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How to Avoid Planning Department Delays for Your New Home!
Building your dream home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also come with some challenges and frustrations. One of the most common hurdles that homeowners face is getting planning approval from the local authorities. Planning approval is the process of obtaining permission to carry out development or change the use of land or buildings. It ensures that your project meets the standards and regulations of your area and that it does not negatively affect the environment, the community, or the character of the place.
Planning approval can be a complex and lengthy process, depending on the size and scope of your project, the location and zoning of your site, and the policies and requirements of your planning department. However, there are some tips and strategies that can help you increase your chances of getting planning approval for your new home. Here are six of them:
- Do your research. Before you start designing your home, you should do some homework on the planning rules and guidelines that apply to your site. You can find this information on your planning department's website, or by contacting their planning department. You should also check if any heritage, environmental, or other constraints might affect your project. By doing your research, you can avoid wasting time and money on a design that does not comply with the planning regulations, or that might trigger objections from your neighbors or other stakeholders.
- Hire a professional. Unless you have a lot of experience and expertise in designing and building homes, you should consider hiring a professional architect or designer to help you with your project. A professional can help you create a design that suits your needs and preferences, while also meeting the planning criteria and standards. They can also advise you on the best materials, techniques, and technologies to use for your home, and help you prepare and submit the required documents and drawings for planning approval.
- Consult with your neighbors. One of the most common reasons for planning refusal or delay is neighbor objections. To avoid this, you should consult with your neighbors before you submit your planning application. You should explain your project to them, show them your plans, and listen to their feedback and concerns. You should also try to address any issues or complaints they might have, such as privacy, noise, overshadowing, or visual impact. By consulting with your neighbors, you can build a good relationship with them, and reduce the likelihood of them opposing your project.
- Be flexible and realistic. While it is important to have a clear vision of what you want for your home, you should also be flexible and realistic about what you can achieve within the planning framework. You should be prepared to make some compromises and adjustments to your design, if necessary, to meet the planning requirements and expectations. You should also be realistic about the time and cost involved in getting planning approval, and plan accordingly.
- Seek pre-application advice. Many planning departments offer a pre-application advice service, where you can get feedback and guidance on your project before you submit your formal planning application. This can help you identify any potential issues or problems with your design, and suggest ways to improve it or resolve them. It can also give you an indication of whether your project is likely to be approved or not, and what conditions or obligations might be attached to it.
- Follow up and communicate. After you submit your planning application, you should follow up and communicate with the planning department regularly. You should check the status of your application online, or by contacting the planning personnel assigned to your case. You should also respond promptly to any queries or requests for additional information or clarification from the planning department. By following up and communicating with the planning department, you can show that you are serious and committed to your project and that you are willing to cooperate and collaborate with them.