Planning Site Inspection

[Bigtree]

Hi folks, I believe that my planning case officer is going to do a site visit tomorrow for my proposed extension.

The date has passed for any comments of objections and their hasn't been any objections made.

Do we have to be in if they decide to call round? or do they just have a look from the pavement outside?

Ive only heard through my architect that they may be calling after he was chasing progress for us but surely the planning people can't just expect us to be at home or have free access around my property, can they? both of my side gates will be locked, as they always are?

I'm confused!!!!!

 

[tony1851]

They always call to have a look at the site - and usually take pics. If you are out, and they can't get round the back or wherever it is, they will probably leave a card. Your agent may also be contacted.

 

[Bigtree]

They always call to have a look at the site - and usually take pics. If you are out, and they can't get round the back or wherever it is, they will probably leave a card. Your agent may also be contacted.

Thank you for your reply

wouldn't it be courteous to contact and arrange a mutually convenient visit time? not to mention to save a wasted trip!!!

Talk about making a simple job difficult! no wonder they are always running behind!!! lol

 

[tony1851]

wouldn't it be courteous to contact and arrange a mutually convenient visit time? not to mention to save a wasted trip!!!

As an agent for planning applications, I very rarely get phone calls from officers saying that they want to visit such-an- address at such a time and would I arrange with the applicant that there will be access.

Truth is, they don't really care. A wasted trip to them is just an excuse for an hour or so out of the office.

We all pay for this inefficiency through the fee system.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

What is the application for? Can the proposed area be seen from the road? Presumably not from your opening post. These question are on the form, as is who should be contacted in the event of a site visit being carried out.

In their defence often they won't be that bothered if there is no access, generally that confirms that the proposal cannot be seen from the highway and that in itself can have a bearing upon the decision.

 

[tony1851]

generally that confirms that the proposal cannot be seen from the highway and that in itself can have a bearing upon the decision.

It can, but if it's a back extension, they may want to see the impact it has on any rear windows in the neighbouring property.

 

[jeds]

They always call to have a look at the site - and usually take pics. If you are out, and they can't get round the back or wherever it is, they will probably leave a card. Your agent may also be contacted.

Thank you for your reply

wouldn't it be courteous to contact and arrange a mutually convenient visit time? not to mention to save a wasted trip!!!

Talk about making a simple job difficult! no wonder they are always running behind!!! lol

They never arrange visits for small home extensions. As the others have said, they'll just call on spec. If they can see round the back or look over the fence they'll do that and not even let you know they've been. If they can't see anything they'll probably knock the door to see if anybody's home but it won't bother them if you're not. I don't think they really like talking to people.

 

[Bigtree]

Well, it turns out that they didn't do any site visit but granted us permission anyway!!