The UK Planning Permission System operates to ensure that building plans contribute to the delivery of sustainable development so that new homes, businesses, shops, offices and public buildings are built in such a way as to protect and improve the environment.
Typically, planning permission applications from businesses relate to the building of new premises, alterations or extensions to existing premises, or the change of use of premises. To extend shops or offices you will always need planning permission. If you are altering or extending a listed building or a building in a conservation area you may also require conservation area and listed building consent before you proceed.
For factory or warehouse extensions, the work must relate to the existing use of the building or the provision of staff facilities and planning permission will be required if it:
• Materially affects the external appearance of the building, or
• Comes within 5m of the boundary of the site, or
• Reduces the amount of space available for parking or turning vehicles
Planning Permission is often required for the installation of air conditioning equipment but, due to the infinite variety of specific circumstances, the best advice is always to discuss your proposals with the relevant Local Planning Authority before starting work. Failure to comply with the relevant rules will result in the owner being liable for any remedial action, which could result in the enforced removal of air conditioning equipment and restoration of the building to its original state.
For more information on Planning Permission, Building Regulations and Landlords’ Consents please contact Andrews Air Conditioning on 0800 731 8833.