Refused Planning Permission? It’s Not the End of the Road
For landowners, securing planning permission is undoubtedly the most crucial step in unlocking a site’s maximum potential value. However, when a planning application is refused by the local planning authority (LPA), it can feel like a huge disappointment, and many landowners are left wondering what options they have going forward.
The bad news? A planning refusal can negatively impact on the value of a site in the eyes of prospective buyers due to perceived risk.
The good news? A refusal is not the end of the road. It’s simply a hurdle that, with the right approach, can often be overcome.
LPA’s refuse planning applications for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to, issues of design and scale, impact on surrounding amenity, and inadequate parking arrangements. With the ever-increasing list of new requirements for planning applications, including the need to deliver 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG), the challenge of securing planning permission is becoming even more challenging, with greater uncertainty as to whether or not an application will be approved.
Nevertheless, a refusal does not equate to a site’s lack of potential. Instead, it often highlights areas that have not been sufficiently explored prior to submission.
Options After a Planning Refusal
1. Review, Revise, and Re-Submit
One of the most effective responses is to analyse the LPA’s refusal reasons and refine the proposal. For minor applications, this can be a straightforward process depending on the reasons for refusal, and the nature of the matters that need to be addressed.
2. Appeal the Decision
If you believe the refusal was unfair or unreasonable, you have the right to appeal. The appeal process is managed by the Planning Inspectorate who will undertake an independent assessment of the application, including the reasons for refusal, and will overturn the decision if they determine that the proposed development accords with the LPA’s development plan and policies.
3. Explore An Alternative Strategy
Sometimes, a completely different approach to development can prove to be more suitable. This may involve exploring an alternative land use, changing major elements of the proposed scheme, or adopting a more-creative approach towards achieving your desired outcome for the site.
Why Work With Site Source UK?
Navigating the planning system can be complex, arduous, and expensive, especially after receiving a refusal. At Site Source UK, we specialize in dealing with challenging sites and are happy to explore the acquisition of land that has been subject to previous refusals.
If your planning application has been refused, don’t give up. Contact us today, and let’s explore how we can turn your land into a valuable asset.
