WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PLANNING PERMISSION

A hot topic often asked when people investigate modular buildings, is “does it need planning permission?”.

This is particularly pertinent to those who do not plan on using a modular building for the long term. We have gathered this information for you, in hopes to shed some light on the world of planning permission for modular buildings. You should be able to learn about the different considerations to keep in mind should you require filling out a planning permission application.Planning permission in the UK is used so that communities can develop across the land in an organised way that allows for foresight and planning. Development planning falls in line with the guidance in the National Planning Policy, which reflects the kind of development the country wants, and how best to achieve it. Such as the need to push for more sustainable and ethical constructed and sourced building materials, and environmentally friendly features such as bath sizes.Planning permission allows the Local Planning Authority to make decisions on how best to help develop the land in accordance with the local planning policies of the National Policy. Planning permission and these steps, prevent buildings from being constructed in areas that would cause upset or not be appreciated by the surrounding community.Normally, when building construction is permanent, it requires planning permission as it will change the face of the community in which it resides, likely forever.

However, a modular building is considered a temporary, relocatable unit and is not making permanent changes to the land. Modular buildings are not actually treated differently from traditional buildings despite this. In general, you would not need to ask for planning permission is:The building has a floor space of less than 100m2 and will not be in place for more than 28 days. The building is an extension to an existing building and is shorter in height to the original building, directly relevant to the purpose of the original building and less than 25% of the size of the original volume. If the building is an extension, however, you may be able to avoid planning permission if it fulfils the considerations above, even if it remains for more than 28 days in its positioning.Other than those stated above, you can assume it is standard practice that you will need to seek planning permission for your modular building.

However, we always recommend you speak to your Local Authority Official for the best and most up to date advice. The talk will help you realise whether you need planning permission and your chances of getting it. This can also help highlight any issues your Local Authority may have with the building and give you the chance to amend these before proceeding with a formal application.The cost of a full application for a new single dwelling in England is £462, it varies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, if you are the one making the extensions, the planning application costs £206 in England specifically. There will be further, smaller additional sums payable for discharge of planning conditions that you must meet before development can begin, this being part of the application fees. You may require the addition of architect plans and specialist reports, so should consider their fees in this, and after all these small additions, you could be on the grounds of £2000 for the whole process.

When making your application for planning permission for your modular buildings, you can expect to include the following documents:5 copies of your application forms Location plan including the site plan, block plan, elevations of both existing and proposed sites Signed ownership certificate Agricultural holdings certificate Design and access statement The application fees Once you have submitted these documents with your application, you can expect the process to take between 8-12 weeks after your submission. However, more complex or detailed applications may need to wait longer. Be sure to factor this waiting time into your construction schedule.