Finefair Ltd has been assisting clients with getting the greatest returns on their investments for years. In some instances, there are going to be chances for owners to make changes to their properties to boost the value. This can consist of adding on extensions, creating a HMO, or dividing a larger building into flats. If you are planning any projects like these, you must look at your rights. We assist clients by providing details on the permitted developments Southwark will allow.
What are permitted development rights?
The PDRs are especially interesting pieces of legislature coming right from the UK Government. 
Their purpose is to grant property owners permission to change their properties without needing to get planning permission. You can expect them to save you time and money by speeding up the whole process. Not to mention, there is going to be less admin on all sides.
Saying this, there are several details you need to note here. For one thing, the PDRs are different in an array of ways. To give an example, you are free to do certain things with detached structures that you can’t with terraced houses. The former typically has more freedom as it is a standalone property. With other projects you need to think about the impact on neighbours. Commercial premises have unique rules as well.
Additionally, there are situations where PDRs won’t apply. They do come from the Government, but local councils can remove them. To do so, they use Article 4 Directions. Southwark has a number of them, so it is important to check.
More protections
You may look at the permitted developments Southwark has and find you have some freedoms. However, you could still require planning permission. Your property could have a listing. In this case, there is going to be additional protection in place to safeguard it so the area won’t lose the heritage, history, and character.
Someone else could own a property in a conservation area. Southwark has 48 of them. These particular areas also come with special protections that keep the character intact. Due to this, you will usually require planning permission to alter a structure, even in small ways. You can’t progress with your projects without approval. It is illegal to extend, demolish, or alter a building if you don’t have it, and you may have to undo the changes you make.
What’s more, separate rules exist for changing a commercial building. You will typically need planning permission to change things. This includes changes to a shop front, extensions, and change of use. You will likely need permission for things like window grilles and roller shutters too.
Let us help you with the permitted developments in Southwark
The people at Finefair Ltd know how valuable certain projects can be. Depending on what you do, it is possible to add a substantial amount of value to your assets. What you must remember to do though is weigh up the costs. Furthermore, you have to examine building regulations, planning policies, and your rights. It is never a good thing to progress with your project only to suffer penalties or have the council tell you to scrap everything.
We suggest that you examine the council’s rules before doing anything. You have the option to book pre-planning meetings with them. This gives you the opportunity to find out more about the rules and get advice about your proposals.
If you need help with the permitted developments Southwark allows, we can help. Our team can also provide you with useful services like guaranteed rent and block management. So, feel free to speak to us.
