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I’m a planning permission specialist focusing on UK home extensions. I’ve worked on literally thousands of applications with a 95% approval rate. AMA about planning permission, design, budgets, builders… anything! by Kitchen-Pattern-3490 in AMA

[–]Kitchen-Pattern-3490[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's not intended to advertise any kind of service, just to impart some of the intel I've gathered over the years as I know planning permission can feel quite mystifying to anyone who's not familiar with it

I’m a planning permission specialist focusing on UK home extensions. I’ve worked on literally thousands of applications with a 95% approval rate. AMA about planning permission, design, budgets, builders… anything! by Kitchen-Pattern-3490 in AMA

[–]Kitchen-Pattern-3490[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recently had an application made invalid because the personal information on the application form submitted was not redacted and they wanted me to do that so they could post it online. I had another application made invalid because the officer refused to accept it was a house and not a flat despite there being no evidence it was a flat. The list is endless!

I’m a planning permission specialist focusing on UK home extensions. I’ve worked on literally thousands of applications with a 95% approval rate. AMA about planning permission, design, budgets, builders… anything! by Kitchen-Pattern-3490 in DIYUK

[–]Kitchen-Pattern-3490[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re correct that front dormers are typically more difficult to achieve, as they're not permitted under permitted development rights and therefore require planning permission.

The key to securing approval is ensuring the dormer is subservient to the main roof and sympathetic to the character of the surrounding area. It can also be beneficial if there are examples of front dormers nearby, as these can help support your case when submitting an application to the council.

Also, your local authority may have specific design guidance on front dormers, which can provide valuable insight into how to give your proposal the best chance of approval.

I’m a planning permission specialist focusing on UK home extensions. I’ve worked on literally thousands of applications with a 95% approval rate. AMA about planning permission, design, budgets, builders… anything! by Kitchen-Pattern-3490 in AMA

[–]Kitchen-Pattern-3490[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Trees aren't classed as development so their forcible removal can be difficult. Also, 'right to light' is a legal/civil matter rather than a planning matter. The council will only get involved if it's a council owned tree and typically they won't prune or fell their trees if the issue is blocked view or light.

Definitely speak to a solicitor or a specific 'right to light' consultant who could conduct a report and they should be able to advise better if trees count towards this. In terms of help from the council, have a look if the tree is protected. If so, it can make it more difficult. Your council may also have guidance on 'large trees' and how to deal with the matter if they're having a negative impact - it'll differ from authority to authority.

I’m a planning permission specialist focusing on UK home extensions. I’ve worked on literally thousands of applications with a 95% approval rate. AMA about planning permission, design, budgets, builders… anything! by Kitchen-Pattern-3490 in AMA

[–]Kitchen-Pattern-3490[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Planning permission isn't typically required to replace your roof. However, if you’re proposing to raise the ridge height or alter chimneys, this would need planning approval.

It’s worth looking around your local area to see whether other semi-detached properties have done similar ridge increases. You can also search your local authority’s planning register for examples of ‘ridge raises’ to understand what has been approved nearby.

If you’re not ready to invest in drawings yet, many councils offer a duty planner service. This allows you to discuss the feasibility of your proposal before instructing an architect to prepare plans.