Do I need a planning permission consultant in Tower Hamlets, London for my small project?
Nestling in the heart of east London, Tower Hamlets is a thriving, multicultural borough.
It’s a great place to work and live thanks to excellent transport links. You'll also find a mixture of old and new properties with something to suit everyone.
Many property owners in Tower Hamlets are choosing to extend or modify their homes instead of moving, adding a personal touch and extra space to their living quarters.
In this post, we’re going to find out about planning permission for small projects and discover how choosing a planning permission consultant in Tower Hamlets can smooth the way.
Planning permission for small projects
Planning permission is the consent from your local authority for your building project. Whether it’s needed or not will depend on the type of project you have in mind.
Planning permission is generally required for new builds, larger extensions and conversions.
For smaller projects, such as converting a basement, garage or loft into a living space, building or removing internal walls or adding a porch, you are unlikely to need planning permission.
That’s because some of these projects may fall under “permitted development rights,” which allow you to proceed without planning permission as long as you stick to certain conditions.
It’s worth noting, however, that if you live in a listed building or a conservation area, you will need consent for external and/or internal works.
However big or small your project, you or your representative will need to contact your local planning department before you start to be sure of planning permission requirements.
How can a planning permission consultant help with my small project?
Even if your building project is small, a planning permission consultant can provide valuable help and guidance.
Their ultimate aim is either to confirm that you don’t need planning permission or to get the planning permission required for you to progress with your project.
They will take lots of factors into account, including the size and nature of your project and any restrictions relating to listed buildings, conservation areas or tree preservation orders.
If planning permission or other consents are required, they can coordinate all the necessary tasks. These include liaising with the appropriate authorities and consultants, creating drawings and collating other supporting documents — in effect, managing the entire process for you.
They will also ensure that any conditions you have to fulfil before your project can go ahead are carried out.
Throughout the process, they will liaise with the local authority on your behalf.
Having a planning permission consultant on board can make a big difference to your project.
Your planning permission consultant will be familiar with planning policies and will be able to identify any rules or restrictions that might apply to your project.
If they work for an architectural and chartered surveyor practice, they will have close links to experts who can help with other aspects of your project.
Having a planning permission expert who can guide you from the very beginning will set the tone for your project, ensuring that it is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Do you need a planning permission consultant in Tower Hamlets, London?
It’s best to start any building project, large or small, on the right foot.
Having a planning permission consultant to help and guide you from the outset can make a big difference to the trajectory of your work.
If you’re considering a small building project in Tower Hamlets, look to a planning permission consultant to help smooth the way.
Humphreys & Sons is a local, family business of architects, chartered surveyors and planning permission consultants covering the Tower Hamlets area.
Contact us to find out more about how we can help with many aspects of your building project, from planning through to completion.