Certain forms of permitted development require the prior approval of the local planning authority for certain matters.
The following are of particular relevance to Norwich:
- householder extensions
- change of use from offices to residential
- change of use to a state funded school
- telecommunications development
- demolitions.
1. Householder extensions
This applies to single storey rear extensions which are not in a conservation area and which extend beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse by more than four metres but not by more than 8 metres in the case of a detached dwellinghouse, or more than three metres but not by more than 6 metres in the case of any other dwellinghouse and where the other requirements of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development Order) 1995 (as amended) are met (including that it shall be completed by 30 May 2016).
In these cases the prior approval of the council is required and before beginning the development the developer shall provide the following information:
(a) a written description of the proposed development including:
i. how far the enlarged part of the dwellinghouse extends beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse;
ii. the maximum height of the enlarged part of the dwellinghouse; and
iii. the height of the eaves of the enlarged part of the dwellinghouse;
(b) a plan indicating the site and showing the proposed development;
(c) the addresses of any adjoining premises;
(d) the developer’s contact address; and
(e) the developer’s email address if the developer is content to receive communications electronically.
The council will then notify owners or occupiers of any adjoining premises. Where no objections are received then prior approval is not required and the council will advise of this. Where any owner or occupier of any adjoining premises objects to the proposed development, the prior approval of the council is required as to the impact of the proposed development on the amenity of any adjoining premises.
At this stage the council may require the developer to submit such further information regarding the proposed development as the council may reasonably require in order to consider the impact of the proposed development on the amenity of any adjoining premises. The council will consider the amenity of all adjoining premises and take into account any representations made.
The council will advise if prior approval has been granted and has 42 days in which to do this from receipt of the information detailed above being provided by the developer.
Full details of this process are available at paragraph A.4 of the householder guide to permitted development.
2. Change of use from offices to residential
Please note: Norwich City Council has confirmed an Article 4 Direction which will remove permitted development rights for the change of use of offices to residential within the city centre. This will come into force on 29 July 2022.
This applies to the change of use (before the 30 May 2016) of a building (other than a listed building or scheduled ancient monument) and any land within its curtilage to a use falling within Class C3 (dwelling houses) from a use falling within Class B1(a) (offices).
In these cases the developer is required to make an application to the council for a determination as to whether the prior approval of the authority will be required as to:
(a) transport and highways impacts of the development;
(b) contamination risks on the site; and
(c) flooding risks on the site.
The application shall be accompanied by:
(a) a written description of the proposed development;
(b) a plan indicating the site and showing the proposed development;
(c) the developer’s contact address; and
(d) the developer’s email address if the developer is content to receive communications electronically;
(e) any fee required to be paid.
Details of this process are available in the statutory instrument at page 8 paragraph N of the link below:
Statutory Instrument 2013 No.1101
3. Change of use to a state funded school
This applies to the change of use (before the 30 May 2016) of a building (other than a listed building or scheduled ancient monument) and any land within its curtilage to use as a state-funded school, from a use falling within Classes B1 (business), C1 (hotels), C2 (residential institutions), C2A (secure residential institutions) and D2 (assembly and leisure).
In these cases the developer is required to make an application to the Council for a determination as to whether the prior approval of the authority will be required as to:
(a) transport and highways impacts of the development;
(b) noise impacts of the development; and
(c) contamination risks on the site.
The application shall be accompanied by:
(a) a written description of the proposed development;
(b) a plan indicating the site and showing the proposed development;
(c) the developer’s contact address; and
(d) the developer’s email address if the developer is content to receive communications electronically;
(e) any fee required to be paid.
Details of this process are available in the statutory instrument at page 8 paragraph N of the link below:
Statutory Instrument 2013 No.1101
3. Telecommunications development
This applies to certain telecommunications developments under Part 24, Schedule 2 of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 as amended. Applications can be submitted on forms and with relevant supporting information and the fee as detailed within the validation requirements below:
4. Demolitions
This applies to the demolition of buildings under Part 31, Schedule 2 of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 as amended. Applications can be submitted on forms and with relevant supporting information and the fee as detailed within the validation requirements below:
