What is Property planning?

Introduction

With the world’s economic progression, many work areas are now gaining popularity. With new fields opening and new career options being discovered, people are experimenting with different employment routes to choose the one that brings home a steady income.

Provided the circumstances, the real estate market has seen significant progress in the past few years. Many people now resort to property planning to establish a permanent and successful career. In addition, with the recent inflation and a changing economic climate, the profit margin in the sector has increased tremendously. 

Therefore, if you’re looking forward to establishing a steady income, professional property planning might be just what you are looking for.

What is Property Planning?

Property planning refers to a plan of action concerning the future development of the property. This strategic approach may refer to any changes that need to be made to the property. In addition, what needs to be removed, or what needs to be added also belongs to this category.

The most important factor to consider when property planning is to work to establish the long-term goals or visions of the property holder. Other important factors to consider might be the property’s intended use, mapping, and land capabilities. 

Why is Property Planning Essential?

For someone relatively newer to the real estate sector, it is essential to understand that the primary goal of property planning is not usually effective in the present. However, it is more concerned with the future. 

The property planning is conducted in such a way that establishes a secure future for the land. No matter what the use of the area is, this plan is concerned with achieving more sustainable growth in the upcoming years. 

For example, property planning concerning a farm might involve soil types, land capabilities, and nature conservation methods to ensure sustainable and varied production. This end goal would not be achieved immediately in the subsequent crop yield. However, in the latter years, the outcome would improve substantially.

What Are Property Planning Permissions in The UK?

Property planning permissions refer to the consent of the local or state authorities to introduce any developments in a piece of land or building owned by a property holder. These local authorities ensure that no inappropriate changes are made to that property.

There are four main types of applications to get property planning permission in which the government will use council tax to make the process run smoothly.

1. Full Application

The full application is the most common type of property planning application. It includes complete development details, including any necessary maps and drawings.

Such developments requiring this application submission may include the following:

• Changes in the use of the property
• Engineering works
• Non-householder developments

2. Householder Application

This application is required when your property planning involves altering an existing residential area, such as a home or garden, to carry out any projects.

These may include the installation of doors, windows, fences, garden walls, etc. Any developments like altering the garage would also require such permission.

3. Outline the Application

An outline application is designed for the authorities to decide if the structure of a suggested development would be acceptable. It is sent before the full application and usually targets property planning outcomes like housing schemes.

For instance, if the development site is located in a conserved area, further details will be required for approval in the form of a full application.

4. Reserved Matters Application

If the property planning permission has been granted with the outline application, a reserved matters application has to be submitted for approval before the development is initiated. This has to be done within a period of three years. 

Along with these applications, the local authorities can often ask for proof of ownership in the form of property documents.

To apply online, click here.

How To Appeal a Property Planning Decision?

If the local property planning authorities have done any of the following, an appeal against their decision can be submitted:

• If their decision goes against the property planning policies
• If you have an objection to any conditions put forward
• Eight weeks or more have passed, but you have not received a decision yet

An appeal can be made by providing the application number and the decision date.

Who Decides The Final Verdict on Property Planning Appeal?

A planning inspector decides the final verdict on an appeal on behalf of the secretary of state.

For further information, click here.

Drawings and Property Planning

When an application is sent to the local planning authorities to obtain permission for any development or changes to a property, the drawings are an essential part.

These architectural drawings help the authority understand the proposed changes correctly. Such changes can include:

• Construction of a new house
• Changing the original use of a property or land
• An extension to cover more than 50% area of a property

The type of drawings required depends on the complexity of developments and property planning. Some standard drawings asked for are site location plans, block plans, roof plans, floor plans, and elevation.

Property Planning For Corporate Let

Many landlords are now introducing themselves to corporate let in the rental sector. They rent the property to a company for a fixed income, which then leases it to professionals. 

The letting type or type of tenancy is irrelevant to this sector, as it only serves the corporates. 

When the private sector could not fulfil the required demand for housing, social housing was introduced by the government. The social housing white paper protects the rights of its residents. 

Property Planning Constraints

The planning consultants concerned with property planning face many common issues surrounding a potential site.

Some of these constraints are listed below.

Flood risk

Many areas of the United Kingdom are prone to floods. These floods can cause significant damage to life and property. Although it is impossible to avoid floods entirely, an appropriate property planning application process can immensely reduce the consequences. 

Upon receiving an application for development in such areas, the local authorities consult the environmental agency. It provides advice and guidance to reduce the deleterious effects that can intervene with property planning.

Polluted Land

Land exposed to industrial and commercial use or the disposal of waste products often becomes derelict due to the presence of harmful chemicals and toxic substances. In the long term, these substances contaminate the land and cause air, water, and land pollution.

Such a piece of land can be hazardous for construction, especially tall buildings, as they can collapse due to a lack of a strong base. Therefore, property planning becomes difficult.

If a property planning application is submitted for land suspected of contamination, a Contaminated Land Officer will be appointed to assess the site.

Forested Area

If you own land that has a forest cover, the Tree Preservation Order ensures that all possible measures are adopted to protect the trees. However, any property planning would not be disrupted due to the latter.

Labour shortages

A plan is first developed for a property where some additions need to be made, and then a map is drawn. The next step of property planning would be the construction or repairs.

However, the labour shortage in the United Kingdom often causes a delay in this step. The latter also contributes to the house and residency shortage in the country.

For further details, click here.

Wayleave

In the simplest terms, a wayleave is described as a permission that has to be obtained from the landlord before installing or repairing any equipment on their private property. This only applies to service providers, so a tenant and his deposit are safe if anything goes wrong.

Property Planning Approval Vs. Building Approval

Property planning approval refers to the approval of any developments or changes to a property. The local planning authorities grant it based on their property planning policies. This approval is more concerned with the impact of the proposed developments on the surrounding land and area.

However, the building approval is concerned with the structural aspects of the same development. It is more focused on the progress that takes place throughout the construction. It ensures that after the proposed developments, the safety of the people living inside or near the building will not be compromised. 

These are both two separate documents and legislations. Depending on the construction, at times, only one is required, while at others, both are demanded.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a stable income, appropriate property planning is necessary. This includes a vision of end goals. In addition, confirming the reliability of the property in the present is equally important. This can be achieved by ensuring Electricity Safety, Gas Safety, and an understanding of the Class Use Order.