worth it?

[email protected]2024-05-28T17:09:40+00:00August 16th, 2021|

Will planning permission be granted if my neighbours object?

[email protected]2021-06-23T11:33:12+00:00June 23rd, 2021|

How do you oppose a planning application?

[email protected]2021-06-23T11:32:29+00:00June 23rd, 2021|

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