Hi Folks,
Any advise on helping me deal with my useless council planning department would be much appreciated. I was warned about not using the council as they are the 2nd worst in the country. But I thought, 'let's do this properly'. I have a detached house and I want to convert an old coal bunker into a downstairs WC. We are not on article 2(3) land or a SSSI. The proposed WC, along with an existing utility, will extend to about 7m from the original house. 9 months ago I was told I needed to apply for a 'Lawful development certificate, proposed'. I made it quite clear stressing that it was for a 'neighbour consultation scheme' development. This was via email, which I confirmed with an unrecorded telephone call. The drawings were done, the form filled out and sent off along with the fee. After 5 weeks, this was rejected because I hadn't stated what the purpose of the WC was! I could not believe it. The word they were looking for was 'Ancillary', even though this was used in the application. So it went back in again, and then accepted as a valid application. However, 51 days latter, I have been told this does 'not fall within PD rights. This is a prior approval matter'. ie, permitted development, neighbour consultation. I will need to withdraw my application and resubmit using the appropriate form. Hmmm, this sounds exactly what I asked for in the first place.
So can anyone advise, does the delay of not hearing anything from them for 51 days mean that the 42 day limit applies in this case. That it is now effectively passed because of the delay. Any help much appreciated, many thanks.
Any advise on helping me deal with my useless council planning department would be much appreciated. I was warned about not using the council as they are the 2nd worst in the country. But I thought, 'let's do this properly'. I have a detached house and I want to convert an old coal bunker into a downstairs WC. We are not on article 2(3) land or a SSSI. The proposed WC, along with an existing utility, will extend to about 7m from the original house. 9 months ago I was told I needed to apply for a 'Lawful development certificate, proposed'. I made it quite clear stressing that it was for a 'neighbour consultation scheme' development. This was via email, which I confirmed with an unrecorded telephone call. The drawings were done, the form filled out and sent off along with the fee. After 5 weeks, this was rejected because I hadn't stated what the purpose of the WC was! I could not believe it. The word they were looking for was 'Ancillary', even though this was used in the application. So it went back in again, and then accepted as a valid application. However, 51 days latter, I have been told this does 'not fall within PD rights. This is a prior approval matter'. ie, permitted development, neighbour consultation. I will need to withdraw my application and resubmit using the appropriate form. Hmmm, this sounds exactly what I asked for in the first place.
So can anyone advise, does the delay of not hearing anything from them for 51 days mean that the 42 day limit applies in this case. That it is now effectively passed because of the delay. Any help much appreciated, many thanks.