#planning-permission

#planning-permission

Strictly speaking, neighbours don't have any special status in the planning system. Their objections - often heartfelt, sometimes fierce - don't carry any automatic weight. Planning is meant to be a public, policy-driven process, not a private popularity contest. So comments from neighbours are only considered relevant if they raise planning issues, such as overlooking, overshadowing, traffic or design. That said, neighbours can still influence the outcome of a planning application - and in several indirect but meaningful ways.

Ministers have delayed a decision on whether to grant planning permission to a proposed Chinese super-embassy in London amid concerns about redacted drawings in the building's plans. The deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, was due to make a decision on 9 September but has pushed this back to 21 October, saying more time is needed to consider the plans for the development, which would occupy a sprawling 20,000 sq metres (5 acres) at Royal Mint Court in east London.

When you're hunting for a building plot, it's easy to think you'll stumble across a neat patch of grass with planning permission already sorted and services waiting at the boundary. In reality, that almost never happens and more often than not, the best opportunities are hidden in plain sight - old garages, barns, or even, in building expert Mark Stevenson's case, a disused post office.

Rose and Chris Murray built their home in Bohermeen without planning permission in 2007. They faced a 20-year legal battle with Meath County Council.

A planning inspector stated that Rose and Chris Murray should not be denied retention for their house built without permission solely due to density concerns, noting that similar developments have received permission in the area.

The government's proposed "medium-site" category aims to cut red tape for developments between 10 and 49 homes, helping self-builders unlock land and move faster.

Steve Dally faced a £70,000 charge after Waverley Borough Council misclassified a minor amendment to his planning permission as a new build, causing significant distress. 'I was blindsided,' he stated.

Securing planning permission can be the biggest hurdle for self-builders, particularly when councillors can block homes on sites already allocated for housing in local plans.

We are disappointed by the recent decision to refuse planning permission for the proposed extension to our nursery in the Hacton ward. As a long-standing and trusted early years provider in the community, our sole aim is to meet the growing demand for local childcare - a need that has only increased with the completion of the new 300-home development at the St George's Hospital site. We will be lodging a formal appeal against the decision.

The revised scheme was considered to have an acceptable scale and design which would not result in significant harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area or residential amenity.

"The UK Planning System relies on paper-based processes, and AI can help to read and then extract the key information from it, to help both residents and planning officers. The productivity benefits will allow for a faster and cheaper service."

The Independent is committed to delivering timely news on pressing issues such as reproductive rights and climate change, ensuring transparent reporting that is accessible to all.

"Cancelling the series of festivals would directly impact thousands of people... many of whom rely on the summer season to sustain their livelihoods."

Building regulations ensure that garage projects are safe, structurally sound, and do not negatively impact surrounding buildings—unawareness can lead to costly errors.

Clive Ryan’s neighbors argue that the external insulation installed without planning permission has led to damaging mould outbreaks in their homes.

Our beautiful Brockwell Park is a haven for nature and of immense value to the people of Lambeth and Southwark, but it's under threat from private events.

The plans were deemed to pose significant harm to the rural character of the area, adversely impacting the visual amenities that the green belt provides.