The value of any area of land can be transformed with a successful planning application. While the majority of property investors have some kind of idea about the structure of a successful planning application, what can you do to give yourself maximum potential for success? We will now take a look at different aspects of the planning application process and what successful planning applications have in common.
Successful planning applications require research
In theory the planning application process can be vary widely in different areas of the same country – there may be many similarities but there could well be subtle and important differences. You need to be fully aware of both the national planning application system as well as the differences between each area of the country. This allows you to ensure that your application is focused, contains the information required and most importantly abides by the guidelines already in the public domain.
In the UK the planning permission process should take no longer than 8 weeks although due to recent changes there may be limited time for negotiation. This is because the financing of individual council planning offices is directly linked to their performance. This encourages planning applications to be processed as quickly as possible which cuts out much of the delay investors have experienced in years gone by.
Acquiring land subject to planning permission
Many people may not be aware but you are able to apply for planning permission for a particular area of land even if you do not own the land. The planning commission itself is applicable to land not the owner which can be a very effective tool for those looking at development. Many people use this particular route to do the ground work regarding planning permission and then make an offer on the land which is conditional on planning permission being confirmed. There is obviously a cost to making a planning commission application therefore you need to have done your homework prior to the application and be confident of a favourable result.
Working with the right people
While it is obviously important to keep the cost of a planning application as low as possible it is also vital that you take professional advice where applicable. Cutting corners on professional advice in the early days could lead to an unsuccessful application and further amendments, costs and delays in the future. One simple piece of advice which could prove to be extremely cost-effective is to target your planning application at the right department/people. We all know that sending correspondence to the wrong department in public services can lead to extreme delays and sometimes your application can be lost.
Do your research, know exactly who will make the decision on your application and if possible contact them prior to applying to lay the groundwork and hopefully receive some kind of advice. At the end of the day any delays in granting planning permission could prove extremely costly to your finances and obviously lead to delays on the development itself.
Use common sense
There are many areas of the UK where particular types of development will be waved through fairly quickly while other local authorities will not even consider such developments. You need to adapt your planning application to the area to give yourself the best opportunity for a positive decision. If similar applications have been granted in your area then you should have a good chance of being successful.