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How to Complete a Commercial Property Planning Application

Posted on 5 September, 2011 by MOVEHUT

If you are planning on building a new commercial property, alter an existing building or change the way a premisesis used, you will need to complete a planning application and gain consent from your Local Planning Authority (LPA).

There are many different types of planning applications. These include:

• advertising
• approval of conditions
• conservation areas
• full planning
• listed buildings
• Lawful Development Certificate
• outline planning
• prior notification
• removal/variation of conditions
• Reserved Matters
• tree removal.

Prior to making a planning application, you could arrange to speak to a planning officer from your Local Planning Authority to seek advice regarding the application process and also to discuss your application before you submit it.

Once you are happy with what is required to complete a planning application, you can either apply via the internet using the planning portal or through the post. There are positives and negatives for both services, so it really is down to personal preference.

Using the online portal offers:

• Ease – there is a step by step guide to completing an application and you can complete the form as and when as all your answers are saved as you go
• Security – the portal is completely secure and all forms are sent directly to you LPA, so no need to worry about it getting lost in the post
• Time saving – you don’t need to download and print the form off and you only answer questions that are relevant
• Money saving – no need to pay the cost of a stamp.

Before you submit your application form, you will also need to include the following documents:

• application fee
• agricultural holdings certificate
• design and access statement – if required
• ownership certificate A, B, C or D
• supporting documentation if required
• two site plans (location and site plan).

Your LPA can find out the application fee for you as it is determined by the type of planning you are applying for. Fees are not refundable unless the application is made invalid. If the application is deemed as invalid, you will be notified with the reasons why in writing.

A planning officer will check your application and make sure what was reflected in the application actually reflects the proposed commercial site. The officer will also consider what implications the development could have on surrounding commercial properties, residents and the community as a whole. After accessing the application, the officer will make recommendations to a Councillor to accept or decline your application but Councillors have the overall final decision, regardless of the planning officer’s suggestions.

An application can only be refused if it would affect local services or if the use of the land/building is not in the public’s interest. An application cannot be refused on the grounds that the public oppose, but the views of the public will be considered when making a final decision.

 

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