Kun Arch’s dedicated ADMINISTRATION team manages the entire application registration process on your behalf, providing invaluable assistance in this domain. Crafting each application requires approximately an hour and a half, during which Admin. meticulously prepares all necessary documents, ensuring accuracy from the outset. For a nominal fee of £110+vat, the Administration team handles the submission, sparing you the complexities of interacting with the council. The comprehensive submission package includes:

BLOCK PLAN – Scale: 1:500
SITE LOCATION PLAN – Scale: 1:1250
COMPLETED CIL FORMS
ACCESS AND DESIGN STATEMENTS*
HERITAGE STATEMENTS*
APPLICATION FORMS
ALL MANDATORY DOCUMENTS VERIFIED

The entire submission process typically spans 2 to 3 working days, with a confirmation email sent to you once successfully submitted via the planning portal. Subsequent payment instructions for the required council fees are promptly provided. The council then validates the application within their stipulated time frame, usually within 10 working days.

In the event that the council requests additional documentation, you will be promptly informed to prepare the necessary materials. Depending on the specific requirements, such as heritage statements, fire strategy statements, arboricultural reports, or bat surveys, Kun Arch will recommend a specialist company to prepare these documents at competitive rates for subsequent submission to the council for validation.

REGISTRATION VIA THE PLANNING PORTAL

Leveraging the PLANNING PORTAL is the most streamlined method to submit your application to the council. The Portal offers a user-friendly interface that compiles a detailed summary of the required documents specific to your council. Once all mandatory documents are downloaded, the Portal seamlessly transfers the information along with uploaded files to the council’s planning department for validation. This entirely online process, just a click away, saves you a significant amount of time compared to the traditional approach of mailing five sets of drawings to the council.

SUBMISSION SERVICE – ONLY £132 – MADE EASY

Beware of builders providing advice claiming your construction doesn’t require planning permission. Our principle emphasizes that any proposed drawing necessitates planning consent. Whether through Planning Department registration or applying for a certificate of lawfulness, the goal remains the same—getting the council to check and approve the design. Builders lack knowledge about your house’s history and planning laws, unlike planners. For a small fee of £103, the council scrutinizes the proposal, conducts background checks, and addresses any issues for possible amendments. Remember, permitted development rights interpretation varies among London’s 32 Boroughs and neighboring counties, including Herts, Essex, Surrey, and Kent. Submission is crucial for peace of mind, as building without proper certification can lead to financial losses in rectifying planning control breaches. Taking shortcuts isn’t worth the potential stress and financial setbacks. Builders scheduling start dates without necessary approvals may not prioritize clients’ interests, reflecting a grab-the-job-and-money approach. If homeowners are informed upfront about the risks, responsibility falls on them when proceeding without planning permission or permitted development, assuming the building company has provided clear warnings.

Why Every Kun Arch Client Chooses Certificate of Lawfulness Registration

Seeking a Certificate of Lawfulness is a vital step in the process of planning a Loft Conversion or Extension project. This legal procedure ensures that your construction aligns with pertinent planning regulations and laws. The certificate acts as an official confirmation, verifying that the proposed work falls within permitted development rights or is lawfully compliant. Numerous reasons underscore the importance of obtaining a Certificate of Lawfulness, along with the risks associated with proceeding without one:

Advantages and Justifications for Seeking a Certificate of Lawfulness with Kun Arch:

Legal Assurance: Acquiring a Certificate of Lawfulness offers legal assurance, confirming the lawful nature of your construction work and its adherence to planning regulations. This minimizes the risk of potential disputes and legal challenges in the future.
Enhanced Property Value: A property backed by official documentation certifying its lawful status tends to have a higher valuation compared to one with uncertain or potentially unauthorized modifications.
Facilitates Property Sale: When putting your property on the market, possessing a Certificate of Lawfulness provides assurance to potential buyers that any alterations were conducted within legal parameters. This enhances the property’s appeal and expedites the selling process.
Mortgage and Insurance Requirements: Lenders and insurance providers may seek evidence of lawful construction before approving a mortgage or providing insurance coverage, especially if the property’s value has been influenced by extensions or conversions.
Positive Relationship with Planning Authorities: Holding a certificate strengthens your rapport with local planning authorities, demonstrating your commitment to regulatory compliance and responsible development practices.

Dangers of Undertaking Construction Without a Certificate of Lawfulness:

Legal Ramifications: Proceeding with a loft conversion or extension without the necessary certificate exposes you to legal actions from local authorities. This may include enforcement notices mandating the reversal of construction or the pursuit of retrospective planning permission.
Financial Penalties: Non-compliance with planning regulations can result in financial penalties, fines, and legal expenses. Reversing unauthorized construction may also incur costs to restore the property to its original state.
Challenges in Property Sale: During property sales, potential buyers and their solicitors often conduct thorough due diligence. The discovery of unauthorized construction could lead buyers to withdraw or negotiate a lower price, considering potential legal complications.
Neighborhood Disputes: Unauthorized construction may trigger conflicts with neighbours, particularly if they are adversely affected. This could lead to complaints to local authorities and strained relationships within the community.
Limited Legal Protection: Absence of a Certificate of Lawfulness reduces your legal protection against claims of planning regulation violations. This leaves you susceptible to legal actions initiated by both local authorities and affected neighbours.
Insurance and Financing Hurdles: Insurance providers and mortgage lenders may hesitate to offer coverage or financing for a property with unapproved modifications. This poses financial and practical challenges, limiting your options.

In conclusion, obtaining a Certificate of Lawfulness is imperative to ensure the legal compliance of your loft conversion or extension project. It serves as a safeguard against potential risks, legal repercussions, and financial burdens associated with unauthorized construction. Moreover, it provides peace of mind and enhances the value of your property by establishing its lawful status.

AVOID POTENTIAL COSTLY PITFALLS

SECURE PLANNING PERMISSION OR PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT CONSENT BEFORE INITIATING ANY BUILDING WORKS OR MATERIAL PURCHASES

Contact Us Form for a Quick Response – or Call – 07742554999