There are no hard, reliable statistics to confirm it, but I have a suspicion that the vast majority of planning applications for self builds and home extensions are submitted by architects rather than planning consultants like me. While it’s true that the planning profession would prefer that they stopped eating our lunch, most architects and
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There are no hard, reliable statistics to confirm it, but I have a suspicion that the vast majority of planning applications for self builds and home extensions are submitted by architects rather than planning consultants like me. While it’s true that the planning profession would prefer that they stopped eating our lunch, most architects and architectural designers are familiar with the process and are comfortable submitting and managing applications. The reality is that a proposal can often gain approval without a planning consultant, but it will not get very far without accurate drawings and someone who understands how buildings work.
So, for many projects, the answer to the question “should my architect handle my planning application?” is “yes, probably.” But, as I go on to explain in this article, your response depends a great deal on the nature of the project, the architect and the range of planning issues involved that you may not be immediately aware of.
Is your architect planning savvy?
Some proposals are so straightforward that they are unlikely to raise any concerns. For instance, a small conservatory extension to a house in an area with no planning constraints and no close neighbours is unlikely to need a planning consultant. However, a new house in the countryside, outside settlement boundaries, in the Green Belt, surrounded by protected trees and next to a listed building will need proper planning advice.
Designed by Snell David Architects, this replacement home in rural Hertfordshire draws inspiration from the original modernist structure, which helped the design gain planning approval. Photo: David Valinsky
Whether it is your architect or a planning consultant, a specialist will need to check what constraints affect the site (it might be in a flood zone or a conservation area, for instance), what planning policies are relevant and how similar applications and appeals have fared in the area. They will have to think about how the council is likely to assess the design, impact on neighbours, parking and drainage. The key question is therefore whether your architect is comfortable with the planning side of things or is more focused on what they were primarily trained to do: coming up with a great design.
The best architects are local, clued up and plugged in. They know the council, understand the local policies and have a feel for the issues that are likely to worry the case officer or animate the planning committee. They combine good design with some planning knowledge. So, if you have an architect like that, you may not need a planning consultant after all.
The post Should Your Architect Handle Your Planning Application? An Expert Explains the Ins & Outs appeared first on Build It.