DISCHARGE OF PLANNING CONDITIONS
WHITTINGTON WHARF, SHROPSHIRE.

Planning Consultancy:

Discharging Planning Conditions

When councils grant planning permission it is almost always subject to conditions, which can cover a wide range of issues. They can have implications for the timing and cost of your project, and can even influence whether you can build at all.

It’s essential you’re aware of what they cover, when they’re imposed, how to comply with them and how to remove or appeal against them. So, here we’ll have a look at conditions in general first, and then go on to analyse some specific ones in greater depth.

Conditions are generally aimed at ensuring the development proceeds as planned, to mitigate any potentially harmful effects and to gather and approve additional information on specific subjects, such as materials, landscaping, drainage and so on. They can be attached to both full and outline planning permissions, and to the approval of so-called ‘reserved matters’ that follow on from an outline permission.

The government sets out its stance on conditions in the National Planning Policy Framework. This is fleshed out in greater detail in the planning practice guidance.

There are six tests that all conditions should meet: they must be necessary to make the development acceptable, directly related and relevant to the development and to planning; and they must be enforceable, precise and reasonable in all other respects.

The guidance seeks to limit the use of conditions, but some councils routinely impose far more than others. Have a look at two or three decision notices for the type of development you’re proposing to see what approach yours takes.

Conditions that ask for additional details to be submitted and approved by the council are worded to ensure compliance at certain stages of your scheme. Typically these will be prior to commencement; prior to getting beyond slab level; prior to completing the build; or prior to first occupation. Conditions that need to be dealt with before commencement can delay the start of your project, so it’s wise to crack on with getting them approved (or discharged, to use the planning jargon). There are moves to restrict pre-commencement stipulations, and more councils are now adopting wording that refers to progress beyond slab level, enabling works to commence while the conditions are being discharged.

If you want to be released from a particular condition, you have to make a formal application to the council, attaching the required information and paying a fee – currently £97 for a new house and £28 for an existing house. The charge is imposed per submission, so if you’ve several conditions to deal with, it’s best to lump them together in one application. Straightforward requests should be decided within 21 days, but there’s a maximum wait time of eight weeks (unless a longer period is agreed). Where a council drags its heels, there is a procedure by which you can secure a so-called deemed discharge.

If permission is granted subject to a condition that you don’t think meets the requirements of the six tests, you can apply to have it removed or varied. This procedure attracts a £195 fee and will be treated by the council as a planning application. Regardless of the outcome, the original permission will remain intact and it is just the condition that is removed or varied. If the council refuses to retract or alter the condition, there is a right of appeal, but this is risky: in these circumstances the whole permission can be reconsidered, and might even be refused.

If you’ve failed to comply with a qualifying stipulation, the council is able to issue a breach of condition notice. This requires the violation to cease within a specified timescale. There’s no right of appeal, and failure to observe the notice can result in a visit to the local magistrates.

The vast majority of planning consents (with the exception of retrospective applications) come with a standard condition indicating that the permission lasts for three years.

Many councils also routinely impose a condition detailing the approved plans and stating the development must be completed in accordance with them. Here are some of the other key areas where stipulations might be made for your project:

1. Materials

Conditions dealing with materials vary significantly. Some might require external finishes to match the existing house (for extensions) or to comply with descriptions on plans. Or there may be a specific requirement for samples of bricks, tiles, windows etc to be delivered to the council for approval prior to commencement of the works.

Check how the local authority expects materials to be presented for approval: some will accept web links to brochures showing the relevant products, while others will want samples made available for inspection on site.

2. Landscaping

You might face conditions covering both hard and soft landscaping. The former could include hard surfaces, walls and steps; and the latter trees, shrubs and lawns. Again, the amount of detail required can vary. Planting plans and schedules might have to include numbers of plants, their spacing, size of pots and the height to which they’ll grow.

3. Removal of permitted development rights

When granting a planning consent, many councils will remove some or all the permitted development (PD) rights that would otherwise allow future extensions or alterations.

