Can I go back to a previous use of a site

[Jason Richards]

I have a plot of land that was granted planning permission to be used as a car show room about five years ago. Last year I got planning permission for "change of use" to a car park. I would now like to again use the site for a car show room and remove the car park. Do I need planning permission again if the use of the site has been changed even if I had approval before the change happened. Thanks

 

[^woody^]

Did you enact the latest permission?

If yes, you need to reapply, if no you don't and the previous use class prevails.

 

[Jason Richards]

I commenced work for one of the requirements given in the permission, building guard rails around the site, but did not commence car park business operations on the site

 

[^woody^]

That may not be significant enough to count as enacting the permission, but then again if railing the land off was enough to make it look like a car park then it may be enough.

 

[Jason Richards]

Thanks for replies, not really sure whether I should apply for planning permission again or not

 

[blup]

If it's just the railings my guess is it would be insufficient to amount to implementation, particularly if it was a pre condition, but the full facts aren't there.

Maybe only an LDC application would clarify the position beyond doubt, especially if you want to market the site?

Blup

 

[Leofric]

If the car showroom permission has expired you will need to reapply for permission for that use . Presumably a car showroom would involve a new building and I can't see how the planning department would consider you have 'started work on site' by just building guard rails , but why not just ask your local planning department .

 

[mattylad]

Go and ask your local council, they will let you know what they will allow.

For a fee of course

 

[Leofric]

Don't think they would charge for just asking if they consider guard rails as work has started on site. ( or ask first if they would charge for advising if they would consider guard rails as work has started on site )