Planning permission - moving entry door and stairs

[bassmonster]

I’d like to make sure I get things done properly.

I am planning on moving my entry door from the side of my end terrace house to the front.

This would entail moving the stairs. The reason for this is to make my bathroom bigger upstairs and also free up room where the stairs go into my lounge...(it’s rather weird)

I’ve tried calling my local council planning permission but the person who I spoke to wasn’t sure and did try to put me through to another person but they never answer their phone or emails.

I’ve asked couple of architects but get mixed replies.

I have had a look on planning portal and do state that planning permission is not required.

I’d like to know if planning permission is needed or just consent from council to go ahead with the works?

If allowed to go ahead with works, would I need to hire an architect to submit drawings of existing and proposed layout?

I’d really appreciate some help and advice if possible please.

 

[Nakajo]

It sounds like such a good idea, I wonder why the door was ever around the side in the first place

 

[bassmonster]

just an update...

Finally got through to the local planning and permission.

Planning permission is not required but will have to inform building control for consent for works to get started.

 

[^woody^]

It sounds like such a good idea

It used to be a good idea to have the toilet at the top of the garden.

 

[^woody^]

will have to inform building control for consent for works to get started.

Yes, if you know what to do, then do it under a building notice with no plans.

If you are not sure of all the requirements - structural, means of escape, electrics, then you'll need someone to design it.

 

[u587162]

Im curious to know why planning permission is not needed. You're altering the front of the house which anyone could claim is has an impact on the street scene esp if other houses have doors to the side and not the front.

 

[bassmonster]

Many other houses on my street also have their doors at the front. My next door also moved their door to the front so I don't think it will be an issue.

When I submit the building notice, is it a requirement to send in drawings too or can work be done without them?

Does anybody have an idea of what kinda costs I can expect to be paying for building control to check the work etc?

 

[u587162]

Around £240.

Get it in writing from the duty planner that you don't need planning permission. Regardless of whether the neighbors have their doors in the front, it is still not Permitted Development so I cannot understand how they verbally said this. Anyway get it in writing so there is no come back.

 

[bassmonster]

Around £240.

Get it in writing from the duty planner that you don't need planning permission. Regardless of whether the neighbors have their doors in the front, it is still not Permitted Development so I cannot understand how they verbally said this. Anyway get it in writing so there is no come back.

That's brilliant advice, thanks for that. I'll email them and ask them to write to me.

 

[u587162]

Out of curiosity what did it say on the planning portal? Did it specifically single out the moving of front doors or just changing the front door (which is PD).

My house is undergoing a major renovation in which we are removing two front doors at both ends of the house and having a new entrance and stairs created in the centre. We put this under a planning application together with other extension work that was finally approved.

 

[angelboy]

I'll email them and ask them to write to me.

Yeah, good luck with that. Used to be a time where you could drop in and discuss planning matters with a duty planner - now you have submit for pre-application advice - at a cost of course.

Numerous departments in my local council seem allergic to writing an email response - obviously accountability and traceability issues I feel - so they always respond to my email questions with a phone call..............I record all my calls so they don't get off that easy!

 

[Nakajo]

I thought it was an end-of-terrace. How did the neighbour have an entrance around the side?

 

[^woody^]

Get it in writing from the duty planner that you don't need planning permission

Highly unlikely that a planner is going to make any such statement in writing unless it's from a formal application for a certificate of lawful development.

 

[^woody^]

Im curious to know why planning permission is not needed.

Because there are no planning controls on forming new window and door openings.

 

[u587162]

Im curious to know why planning permission is not needed.

Because there are no planning controls on forming new window and door openings.

I'm sure you're wrong. Could a houswhs therefore easily add another front door to accommodate entrance to an annex, say a converted garage and then rent it out?


With regards to council advice, herts are happy to put their comments in writing in fact I send the emails to their direct personal work address. Harrow don't do this however and don't even offer a drop in session.