How the Right Planning Agent can help acquire Planning Applications

When it comes to managing a new development project, not being equipped with the right advice can result in severe consequences at any point in the planning permission process. Developers and project owners are often discouraged from including a planning agent in Kent on their team due to the hefty sum of money they charge. However, planning agents play a key role in acquiring planning permissions by mediating and guiding all efforts involved in the planning application process.

A planning application can make or break the prospects of acquiring permission to move ahead with a project. The services of a planning agent play a crucial role in the planning application process, let’s find out how.

👉Why Hire a Planning Agent?

Planning agents are equipped with a vast knowledge of the local area that they are based on, the planning policies that apply there, their local community, and other stakeholders that might be involved. An experienced planning agent also maintains a cordial relationship with all such stakeholders throughout their career.

Project owners usually hire the services of a planning agent to help save their time and money by leveraging their knowledge in interpreting planning council policies, and the rules related to development and offering aid throughout the decision-making process.

There are various stakes involved in acquiring planning permission. The procedure of preparing and submitting the planning application itself is a highly complex process. Several aspects require careful consideration in terms of design, heritage, viability, conservation, traffic, and even neighboring highways. It is up to the planning agent to be the project owner’s eyes and ears in terms of identifying opportunities and value throughout the process of acquiring planning permission.  

👉What is Included in a Planning Application 

In many instances, the submission of the planning application can feel as daunting as sitting for a technical examination. The project owner is mostly aware that any wrong step or answer could put the prospects of the entire project in jeopardy.

This is one of the most significant reasons why development project managers seek the assistance of planning agents in the planning application submission process. It often demands information and details which can be quite complex. It may not be possible for the person in charge to look after all aspects of the procedure. Delegating this crucial task to a planning agent makes it even more convenient, enabling the planning application procedure to go smoothly.  

👉Types of Planning Applications : 

There are a variety of services provided by a planning agent that assists in the planning application process, as mentioned in the following:

1. Consent and Minor Variance

There are often changes required in terms of dividing the land or applying changes as per its use. This service is referred to as variances and necessitates the approval of the committee of adjustment.  

2. Heritage 

They review information concerning the permits required to apply alterations to a property designated to an individual or that needs to be conserved as part of a heritage.

3. Official Plan Amendments 

The official plan refers to the policy document that includes the description of how the land is meant to be used in the community. It also includes directions that guide planning activities related to future public and private initiatives to improve the existing physical environment.

Official plans usually address issues like the following:

• The location where new developments like housing, shopping complexes, schools, hospitals, industrial establishments, and other types of land use are to be located.
• Whether services like water mains, sewers, roads, and schools are necessary.
• When and in what order will the community grow.

If the development in question conflicts with the approved official plan then an official plan amendment needs to be obtained. It is better to have the proposal reviewed by a planning agent before proceeding with negotiations with the council.

4. Part Lot Control

A provision under the Planning Act regulates the sale or transfer of ownership of a part of a lot that is included within the registered plan of subdivision.

This ensures that the municipality can prevent the uncontrolled division of lots that are within a registered subdivision plan. Exemptions in part lot control occur in cases where a semi-detached or town-house development needs to be facilitated.

This approach helps lessen the difficulty faced by builders in establishing a center wall on the property line of two dwelling units. Best to discuss the proposal for part lot control with a planning agent before applying.

5. Plan of Condominium

Yet another complex planning application process is the plan of condominium. This involves dividing property in a way that an individual can be entitled to a portion of a building or unit while sharing the rest of the property which is mutually owned by all other individual owners. Condominiums are applicable in the case of residential, commercial as well as industrial properties. Before applying for a condominium plan, the proposal should be discussed with a planning agent.

6. Plan of Subdivision 

A Plan of Subdivision involves dividing land into two or more parcels, each owned individually. This process is governed by the Planning Act. It helps make sure:

• The land is suitable for the newly proposed use.
• The proposal conforms to the official planning and zoning, including provincial legislation and policies.
• The individual, neighbors, or community involved is protected from any inappropriate or undue strain on community-used facilities, finance, and circumstances.

7. Site Plan

This is a type of development control that is unique to a specific site. This is authorized by section 41 of the Planning Act. Site plan controls are exercised in terms of construction, development, and re-development of the land. These activities must be executed within the corporate boundaries of the town.

8. Zoning By-Law Amendments 

The use of land is governed by a zoning by-law. It determines what uses are permitted for the land and provides details such as:

• Where the building or structures may be located.
• The types of uses and dwellings.
• The standards must be applied in terms of size, building height, parking lots, side yard dimensions, and street-related setbacks.

If the development of a new property does not comply with the existing zoning-by law, then the owner needs to apply for a zoning amendment.  

👉 Conclusion : 

All of the aspects related to planning applications mentioned in this blog are essential Planning Permission Services in South East London provided by reputable and reliable planning consultants like CB Planning Agent. Hiring the right agent for your endeavor can make all the difference.