Protected Structure Status and Planning Permission?

my3cents

Near me is a well know local landmark, a thatched cottage that has recently been sold. The cottage is what I would describe as "Chocolate Box", it has Protected Structure Status and the new owners have applied for planning permission. My question is how much notice do the planners take of the PSS when considering planning permission?

I've not looked at the actual plans yet but the notice on the gate indicates adding an extension on the side that is seen from miles around.

I'm interested because I think someone is trying to pull a fast one as the site notice is placed where it is impossible to read from the road, in fact you have to go through a field gate and then a further 25m on to a second field gate where the notice has been tied.

You'd think the PSS would provided some protection but there are 4 others listed in the area and one has been allowed to fall down so I'm not sure being a PS means that much?

Another thought is that the extension on the side of the house that will change the "tourist" view for miles around is just a red herring and included as part of the application to deflect attention from other major work that which will not change the look of the structure from a distance? Do architects use tactics like that to get planning permission?

overshoot

Planners take plenty of notice of protected structure, even without a submission which you could obviously write. Odds are the conservation officer will have their say, they might even if its not protected! What works are allowed will depend on the special interest in the property.

One site notice should be clearly visible/readable from a public road. (There may be more that one). If this condition isnt met the application is invalid. This may not be established for 3 weeks or so when the planner makes his first visit. The drawings should show the locations of the site notices

Drift

It has been my experience (in any county that I have been working) that planners and conservation officers take a VERY in-depth look at planning applications for works on protected structures.

If you have concerns OP take a look at the proposed changes (either in the council office or online) and if you see something you think is inappropriate make an observation to the council regarding the planning. It'll cost you €20.

N.B.: To make a good submission to the council you should familiarise yourself with the county development plan and make reference to where the proposed development is contrary to the guidelines in the development plan. This is where employing a professional will help (but will also cost you of course).

my3cents

Thanks for the replies. Its a strange one, local planning has been turned down for a couple of houses near by because they would be seen from what is considered a major tourist route and other builds have had to prove their roofs didn't show over the top of the hill. So someone has in effect bought a landmark location house that is guaranteed not to have any development near it for the foreseeable future but wants to develop the area themselves? I can only see it as an exercise of "if you don't ask you won't get".

How long does it usually take for the plans to get online? Nothing up yet and with the local government amalgamations I now have to make a 50 mile round trip if I want to check out the plans. I can't really say anything until I've seen the plans, there's always a chance that the architect has looked at some of the old pictures of the area and has drawn up plans that just extend the cottage back the way it was 100 years ago.

hexosan

If you've such a problem with it do as has been suggested and make an observation on the planning application, which will include you name so the owner will be aware there's a problem locally.

Drift

my3cents wrote: »

How long does it usually take for the plans to get online?

It tends to vary from one local authority to another.


You only have 5 weeks from the date they lodged their application to make an observation ... make sure you don't miss it. If you do miss that date it effectively prevents you from appealing the council's decision after it is made.