Latest · HMOs
Why Councils Refuse HMO Planning Applications (and How to Avoid It)
From concentration policies and layout to parking and neighbour impact, and how to strengthen your case.
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Practical guides to the planning system, written by Martin from both sides of the table.
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HMOs
Why Councils Refuse HMO Planning Applications (and How to Avoid It)
From concentration policies and layout to parking and neighbour impact, and how to strengthen your case.
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HMOs
What Councils Look For in a HMO Planning Application
Concentration, layout, parking, neighbour impact and local policy: what case officers check.
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HMOs
Article 4 Directions: The Hidden Trap for HMO Landlords
Article 4 directions block many HMO conversions. Here’s how they work, and how you may be able to get around them.
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HMOs
When Does a HMO Need Planning Permission?
The rules on C3, C4 and sui generis uses, Article 4 directions, and what every landlord should know.
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HMOs
HMO Investors Beware: The Planners Are Coming
Councils are tightening the rules on HMOs. Article 4 directions, permission, enforcement and appeals explained.
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Applications
How to Get Your Planning Application Through First Time
Ten insider tips from a former council planner to avoid the simple mistakes that lead to refusal.
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Appeals
How to Win a Costs Award in a Planning Appeal
When costs can be awarded, what counts as unreasonable behaviour, and the deadline for Part 1 costs applications.
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Enforcement
What You Should Do if You Receive a Planning Enforcement Notice
Your rights, the deadlines that matter and your options for appealing, explained by a former case officer.
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Applications
Why Objections From Your Neighbours Probably Won’t Affect Your Application
Planners pay less attention to neighbour objections than you might think. Here’s why.
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Appeals
Is It Worth Appealing a Refusal of Planning Permission?
When appeals succeed, what to expect, and how to decide whether it’s worth it.
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Enforcement
How to Handle a Planning Enforcement Investigation
Your rights and the usual procedure when the council starts asking questions.
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Extensions
Why Is It So Hard to Extend a House in the Green Belt?
What counts as a disproportionate extension, and where permitted development rights still help.
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Extensions
Why Is It So Hard to Extend a House in a Conservation Area?
Why extensions in conservation areas face extra scrutiny, and what that means for your plans.
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Extensions
What Are Permitted Development Rights, and How Do I Make the Most of Them?
What you can build without planning permission, and how to make the most of it.
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Appeals
How to Write a Killer Appeal Statement
When a full appeal statement is still needed, and how to structure the evidence.
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Planning
What Is a Chartered Town Planner?
Diverse experience, deep knowledge and a code of conduct: why chartered planners are the gold standard.
Got a planning problem?
Refused permission or facing enforcement? Martin’s consultancy, Just Planning, handles appeals and enforcement notices for homeowners and small developers. Send over the paperwork and the initial advice is free.