Planning permission is permission for a structure you intend to build. Retention permission is permission for an unauthorised structure or partially constructed structure that is already built without planning permission. This is very risky, but retention permission is there to try to regularise the matter with the local Authority, the process and procedure are exactly the same for both planning permission and retention.

If a genuine mistake has been made, it is possible to apply for Retention planning permission to retain the unauthorised development. This permission may be refused, in which case, the unauthorised development will have to be demolished.

The most common reasons our clients need retention planning are for extensions to the side and/or front of the existing house, extensions built to the rear that exceeds the permitted 40 sq. metres our other specialised reasons. Most clients were unaware that you need retention planning for you to extend your vehicular access or extend the high of your boundaries. check with your local Authority for the exempted heights.

Generally, the local planning authority must make an initial decision on a planning application within 8 weeks of receiving the application and a further 4 weeks for a final decision or Final Grant of permission. The process may take longer should the authority need further information, or if any appeals were lodged.

The process and procedures are exactly the same as an ordinary planning permission. You Can contact JEArchitecture for more information or your local Authority. You can check the guidelines on exempted development or find out more about Retention planning permission, by going to your local Authority website. Is it hard to get Retention planning permission?

In the most instances retention planning permission is usually for minor domestic additions that need to be regularized (corrected),these issues range from unauthorised rear extensions or large garden sheds / the addition of a front porch / unauthorised side extensions/ the removal of front garden walls to provide for off street parking, to name but a few.

This type of unauthorised development requires a retention application to be lodged with the local authority. Lodging a retention application is no different from lodging a planning application except in name and involves the same process.

Permission for retention planning application does not automatically absolve you from prosecution if enforcement action has already been taken against you. If you are buying property, check that the building itself and any extensions or alterations to it have proper planning permission or are exempt from planning permission. You, as the new owner, may be liable to enforcement action. It is an offence under planning legislation too. Those applying for retention do so under section 34 of the Planning and Development Act 2000.

Permission for retention planning application does not automatically absolve you from prosecution if enforcement action has already been taken against you. If you are buying property, check that the building itself and any extensions or alterations to it have proper planning permission or are exempt from planning permission. You, as the new owner, may be liable to enforcement action. It is an offence under planning legislation to undertake any work needing permission without that permission having been secured (i.e. no planning permission in place) where planning permission was granted but the development is not being carried out in accordance with the plans lodged or conditions of the planning permission granted the development does not comply with all the conditions and limitations to qualify a development as exempt.