Conference govt02::basingstoke

The process is relatively straightforward. I've been involved in researching 
this for a slightly more ambitious project which is to build my own house on a 
plot of land that I'm buying.

For an extension that is no more than 15% of the original volume you do not 
need planning permission for what is called Permitted Development. You do 
however require Building Regulations approval & inspection, the cost for this 
is about �160. This is pretty immediate and basically involves arranging site 
inspections e.g. to check you've dug your foundations deep enough.

Planning permission comes in two forms Outline & Detailed. You always need DPP 
but don't necessarily require OPP. OPP is really just establishing that you 
will be allowed in principle to build & probably isn't appropriate for an
extension. Planning permission of either sort costs about �90 & should take a 
maximum of two months from when you apply to when you get an answer.

There are two excellent articles in the current & previous issues of the 
magazine 'Build It' on extensions and give you all this kind of information. 
I'm going on holiday tomorrow but can let you have photocopies of these 
articles in a couple of weeks. You should still be able to get the current 
issue of the magazine in W.H.Smiths.

Nigel

    We have been trying to get planning permission since March! 
    
    All we want to do, along with our neighbour, is knock down the existing
    garages (which are joined), make a gap of a meter between the two
    properties, re-build the garages, then put a first floor extention on
    top.
    
    Sounds simple.  Doesn't effect any neighbours.  Will the Council let us
    do it?  No.  Their first reply was that we could not fill the gap
    between the two houses; also it would set a precedent for other
    residents to follow suit.  As the other five houses in our street have
    already done this type of extension, we are somewhat bemused.
    
    We went back to the Council, asking what gap they would like
    between the properties.  They said 2 meters - we went back with 1.5
    meters, as otherwise we could not fit garage doors!!  They said, Oh did
    I say 2?  I meant 3!!!!
    
    We have now threatened to go to appeal with the original plans, which
    we understand we may have a 50/50 chance of winning.  They have just
    come back saying that if we re-submit the revised plans with the 1.5
    meter gap, they would consider them favourably...... needless to say
    we're not holding our breadth!!
    
    Don't know how much all this will cost, but can only say that it's just
    the luck of the draw as to whether they accept your plans or not.
    
    Hope you have better luck than us.
    
    Regards.
    
    Sheila                  
     

    As has been said, much depends on your local council. I found mine
    (Rushmoor) very helpful.They provide a booklet detailing what has to be
    done and a list of charges. 
    
    From experience you dont need to submit very sophisticated drawings (I
    did them myself!!) for either planning approval or building regs, you 
    just need to supply the right information.
    
    For planning: what will it look like, how will it 'blend' with existing
    building/ neighbour hood etc. Will anyone be overlooked? N.B It might
    be worth showing plans to neighbours so they are aware of what you are
    doing. Even so they still might object!!)
    
    For Building: How will the proposed work meet the current regulations?
    Be warned - changes to exiting facilities e.g drainage have to meet
    current regs. I want to add to my 20 year old waste system but ended up
    having to replace the entire system.
    
    Good Luck! If you want to call, feel free.
    
    Andy

    Thanks for all of the replies.
    
    I have today received details from Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council.
    Lots of reading to do!
    
    Regards
    
    Melanie