Government guidance on the subject says that this policy should only be used in exceptional circumstances, yet it is routinely applied in some areas. The practice could, and probably should, be challenged more often.

4. Ecology & archaeology

Where the council has identified potential for your scheme to impact on archaeological or ecological interests, it can use conditions to require you to commission surveys or investigative reports and agree any action to mitigate harm. These can be troublesome, partly because of the cost of getting them done, but also because of the delays that can result if anything significant is found. For those converting rural buildings, or demolishing old properties, bat surveys are likely to be required. These can only be undertaken in the summer, when the bats are active. Similar issues arise with other protected species, such as reptiles and great crested newts. A common condition is that sightlines onto the main highway need to be kept open. Here, low stepped walls help to maintain good visibility.

5. Access & parking

You may be asked to submit for approval the details of visibility splays (the sightlines onto the main carriageway from your driveway). You’ll also probably need to provide a commitment that they will be maintained in the future. If you have doubts about your ability to fulfil such conditions, it’s best to liaise with the local highway authority to see whether an agreement can be reached. Detailed plans of parking and turning spaces might be asked for if insufficient detail has been presented in the application. Ensure your plans comply with local standards.

6. Drainage

Particulars of foul and surface water drains are often sought, especially where connections to mains services are not available. Take advice from a reputable supplier of private sewerage systems to ensure your proposed system is suitably located and of adequate capacity.

7. Contamination

If site contamination is suspected, for example where industrial premises are being converted or replaced, the council will want to ensure a survey is undertaken. If an issue is found, it will need to be thoroughly investigated and a suitable remediation plan agreed and implemented. This may involve the digging of trial pits, laboratory analysis and removal of contamination for safe disposal. Costs and delays during this process can be considerable.

Case Study: 23/03459/DIS | Discharge of condition 3 (Joinery details) for the erection of single storey side extension and extension to existing timber framed garagerelating to 22/03214/LBC. | The Cattle Barn 3 Oak Farm Barns Dorrington Lane Woore Crewe Shropshire CW3 9RR.

Upon gaining permission ofr a single-storey extension to a listed barn conversion En-Plan were approached to assist in the Building Regulations stage and the discharge of conditions concerning joinery details. Joinery details in listed (historic or protected) buildings are of paramount importance. Here are several reasons why it's essential to get these details right:

Preservation of Historic Integrity: Listed buildings have often been granted their status because of their historical, architectural, or cultural significance. Original joinery details contribute significantly to the building's character and integrity. Ensuring accurate restoration or replication of these details helps maintain the authentic appearance and essence of the building.
Legal and Regulatory Implications: In many jurisdictions, making alterations to listed buildings without due regard to their historical significance can lead to legal repercussions. This could include substantial fines or orders to undo the work at the owner's expense.
Structural Concerns: Older buildings were constructed using techniques and materials different from modern methods. Accurate joinery details ensure that new or repaired elements will fit correctly and support the structure as intended, without causing damage or introducing instability.
Material Compatibility: Historic buildings often used materials that may not be commonly employed today. Using the right joinery details ensures that compatible materials are used, which can prevent adverse reactions between different materials, such as corrosion or decay.
Value Preservation: From an economic perspective, the value of a listed building can be significantly tied to its historical accuracy and condition. Properly executed joinery work can preserve or even enhance the value of such properties.
Aesthetic Consistency: The beauty of historic buildings often lies in their details. The intricacies of their joinery, moldings, and other features contribute to their aesthetic appeal. Restoring or replicating these details accurately ensures that the building retains its intended visual harmony.
Educational and Cultural Value: Properly maintained historic buildings serve as a tangible link to the past, providing educational opportunities for current and future generations. They give insight into past construction methods, aesthetics, and ways of life. The more accurate the details, the clearer this window into history becomes.
Craftsmanship and Skill Preservation: Accurately reproducing joinery details in listed buildings provides an opportunity to preserve traditional crafts and skills, which might otherwise be lost in the modern age.
Sustainability and Environmental Concerns: Proper joinery details can ensure the longevity of repairs and restorations. This reduces the need for further interventions and the associated environmental costs of materials and labor.
Stakeholder and Community Expectations: Often, local communities and other stakeholders have an emotional or cultural connection to listed buildings. Respecting and preserving the original joinery details can help meet these expectations and maintain community goodwill.

