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1. Before you apply
2. The Planning process
3. Submitting the application
4. What we would consider
5. What other consents may be required

1. Issues to Consider Before Applying for Planning Permission

Deciding to extend your home is an important decision and one which will involve a large financial investment. Therefore, you need to consider carefully the type and size of extension which best meets your own requirements. For instance:-

• It may be better to move house rather than build a large costly extension in the wrong location.
• A poorly designed extension can spoil the appearance and character of a house, especially if it takes up too much of the existing garden, or adversely affects neighbouring houses or the street scene.
• If you decide to extend your home you may need both planning permission and building regulation approval. Some development can be carried out as ‘permitted development’ without the need for a planning application. Leaflets are available in this series which include advice on whether you require planning permission or not. Any external alterations to flats including Tyneside flats will require planning permission. It is strongly recommended that you contact us to confirm in writing if you believe you do not need planning permission for your proposal, indicating the siting and size of your proposed extension.

2. The Planning Process Explained

• Registration / Validation: Applications can be submitted in person, though the post or online. When received the application is checked for validity. (See Making an Application for details of what to submit). Once checked the application will be either registered or made invalid pending submission of addtional information.  In any we will aim to check all planning applications within 3 working days of receipt.
• Consultation and Assessment: Depending on the type of application submitted we will normally consult neighbouring properties and other relevant bodies asking for their views on the proposal. They normallly have upto 22 days to respond. The Application is assessed by the case officer.  The case officer may request alterations before proceeding with the application. If the changes are signficant then neighbours may be reconsulted.
• Making the decision: 90% of planning applications are determined under powers delegated to the case officer. However major or controvesial developments will usually be decided by Development Control Comittee. The authority aims to determine all applications within 8 weeks (13 weeks for major developments).
• After the decision is made: If an applicant is unhappy with the decision they can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate within six months of the date the decision notice was issued. However in many cases problems with an application can be resolved through discussions with the case officer. An amended application (of similar nature and to same scale or smaller) can be submitted once without charge within a year of the decision of the original application.

3. Submitting the application

If an application is needed this requires a set of drawings and completed forms. These forms and accompanying guidance notes can be obtained from the Planning Control Section, Planning & Transportation Division, Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8PH or by telephoning (0191) 211 5653 / 211 5654 or downloaded from the Forms section of this site. The drawings showing your proposals should be drawn by a suitably qualified person – preferably by a registered Architect, although this is not an essential requirement. Alternatively you can apply for planning permissio via The Planning Portal where you will be guided through the submission process.

Your planning application is considered first by Planning Officers. If someone makes a representation to the Council regarding your extension or the Planning Officer finds it unacceptable, the application is determined by Councillors on the Development Control Committee. Most planning applications are approved and it is normal practice to try and negotiate to achieve a satisfactory design, providing that the proposal is acceptable in principle.

Neighbours are notified by letter of your application, so it is often a sensible idea to discuss your proposals with your neighbours before submitting them.

4. What would we consider?

Planning Officers will be looking at how your proposal affects your neighbour’s privacy, outlook sunlight and daylight and its impact on the general streetscene. A proposal which is poorly designed in relation to the original property or which uses materials or windows which are out of character can make it unpleasant to look at. Details such as string courses on the original building should be replicated across the extensions if appropriate. If ornamental lintels and cills are used on the main houses this should be repeated on the extension. If windows and doors are recessed on your property, this should be replicated on the extension.If you would like some informal advice before sending in your planning application, either telephone the Planning Control Section on (0191) 211 5653/211 5654 and ask to speak to the Planning Officer for your area or call in person at the Customer Service Centre at the ground floor of the Civic Centre.

5. What other consents may be required?

Other consents may also be required from the Council. If your property is listed or within a conservation area you should contact the Planning Control Section before you carry out any work to your property.

Many trees in the City are protected by Tree Preservation Orders, Conservation Area legislation or other planning controls. Trees contribute a great deal to the quality and character of streets. Every effect should be made to avoid damage to trees during building works, including damaging roots. Officers are available to advise about protecting trees close to building works. If the loss of a tree is unavoidable, a replacement should be planted in another location.

Further leaflets are available from the Council about developing close to trees and works to trees.

It is also worth remembering that some protected species share your home, in particular roof spaces should be checked for bat roosts and breeding birds. It is an offence to disturb these creatures. The Council’s EcologyOfficers are available to advise. You should also check your deeds to ensure there are no restrictive covenants on your property. Any development adjacent to the boundary of the site must also comply with the requirements of the Party Wall Act.