Important Criteria For A Successful Planning Application.

In order to try and gain a successful planning application there is some very basic criteria.

· Appearance: The way that the new home looks is very important. In terms of the width, height and architecture it must feel as though it belongs. However some streets are more open therefore the new home should not be too imposing, it would need to blend in with landscaping features such as the existing trees.
· Use: Your new home should not disrupt life for those already living there. If the development is going to cause parking problems, traffic problems or be noisy in any way then the likelihood is that it will be rejected by the planners.
· Layout: Your new home should ideally compliment the layout of the homes of your future neighbours. So if the street is of a uniformed style then your home should reflect this too. But if the street is of a more natural style then as a developer you may have more leeway with the planning department.
· Amenity: This is always important, try and please the neighbours. People do not want their privacy invaded just because you decide to build a home next door to them. At a minimum there should be 21 metres between both homes with clear windows which face each other. It should be 12 metres between the homes which face each other where only one has clear windows.
· Access: There are no restrictions on whether a new home has its own driveway or not. Every application submitted is individual. If you decide to incorporate a driveway into your scheme, make sure that it is in keeping with your area. Make sure that you are not felling lots of mature trees or tearing down bushes to make way for the driveway. Planning officers will not be impressed with these actions. The main point is that the driveway should be safe.

A lot of people feel that they cannot develop in gardens anymore due to the coalition Government declassifying them so that they are not longer brownfield sites. However this is not the case, each council has to use its own discretion when it comes to planning applications and therefore as long as basic rules are followed and your design is in keeping with the area then there is a good chance that you may be able to develop. What worried a lot of people was high rise monstrosities being built behind small bungalows but because of the shortage of land and housing in the country, the council will never ban building in gardens altogether.
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