7 Things Need To Know Submitting A Planning Application

To start your property development plans, it is essential that you get the planning application approved by the necessary authorities. But getting a planning permission can be an extremely arduous task, costing too much time and money. In this post, we take a look at the seven things you need to know when submitting a planning application.

1. Planning Maps

When you submit a planning application, it is necessary that you attach the planning maps with them. And these maps need to be highly accurate. Any defect in the representation of the map will instantly lead to the rejection of the application itself. As such, it is important that you use a good service like Promap to create accurate planning maps. And when circling the plot, make sure to use a red colored pen. If you use pens of other colors like black, blue, green etc., the application is likely to be rejected.

2. Know The Jargon

Learn about the jargon typically used in the planning application. This will allow you to prepare the application in a manner that will be a comfortable read for the Planning Officer. For example, words like street scene, sustainability etc. are often used in planning applications. And by using these exact jargons in your application, you make it much more accessible for the authorities. Plus, try to be very specific about information mentioned in the application. So, instead of saying that ‘there will be a long extension’, define the exact length in the statement like ‘there will be a 6.7 meter extension’.

3. Understand The Policy

You also need to learn about the local, state, and national policies that will be applicable to your development project. Knowing them will give you a fair idea of what to expect when submitting your application while also enabling you to know the criteria against which your application will be judged. Try to look at the planning applications of the past and check what was accepted as appropriate development. And watch out for any emphasis on house size, sustainability, parking etc. that might have affected the decision.

4. Information To Include

When submitting the application, there are certain details you should not miss out on including. The first is the size and layout of the buildings together with their external appearance. Water supply, roads, and other infrastructure that will be available on the project should also be mentioned. The application must also discuss the means of access and how the proposed development will affect the neighborhood.

5. Making The Application

The planning application can be made either by you or an agent whom you have appointed to represent you. No matter who owns the land, anyone can actually prepare a planning application. The catch is that the owners of the land should be informed about the application and a certificate that states their agreement to the application must be produced as proof. In addition to the application, you will also have to provide details of the work you plan on doing together with the site plans. It is recommended that you submit at least three copies of the plans and application. And remember to pay up the fee when submitting the planning application. Else, it will never be reviewed.

6. File Naming

Planning departments usually do not have people who are too tech savvy. Most of the employees at the office only have basic knowledge of computer and related things. As such, it is necessary that you give your planning application an easily identifiable name. Otherwise, the officer might face a tough time trying to track your file. Plus, it is also recommended that you use the 1997-2003 format when saving all your word documents. This will ensure that the docs get uploaded to the portal correctly.

7. Approving The Application

Once the application is submitted, it will take about eight weeks on average for the council to decide on it. If the information submitted in the application is verified to be in accordance with the laws and appropriate documents have been submitted with it, the application will be passed through. However, if any detail regarding the proposed development turns out to be problematic, then the application will likely be rejected. Applications which are too large or complicated will also take longer to be approved as the council will have more items to verify. And in case the development proposed in the application is projected to negatively affect many people in the neighborhood, then it will be a long time before the application is given approval.