Retrospective planning permission will be required if works are completed without first securing the proper planning approval. If the local planning authority determine that planning permission was required an enforcement and or penalties may be issued. If planning permission cannot be secured retrospectively you will need to demolish the development and put it back to its original state.
Submitting an application for retrospective planning permission is often significantly more expensive and stressful than applying for the correct planning permission in advance rather than retrospectively. In some cases where it may have been possible to apply for a certificate if lawfulness or prior approval, retrospectively applying may mean a full householder planning application is required which could increase the costs and decrease the chance of approval.
Studio Charrette receive a lot of enquiries from customers frantically looking for help having received an enforcement or letter from their local planning authority instructing them to apply for planning permission retrospectively. In most cases our customers have read the planning portal or spoken to a builder and thought their development would fall within the permitted development therefore would not require planning permission.
Unfortunately, the laws for planning permission are often much more complicated than people may think, there are many hidden constraints that limit or remove permitted development rights. However well-intentioned or how small the margin, if the planning authority determine there has been a breach then a retrospective planning application will be required.
The good news is that our expert planning consultants can help! By carrying out a planning appraisal we can advise you on the feasibility, process, timescales, likelihood of success and answer any other questions that you have. Once we know exactly what is required for your project, we will provide you an accurate quote for us to help you.