Planning permission application rejection [2024]

Obtaining planning permission can be a lengthy and complex process, ultimately requiring permission from your local authority.

Having your planning application rejected is frustrating, especially when you are otherwise ready to progress with your building or extension plans.

To reduce the chance of this happening with your application, read on to discover some key reasons why your planning permission may be rejected.

For what reasons can planning permission be refused?

1. Local character

When looking at why planning permission can be refused, the plans proposed in your application may be found to have a negative impact on the surrounding area’s character.

Making considered choices when it comes to the appearance of materials and style for your project is something to have in mind. This is especially relevant if you live in or amongst period or listed properties.

2. Lighting

Sufficient lighting is a requirement when it comes to a property development.

This might be a particular issue when it comes to a flat conversion, or an extension which will inhibit the amount of natural light which comes through the property – and that there is sufficient natural lighting going into a neighbouring property. If your property is in a dense residential area then this may be particularly problematic, so having this assessed at an early stage is crucial. Restrictions by local authorities on the height that certain buildings can go up to is also a consideration here.

3. Neighbours

At the outset it is worth mentioning that neighbours to the property should be kept informed when it comes to your planning application. Not only is this a courtesy but will avoid unnecessary disagreement and potential legal challenges later on. Legislation is in place to protect your neighbours, perhaps most notably the Party Wall Act and party wall agreements that can be created from this. Your proposed planning works may also be found to infringe on your neighbour’s privacy.

Here at AURA we are experienced with working in residential areas with detached and semi detached houses, and if your extension would have an impact on your neighbours we are well placed to advise you on your options and propose solutions.

4. Road access

Disruption to road access – and highway safety more generally – is another reason why your planning permission may be refused. This is something to be especially mindful of when it comes to driveway builds and other front-of-property extensions.

5. Parking

You will need to ensure that there is sufficient parking space for vehicles, especially if you are in an area which already has limited access – we would not want you to get caught out!

Many of the projects that we work on with our clients are in high traffic areas with parking restrictions. It is vital that your plans comply with traffic laws and do not impact on pedestrian safety, traffic build up, or car parking problems.

6. Environment

There are some key pieces of legislation that the local council will consider when it comes to accepting or rejecting a planning application, such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Perhaps the development would cause harm to a protected species, or result in the felling of trees? There is also the Greenbelt, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which will be considered later on in this blog post.

Local authorities may well have their own plans in terms of development to your local area. It may be that your property is in a conservation area, or the local authority has a development plan under the National Planning Policy Framework, which would make your proposed build or extension unsuitable. It is worth checking out your local authority’s development plans sooner rather than later to avoid any issues later on down the line. If the proposed build would cause drainage or flood risk issues then there may be a ground for rejection of your planning application.

7. Materials

The choice of materials for a project can have both ecological and aesthetic consequences when it comes to your development project.

From brickwork choices to window design, your council may have specific requirements as to the physical appearance of new developments to ensure that local character is maintained.

In our 10 years of experience dealing with planning applications we have built up expertise of the common pitfalls when it comes to planning applications, and we will be able to advise on the most suitable materials for your project.

8. Listed building

There are numerous rules in place which govern listed buildings and you will need to obtain a Listed Building Consent. Failure to comply with the restrictions on altering a listed building has serious consequences, so understanding your obligations and the processes early on with your development project will save disappointment later on.

Check out our blog post on listed buildings here.

9. Conversion plans

When it comes to what reasons planning permission can be refused, it may be on the grounds that the plans fail to meet national minimum space requirements. This would be particularly relevant with a project such as a conversion from a house into flats.

Your local authority may have requirements as to the purpose of the newly converted property – potentially giving grounds for a planning application to be rejected if this purpose can no longer be upheld.

10. Protected areas

For a new build property, compliance with the Green Belt is a consideration for developers. Successfully developing on Green Belt land is a complex process, and a strong reasoning would be needed for it to go ahead. In fact, for development on Areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), the Secretary of State’s permission is required.

Want to submit a successful planning application today?

Our 10 years of industry experience in architecture have given us a wealth of knowledge and experience of planning permission applications and the challenges that they may bring. We appreciate that submitting a planning application for the first time may seem especially daunting.

As a firm of architects we are well used to dealing with planning applications – there to confidently guide you through the process from start to finish.

How do I apply for planning permission?

It may be that a planning permission application is not something that you will need. Not all building work requires planning permission – it may be covered by permitted development laws. Take a look at our blog post to find out more today.

At a Home or Video consultation we will advise you on your options, enabling you to make informed decisions, helping you to avoid a rejection.

We can also support you with any reapplication that you may need to make, so get in contact today.

Contact us today on 0118 309 0000 or complete our online enquiry form.

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