Planning Rejected? Here’s What to Do Next

Have You Had Planning Rejected?

If your planning application has been rejected, you’re not alone. Many property owners face similar situations. One of our clients, for instance, wanted to replace their bungalow with a modern L-shaped house. After waiting eight weeks for a response to their pre-application, they were disappointed to find that nearly every aspect of their plan was rejected.

The reasons for the rejection included concerns that the proposed property was too large, overlooked from the front, had a back garden that was too small, and featured a detached garage. Additionally, the design was criticised for being too boxy, even though the bungalow was not located in a conservation area or a designated area of special interest. During an on-site meeting, however, the planner acknowledged the merits of the contemporary design and suggested adjustments, such as avoiding any extension beyond the front boundary and adding a hedge for privacy.

Should You Give Up?

It’s understandable to feel disheartened by a negative pre-application response, but this doesn’t mean you should give up on your vision for a new property. Instead, take the planner’s feedback seriously. If you proceed with your application without making changes, it’s likely to be refused based on the initial feedback. However, you would still have the option to appeal to the planning inspectorate. If you strongly believe in your proposal and feel the council’s assessment is unjust, an appeal might be worth considering. And even if the appeal fails, you can always revise your design and submit a new application.

That said, it’s usually wise to take the council’s comments on board. After all, the pre-application advice is intended to give you insight into their perspective. Carefully review their response and look into the planning policies they reference. Exploring the council’s online planning database can also provide valuable context, helping you understand what has been approved or refused in your area. If anything in their feedback seems unclear, don’t hesitate to contact the case officer for further clarification.

Consult with Your Architect

It’s equally important to have an open conversation with your architect about the council’s feedback. Do they agree with the concerns raised? If, after careful consideration, you feel that the council’s points are valid and improvements can be made, it’s a good idea to revise your plans before moving forward with your application. However, if you and your architect feel the council’s assessment is flawed, you can submit your application and be prepared to appeal if necessary.

Need Planning Advice?

Navigating planning applications can be challenging, particularly after a rejection. If you’re unsure about your next steps, we’re here to help. Contact us today to discuss your situation and explore how we can assist in refining your plans for a successful application. Together, we can work towards turning your vision into reality.

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