Investors have many options to boost the income you receive from your portfolio. One option is to make changes to a property to increase the size or number of rooms you can rent. If you do look at something like this, you need to check the laws and local rules. It will give you a better idea of what you can do and where you need planning permission. If you are looking at things like the permitted developments Sutton allows, read on for useful information.

Why should you check PDRs?

Whatever you are planning, it is a good idea to start by looking at permitted development rights. They are granted by the Government on a national basis. Because of them you can do a number of things to some properties without having to submit a planning application. If this applies to your project, it can reduce your costs and the timeframe.

However, there is an important thing to keep in mind here; the PDRs are subject to conditions. You must check these to ensure your project does qualify. Then you need to find out about the rules for your specific area. The local council may have chosen to exercise their power to overrule them. You need to check the Article 4 Directions for the area to see if there are any that remove or change your rights.

Further restrictions

There are several other limitations on the permitted developments Sutton has. For example your property may be in a conservation area. Local Councils establish them because areas have a significant character or history. To protect them, they remove the rights to freely make changes to structures. Instead owners and developers usually need to get permission, even for small projects. Currently there are 15 conservation areas in Sutton.

Even if your property isn’t in a conservation area, you may still have limits on what you can do. The building itself may have a listing. Historic England oversees properties with significant cultural or historic value. They can grant a series of listings to give the buildings extra protection. If your property has one, you will need to get planning permission for most changes.

You also need to keep in mind that there are different rules for commercial properties. Again you may have PDRs because the Government allows them. But, the Local Council can remove them in the same way they deal with housing. Plus, if you use PDRs to turn commercial premises into homes, you cannot then apply householder rights to alter them. You will need planning permission for further changes.

Ask us about permitted developments in Sutton

Finefair Ltd appreciates just how tricky it can be to understand planning rules. However, if you navigate them effectively you can unlock lots of value for your assets. We recommend you check with the local council to see where you stand. Often you can book a consultation with them. Plus, you can even get prior approval to help speed up projects.

You can also come to us for lots of useful help. We can review your portfolio with you and offer suggestions about how to improve the returns. This could include HMO conversion and more.

So, if you are thinking of the permitted developments Sutton may allow, we would be happy to help. Contact us today to learn more.