When submitting a planning application, you need to write a brief written description of what you want to do. It needs to be clear and precise so that everyone understands what is being proposed. We then use this description to notify neighbours and other consultees.
We have set out three main steps to help you clearly, concisely and accurately describe your development proposal.
The description needs to explain, in simple terms, what you are applying for. It needs to be clear enough so that someone not familiar with the site can understand the proposal.
For example:
Erection of a single storey side extension, detached garage, and new vehicular access off St Marks Road
Erection of 9 detached dwellings (three with 4 bedrooms and six with 3 bedrooms) with integral garages and the formation of a new vehicular access off St Marks Road
For change of use applications, please clearly describe what the existing authorised use is, and the new use that is being proposed.
For example:
Change of use from retail shop to a takeaway and the installation of extraction equipment to the rear elevation
Demolition works also require planning permission. Any works to demolish a building must be included within the description.
For example:
Demolition of former retail unit and erection of 3 semi detached two bedroom dwellings with integral garages and vehicular access off St Marks Road
If your proposal:
You will need to include in detail what elements of the proposed works require Listed Building Consent.
For example:
Erection of single storey side extension and internal alterations to existing dwelling (including subdivision of the first floor room to provide a new bathroom, and demolition of an internal wall on the ground floor).
A detached garage and new vehicular access off St Marks Road is also required.
Please note that all demolition works that require listed building consent must be mentioned in the description.
The description should make it clear in general terms where the key elements of the scheme will be.
The examples refer to a 'single story side extension' and a 'new vehicular access off St Marks Road'.
This is very helpful information that allows a neighbour to quickly understand how the proposal might affect them. There is, however, no need to include the address of the site within the description.
Descriptions should not include unnecessary details or references to things that aren't relevant to planning permission.
For example:
We want to extend our property so that we have a bigger kitchen, and an extra bedroom that will give us a view over the Mendips.
This should simply read: erection of a two storey single extension.
All parts of a proposal that have already been built, but have not received planning permission, should be clearly referred to as “retrospective”. Failure to do this often frustrates local residents and can increase opposition.
For example: Retrospective application for the erection of a single storey side extension and a 1.5m high timber fence along the east boundary.
When applying for permission to amend an existing planning permission, or a condition attached to it, please refer to that in your description.
Variation of condition 3 of planning permission 10/P/1234/F (erection of retail unit off St Marks Road) to allow the retail unit to open up until 11pm Monday to Friday
Minor material amendment of planning permission 10/P/1234/F (erection of retail unit off St Marks Road) to provide three additional parking spaces to the rear of three retails units (northern boundary)
Note that the listed examples refer to the type of amendment. Please accurately describe the type of amendment that you propose by using one of the terms listed below.
*Use this terminology when the proposed amendment is neither 'non-material' nor 'minor material', but requires a full new application.
Applications for advertisements must clearly indicate which advertisements will be illuminated and how they will be illuminated, either internally or externally.
For example:
Erection of one internally illuminated fascia sign over shop window and one externally illuminated free standing sign on forecourt