What Happens if my Planning Application is Refused?

Do we panic? No! Are there options to move forward? Always! 

Planning isn’t always black and white. We are experienced in navigating the ins and outs of what is most likely to get approved by planning officers, however the outcome is not as predictable as we hope it would be. In some cases, a proposal can be designed to the local authority planning guidance but can still potentially be refused. Under these circumstances, you have several options and Method Studio Architecture can help you decide the best route to take. 

What are my options?

Option 1:

The first option is to submit tweaked drawings. The Local Authority allows you to submit a design with the same description once more, free of charge. This is a useful alternative if the changes are relatively small. If you as the client are happy to adjust your original design to fit the planner's feedback, this could be a reasonable option. Some examples of smaller changes could be regarding the size of the proposal, window positions or potential overlooking issues.

Option 2:

If the proposed changes from the planners don’t fit with the design, your second option is to go back to the drawing board and redesign. With the comments of the previous refusal in mind you can then move ahead to design something that the planners will likely approve. This may mean you are even submitting a different type of application too. Method Studio Architecture are well versed in navigating the options here, and with the planners' feedback we do have an advantage for the next submission. 

Option 3:

Request a pre-application meeting. Sometimes a planner will request we withdraw the application as it’s headed towards a refusal. This is because there are some simple changes we can discuss with the planners to make it work for both client and planners. There is a small fee for this Local Authority service. Even though it means a slight time delay for the meeting and resubmission it means it’s more likely to get through after having this direct conversation with planners. 

Option 4:

Alternatively, if you don’t like the idea of compromising your design, the changes seem unfair or maybe the design is similar to a neighbouring property you have the option to appeal the decision. Using a specialist consultant to help with the appeal may assist your plans being approved during the appeal process. 

Planning applications can get rejected for a number of reasons which is why we contact the planners after the consultation period so we can get a clear idea of how the application is going. Thus, we can be prepared and ready for any decision. This will mean we already have an idea of the next steps to take depending on the outcome of the proposal, ensuring we continue to keep our client's projects moving forward. Whatever the decision, Method Studio Architecture can help and advise you through each step of the planning process.