Planning permission

The rules have changed when it comes to planning permission so if you are considering anything from decking in the garden to extending your home, you may not need to go through the old planning process.

As of October 1, 2008, the laws on planning permission were simplified meaning work that would have once required local authority approval, may now be allowed without permission.

Corden Construction can advise whether your work could be carried out without the need for planning permission and, should your project require approval, we can help you through the process.

You could also visit www.planningportal.gov.uk for more information.

When it comes to extensions, Corden Construction has decades of experience and, with the new planning rules, it’s now easier to add space and value to your home.

There are limits on the size and area of land your extension covers but providing the project meets a range of guidelines, permission won’t be needed. If it’s required, we can guide you through the process.

The same goes for conservatories as planning permission laws for a conservatory fall into the same bracket as those for an extension.

Garage and loft conversions can also be carried out without permission, providing certain criteria are met, making it quicker and easier to free up valuable space in your home.

Our landscape specialists can help you create the garden of your dreams and, if that includes decking, you will not require planning permission if it’s less than 30cm above the ground and as long as it doesn’t cover more than half of the space in your garden.

Adding or improving a wall, gate or fence will only need to go through building regulations in a few cases. Speak to one of our builders who will be able to advise whether you can go ahead without permission.

If you want to block pave the front of your home or, for that matter, improve your driveway with a range of materials, it’s more than likely that you can do it without permission providing rainwater is controlled.

And if you are thinking of generating your own electricity or heating, it may be that you could go ahead without planning approval.

Whether it’s by adding a ground-source heat pump or a biomass fuel appliance, you could begin to generate heat without creating paperwork for the planning authority!

Perhaps you want to harness the energy of the sun with a solar thermal collector or photovoltaic system (solar panels), which can cut down on your energy bills but may not need planning permission.

Wind turbines do, under the present rules, require permission but, once again, Corden Construction can advise the best ways to achieve approval if you wish to add a wind turbine to your home.

The information above should only act as a guide. If you require further information log onto www.planningportal.gov or email colin@cordenconstruction.co.uk.