In conclusion, the correct joinery details in listed buildings not only uphold the historical and cultural significance of the structure but also address structural, legal, aesthetic, and economic considerations. With this in mind En-Plan were able to provide the required information that fulfilled all of the above and received approval from Shropshire County Council.

Case Study: 24/00400/DIS | Discharge of Conditions 3 (Fireplaces), 4 (Exterior Services) and 5 (Decorative Finishes) relating to Planning Permission 23/04228/LBC | The Roundabout 3 New Street Shrewsbury Shropshire SY3 8J.

This application for planning permission relates to the change of use of the buildingto a dwelling. This planning application is accompanied by a concurrent application for listed building consent (23/04228/LBC).
The application has been revised to include retention of the rear dormer windowand omission of the roof lights that were originally proposed. The existing chimney is now indicated on the amended drawings and is proposed to be retained.

The site comprises a grade 2 listed building situated within Shrewsbury Town Centre Conservation centre. The proposed conversion to a dwelling is acceptable in principle in this sustainable location within Shrewsbury Town Centre and will secure a viable new use for the building helping to ensure its long term maintenance and preservation. Subject to compliance with the recommended conditions attached to the listed building consent, the proposed external and internal alterations will preserve and enhance the character and appearance of this listed building, the street scene and this part of Shrewsbury Conservation area. The proposal is considered to accord with section 16 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and local plan policies MD2, MD13, CS6, and CS17. Regard has been given to section 66 and 72 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 in determining this application.

Sandblasting Wooden Beams:

Sandblasting is a method of using high-pressure air to propel abrasive material against a surface to remove contaminants or to create a desired texture. When sandblasting wooden beams, you need to take care to avoid damaging the wood. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Prepare the Area:
- Ensure proper ventilation.
- Cover nearby surfaces and items to protect them from abrasive materials.
Safety Gear:
- Wear appropriate protective gear, including safety glasses, a dust mask, and gloves.
Select the Abrasive Material:
- Choose a gentle abrasive material suitable for wood, such as walnut shells or crushed glass.
Adjust Pressure:
- Set the sandblasting equipment to a low pressure to avoid damaging the wood.
Test on a Small Area:
- Test the sandblasting process on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it achieves the desired effect without causing harm.
Sandblast the Beams:
- Evenly sandblast the wooden beams, maintaining a consistent distance to avoid uneven stripping.
Clean the Surface:
- Remove any remaining abrasive material and dust from the beams.

Staining Wooden Beams:

Staining enhances the natural beauty of wood and provides protection. Before staining, ensure that the wood is clean and free of any dust or debris from the sandblasting process. Here's how to stain wooden beams:

Choose the Right Stain:
- Select a wood stain that suits the desired color and finish. Consider both oil-based and water-based stains.
Prepare the Surface:
- Sand the wood lightly to smooth the surface and remove any rough spots.
Clean the Wood:
- Remove any dust or debris using a clean, damp cloth.
Apply Wood Conditioner (Optional):
- If working with softwoods or porous hardwoods, applying a wood conditioner before staining can help achieve a more even finish.
Apply the Stain:
- Use a brush, rag, or sponge to apply the stain evenly, following the wood grain.
Wipe Excess Stain:
- After a few minutes, wipe off any excess stain with a clean cloth to achieve the desired level of color.
Allow to Dry:
- Allow the stained beams to dry thoroughly according to the stain manufacturer's instructions.
Apply Sealant (Optional):
- To protect the wood and enhance durability, consider applying a clear wood sealant or varnish after the stain has dried.

Always follow the specific instructions provided by the sandblasting and staining product manufacturers for the best results.

Please CONTACT US for a free no obligation consultation or email me on simon@en-plan.co.uk. I look forward to talking through any planning conditions you may need our assistance with.