Extending beyond approved plans

[Overthemoon]

Hello,
Our planning permission is approved to 4 m for a rear single Storey part double storey extension. We wanted it to be 4.2 m (27 cm extra) to be in line with the garage wall. Basically the architect (who is a friend) messed it up and our fault for not having checked it. My question is what error do the councils usually allow for length? Can we go the extra distance without having to resubmit? Thanks

 

[tony1851]

Why not ring the planning department - they are the only people who would be able to give you the definitive answer.

 

[DevilDamo]

I’ve got a bit of d’ai ja vu. Have you asked this on another forum?

Your Planning approval is based on the Planning approved drawings along with the stated/approved dimensions. You should only build to what you have approval for and any deviation ‘could’ open you up to Enforcement action. Although that would be the LPA’s final move before giving you the option to re-submit for what you want to build.

Oh and btw, that’ll be an increase of 0.3m, not 0.2m

 

[IT Minion]

Hello,
Our planning permission is approved to 4 m for a rear single Storey part double storey extension. We wanted it to be 4.2 m (27 cm extra) to be in line with the garage wall. Basically the architect (who is a friend) messed it up and our fault for not having checked it. My question is what error do the councils usually allow for length? Can we go the extra distance without having to resubmit? Thanks

Did the diagram show it inline? If so then you're not changing the size, you're identifying that the measurement listed weren't consistent with the diagrams. Which might be better or worse.

 

[cdbe]

Mine was approved for 5.5m but is actually 5.6m so a small (especially in percentage terms) breach. I do worry a bit when you see these stories about people being made to demolish when it's an inch to big, but I suspect (hope)that this is just the headline and there are other breaches that are the real issue.
Obviously it would be nice if the authorities published an acceptable tolerance but everyone would just add it on from the start, a bit like when the police hint that they rarely stop drivers doing 80 on the motorway.....

 

[mrrusty]

but everyone would just add it on from the start

On my recent passed planning application I put "all dims +/- 100mm." on submitted drawing. Not queried.

 

[tony1851]

The official government guidance given to local planning departments concerning enforcement states:

'Enforcement action may not be appropriate for a minor or technical breach when no harm has occurred'

Therefore there are two tests; 1. is the breach minor and - if so - 2. has it caused any harm (eg loss of light to a neighbour).

 

[johnny2007]

Some councils don't care, some others are strict.
But for 20cm it's virtually impossible that they'll cause any trouble.
Worse case scenario I can see is that they make you submit amended plans.
But seriously, they have better things to do than bothering someone for 20cm.

 

[Notch7]

Can we go the extra distance without having to resubmit?

IME no.

"non material amendment Sir, start your application again from scratch"

you can skin it whichever way you want, but it comes down to one thing: you would be building something not compliant.

The risk of being found out is very very very small (unless you pizz off a neighbour), but you have the ever so slight risk of big hassle.

planning officers never visit a site after consent (they barely visit it before), unless there is a complaint and they might then come around with a tape measure.

 

[Charlie George]

On extensions of 4m, iv'e always built to 4060mm when using metric brick to suit brick length, seems universally accepted,
as others have said you would be unlucky to be pulled.

 

[garyo]

planning officers never visit a site after consent (they barely visit it before), unless there is a complaint and they might then come around with a tape measure.

This is the crux of most planning matters to me. Do you talk to your neighbours much? are they reasonable? are you reasonable? Would you be embarrassed to show them your plans over next Sunday's BBQ?

 

[A_Novice]

Personally considering it's a rear extension and single storey I would just go for it.

Might get shot down by other members but the council are too busy to come round and measure every extension built.

Neighbours aren't going to stich you up as they won't be able to tell you breached the plans by 30cm while peaking through their curtains.

Rules are bent all of the time regarding planning and I would consider this type of thing minor.

 

[Overthemoon]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions so far. Really valuable input and has helped me clear my mind. Just need to pass the hurdle of convincing the builder now
This is our first time ever with any home improvement project and don’t really have anyone in our circle who has done it before. So imagine I’ll be seeking your advice in the near future for other hurdles as well.

 

[DevilDamo]

Are your Building Regulation drawings based on the Planning, i.e. 4m and that is also what the builder has quoted for?