One of the best services we offer at Finefair Ltd is portfolio reviews. We can work with landlords to see if there are ways to increase their yield. It may be that you have the opportunity to make changes to a property that could bring in more money. We can look into this with you and offer advice about the permitted developments Havering allows. They could make it easier for you to make some alterations.
What are PDRs?
Many people don’t know what they need to do if they want to make changes to a property. It can be confusing because there are so many different rules. In a lot of cases you will need planning permission before you can make a change, even if it is only a small one. However, there are some situations where you can take advantage of permitted development rights. These PDRs let you do certain things without having to ask the local council. As a result, they can allow you to proceed with fewer delays and can reduce costs too.
It is always a good idea to begin by looking at what PDRs may be available. You can check Havering Council’s website and the Planning Portal. You can also get pre-planning advice and may be able to get prior approval for some projects.
There are a number of important things to note here though. While you may find that PDRs are available, you may still need to get permission. There may be things that remove or supersede them.
Article 4 Directions
The most important thing to look at here is these directions. Local councils across the UK can use them to remove PDRs. When it comes to the permitted developments Havering Council accepts, there are some notable Articles to look at.
The first Article 4 Direction applies to the creation of HMOs in the Brooklands, Romford Town, Heaton and Gooshays Wards. It removes PDRs in these areas, meaning that planning permission will always be required.
The second Article 4 Direction is borough wide, except the areas above. It also applies to HMOs, specifying that all projects to convert flats, semi-detached houses and terrace houses into a HMO will need permission.
There is a further Article 4 Direction in Havering for Gidea Park. It removes several PDRs for the area and means that people need to get planning permission for projects involving dwelling houses.
Conservation Areas
There are also different rules in these areas. As a result, in most cases permitted development rights will no longer be available. Havering has 11 conservation areas, including the aforementioned Gidea Park. These parts of the borough are home to important heritage assets. As a result you will usually need to get permission for material alterations, change of use, demolitions, and pruning or felling certain trees. You even need permission to display advertisements on buildings.
It is always important to check the specific rules for each conservation area before you do any kind of project. This can clarify if you need to apply for consent.
Ask about permitted developments in Havering
Finefair Ltd knows that making different changes to properties can be very lucrative. London in particular has very high demand for housing. As a result, investors could make more by developing their properties to add more living space, create extra bedrooms, or turn them into HMOs.
We can help clients to look at these options to see which would work for them. As part of this we can offer help with the permitted developments Havering allows. So, contact us today for a great service.
