Do I need planning permission for change of use?

Apex Planning Change of Use

Converting a garage into an office, or changing an office building into a house? Find out whether you need planning permission with this easy guide… To understand the rules of ‘Change of Use’, you need to be aware of the different Use Classes applied to different kinds of properties. The Town and Country Planning (Use…

Read More

Do I need planning permission for a garage?

Planning permission for a garage

Are you hoping to add a detached garage to your property – whether it is to store your car or, like so many families nowadays, to act as a storage facility housing bikes, scooters and the tumble dryer! Follow our simple guide to work out if you need planning permission for this extra space… Detached…

Read More

Do I need planning permission for solar panels?

Solar Panels

Installing solar panels on your home or garage may sound an attractive proposition – after all, you can save money on your energy bills ­– but will you need permission to put them in place? Find out more… The good news is that since 2008, solar panels intended for installation on residential land and buildings…

Read More

Do I need planning permission for an extension?

Planning permission for extension

Thanks to ‘permitted’ development, not all extensions require the homeowner to acquire planning permission – speeding up the whole process and cutting out administration costs. We take you through the requirements… Back in 2015, the government introduced updated householder permitted development rights, in a bid to speed up the planning process and stop local authorities’…

Read More

Planning enforcement – a simple guide

Planning enforcement

  We conclude our 2018 series of simple guides to the labyrinth of planning procedures, with a focus on the subject of planning enforcement…   What is planning enforcement? If any development happens without planning permission or one fails to comply with the requirements of a planning condition, the local planning authority can use its…

Read More

Planning Conditions – A Guide

Planning Permission

  We continue our series of blogs covering the ins and out of planning applications. This month, we look at planning conditions…   Not all planning permission is given automatically. Some applications will be granted permission, but with several conditions attached. Here, we answer some common questions about planning conditions: I have planning permission, but…

Read More

Planning in Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings

Conservation Areas

  Our guide to what is special about these areas, and what you need to consider when planning to buy, extend or build there…   What is a Conservation Area? First of all, let’s examine what a conservation area actually is: Conservation Areas are designated to protect any special historic or architectural interest – and…

Read More

Do I always need Planning Permission?

Planning Permission Development

We continue our easy-to-follow guide to applying for planning permission for development…     Do I always need planning permission for a development? Not always no. It is possible to carry out some types of work without having to apply for permission. This is where you use ‘permitted development rights’, which are conferred by The…

Read More

How Does Planning Permission Work?

Planning Permission

Planning an extension or business project, but baffled by the complexities of the planning requirements? Follow our easy guide… Planning permission is there to ensure that inappropriate development does not take place. It applies to everything from extensions to residential homes, change of use for business properties right up to new housing, leisure, industrial, commercial,…

Read More

Persistence Pays Off in the World of Planning

Sursham Tompkins & Partners

Often when clients come to us they have spent a long time – sometimes years – trying to get planning permission. Once Apex Planning Consultants get involved, we can draw on our many years of experience in the planning world to achieve what has previously seemed achievable. Take, for instance, a client of ours who…

Read More