Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 13
PLANNING PERMISSION
Planning policy is a political subject that is
determined broadly at national level, and
in specifics at local level. While there are
general similarities in all areas, there will
be differences in policy locally that reflect
local circumstances.
However, the fact that
a house is built with straw walls is of very
little concern to the planners
, although it
will be to the Building Regulations depart-
ment. The planning department, guided by
local elected councillors, will have worked
out a comprehensive plan for the area that
specifies where new housing can be built,
which areas are to be kept as green belt,
which is agricultural land, etc. Within each
area, different types of building will be
allowed or not allowed, according to
guidelines that have been set by political
considerations. It is important to know
what the planning policy is for your area,
and to understand why the planning
authority has made these decisions. For
instance, if you wish to build a three-
bedroomed house in a local farmer's field
in England, you are unlikely to get permis-
sion to do so, because the field is probably
designated as agricultural land and there-
fore no domestic buildings will be allowed.
However, if you wish to build on a site next
to other houses, you probably would get
permission.
In Ireland, the situation may be different
unless you are near a town, because there
is more of a tradition of self-build, and
it is much more common for people to
build on family land. Also, there are fewer
restrictions on securing permission to build
because the country is far less populated
than the UK.
Most planning decisions are subjective
and political, and your planning officer
can be of invaluable help in informing
you of basic policy, and of particular
circumstances in which there may be room
for negotiation. It is sensible to recognise
your planning officer as someone who has
useful knowledge that can be shared with
you to enhance your project. An application
for planning permission has more chance
of success if the planning officer supports
it. It is always best to find a way to work
together, if at all possible.
Most planning decisions are subjective and
political. Your planning officer can be invaluable
in informing you of basic policy, and of circum-
stances in which there may be room for
negotiation.
