Does anyone have any tips on what to ask a UK planning officer?
I have an appointment to see a local planning officer tomorrow for advise as we’ve bought a plot which has no outline planning permission.
Any advice on what to ask or how to handle this? We already have a sketch of the house we want to build which we plan to take with us, but people have told us maybe not to take this drawing as the planning officer might be upset with us going in there and declaring THIS IS WHAT WE WANT.
Also, the main design feature to our house is a big feature window, which we are afraid planning won’t like, as we are building opposite houses.
Any advise on what to ask, say, or do whilst there?
Tags: Based, Permission, Planning, Tips
Hi!
Yeah …
… just be very friendly and non-confrontational.
Make him believe he is making all the decisions by asking him his opinion, and if he pooh poohs any of your ideas, ask him how he would do it – what ideas would he have.
Also slip in ‘you are the expert here’ into the conversation to re-inforce his feeling of self-importance! Not kidding there! Honest!
These people know they have a lot of power, coz let’s face it – it’s up to them whether they give you the thumbs up or thumbs down isn’t it?
Having said that, don’t be a push over, and if you think he’s being a bit OTT, tell him without being to pushy!
Hope this helps, and best of luck with your build!
If you have a sketch then take it along. For a start, it gives you a base to discuss. They cannot tell you what will get permission but they will certainly tell you what will get their support and what won’t. Have you taken into consideration the way your potential dwelling will impact the other homes? Will the feature window overlook a private area? Can the window be opaque glass?? Have a list of questions but don’t expect many exact answers. They can tell you what types of restrictions there are for height of building, the building line, the type of development they would LIKE to see etc etc. Sound eager to learn and do take notice of a lot of what they say – but also remember that your plans will go before a committee and it wouldn’t be the first time something was approved that the planning officer didn’t recommend or vice versa! Try to remain calm even if they come out with ridiculous statements – sometimes it seems almost a training requirement to be as thick and unhelpful as is possible! There will be many useful aspects about your particular region – for example is it in a conservation area – that will be taken into consideration but if your dream house is not too huge for the plot, and takes into consideration the type of dwellings surrounding the house, has nice features etc then you should find it helpful. Don’t be disappointed if it is a bit like pulling teeth – too many people expect too much from this kind of meeting. Go in with an open mind to listen and then see how far apart what you want and what might be approved are going to be – you will always have to compromise a bit but you can go back to them for further advice once you have heard what they have to say about your sketch.
The best way is to ask them their advice let them do most of the talking. Don’t think about what type of house you want. that will come later get the outline planning by them giving you advice.. They like to know that they are in charge.
Check out http://www.npda.co.uk.
Its the national property developers association so I’m sure someone there will be able to advise you.
You can become a member (for free) and ask in the forum.
Hope this helps!!
if things dont work out get in touch with new holme property services ltd they buy land with or without planning and their on princess street Manchester