Two storey side extension planning refused - what now?

[DevilDamo]

I haven't read the whole thread, so excuse me if it has already been brought up/mentioned.

If you have been "warned" the application as it stands is looking at being refused, ask for the application to be withdrawn. A withdrawn application looks better on Planning history searches than a refusal.

Even if your neighbour does not object but completely approves of the extension, this may have little but not a significant impact on the overall decision. Buildings are permanent (well... unless they're demolished), but people aren't. Basically meaning one neighbour may approve it while the next future occupier will not so the LPA have to take a 3rd party although not realistic view and then present their decision.

 

[jimb083]

So you think appealing may get me no further? I'm just a bit annoyed that neighbours have been granted something bigger but I suppose each case is based on its own merit. It's also that the planning officer doesn't seem to be prepared to discuss the matter in an attempt to try and agree on something. Have I got got the wrong ideas I thought this would be something that we could do?
Is it commonplace for them to let me know what I can do, close to the parameters of my submission? Or is it complete guesswork?

 

[DevilDamo]

As it has been mentioned, if your application is refused or withdrawn, you are entitled to a free go providing the re-design is similar. It will of course attract another 8 weeks. If you go down that route and it's refused again, that is the chance of looking at appealing. But the appeal process is not cheap, nor quick so be prepared.

I assume you or your agent did not seek pre-application advice prior to the formal submission? That could be the way to go before you re-submit. That process should provide advice and guidance on how the proposal does (or does not) comply with local policies, which I assume the current proposal does not?

 

[jimb083]

So really I need to know, in writing, the exact reason for rejection. Then I can change the plans to comply with those reasons. So far I have a verbal explanation of their intent to reject. I'm assuming something will happen this week since the deadline for a rescission is on Thursday.
I never knew appealing would incur costs, what type of cost would be charged? Would it be solicitors type fees or an appeal fee or similar?

I'm thinking if the two storey route is not possible then I guess a second option would be a single storey garage/utility connected to the side of the house with usable garage loft space and a house loft conversion to gain the space of the two storey, which then would attract planning permission for dormer windows and such like.

This is all very complicated!!

 

[eddieed]

If you go down that route and it's refused again, that is the chance of looking at appealing. But the appeal process is not cheap, nor quick so be prepared.

It depends, do it yourself and it is free. There is no cost to the process only a cost of putting the case together. The householder process has also been changed and they are now determined within 8 weeks as well.

I think in your case I would withdraw the existing. Apply for pre application advise, resubmit and then go from there.

 

[DevilDamo]

It depends, do it yourself and it is free.

Well yes but as the OP in this case thinks it should have been approved but the LPA are looking at refusing it, which to me means he'd have to seek professional advice in the form of a Planning Consultant in order for a suitable case to be put forward.

 

[eddieed]

It depends, do it yourself and it is free.

Well yes but as the OP in this case thinks it should have been approved but the LPA are looking at refusing it, which to me means he'd have to seek professional advice in the form of a Planning Consultant in order for a suitable case to be put forward.

I don't neccesarily agree. If you are willing to spend the time on research yourself then you can do it yourself but that research can be time consuming, hence you pay people to do it.

I did my own appeal for a garage and won, I had the time to do the research, which sometimes amounts to just walking arround the area. Agree if it is complex then a planning consultant is the way to go. You can claim costs now on a householder appeal as well, if you do go with a consultant you should include the claim for their fees in the appeal case. Obviously if you lose the apeal the council can claim costs from you so you need to be a bit careful

 

[cjard]

Obviously if you lose the apeal the council can claim costs from you so you need to be a bit careful

Tell 'em they can add 50p a week to your council tax bill