I’ve lived in the culturally diverse town of Burnley, Lancashire, England my whole life and really understand its property market. If you’ve just bought a property or are looking to spruce up your current home, it’s important to know about Permitted Development Rights. They could be very helpful in your home improvement project. I’ve created this guide to assist Burnley homeowners with these laws and to help you get all you can out of your property. As your local property expert, I’m eager to share my knowledge and help you understand Permitted Development Rights here in Burnley.
Permitted Development Rights are a UK-wide planning permission grant. They let you carry out certain building works and modifications without needing to apply for planning permission, subject to certain rules and limitations to ensure they don’t cause problems for the local area. As a homeowner in Burnley, you’ll also benefit from these rights, which can make it easier to renovate or extend your property.
The General Permitted Development Plan (GPDO) includes classes relating to the building of new homes, improvements to properties and changes to their usage. Under these rights, you can extend your home, convert the loft, alter features like doors and windows, or transform specific types of properties into homes, as long as it’s within the set guidelines.
However, it’s important to remember that these rights aren’t unlimited. For example, if your property is listed or in a conservation area, you’re likely to need additional permissions. Some changes and additions, especially larger ones, will need Building Regulations approval to ensure they’re safe and meet other required standards.
Also, don’t mistake Permitted Development for an ‘automatic’ green light. It’s still a good idea to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) from your local council as this verifies the development is legal. An LDC can prevent potential legal problems down the line, particularly when you want to sell the property.
Burnley’s Permitted Development Rights also cover businesses, allowing some changes to the use of buildings to help local companies grow. Home-based businesses might also be covered, although a significant increase in commercial use might require planning permission.
As an estate agent in Burnley, I know that understanding Permitted Development Rights makes it easier to make home improvements that increase the value of your property. Adding extra rooms or making spaces more versatile can greatly improve your home’s look and functionality. This doesn’t just make it nicer to live in, it can also push up its market price.
Always remember, illegal development can lead to problems, including law enforcement getting involved, needing to undo changes and paying big fines. So, don’t rely on gossip; always check with a professional or your local planning authority if you’re unsure.
So, if you’re a homeowner in Burnley, knowing your Permitted Development Rights can save time, trouble and potentially needing to apply for planning permission for certain builds. It also means you can expand, adapt and improve your property, possibly increasing its value. However, you must remember that these rights come with rules, exclusions and conditions, so failing to follow them could lead to problems. Always seek professional advice or consult with local planning authorities if you’re unsure about anything. Enjoy exploring the wonderful world of property ownership and development in Burnley!