MrDBM

i think there's one or two on here so;

a friend of mine has had planning permission turned down twice, with the only explanation being something like 'section 8 - massing'???

does anybody know what this means - and what's the best way to go about it?

ronny555

Massing - appearance/shape of the extension/new build.

The building may be too long/high/deep.

Building may be too big for the site.

Employ an architect for christ sake.

Chrisgr31

Well employ an architect or speak to the planning officer, most are helpful and will tell you what you will and won't get away with.

They are likely to say x is a no-no, but y may work if the councillors agree.

LG John

I'm a planner. I had some guy phone up today asking why he was refused planning permission for a massive extension. I sent him a copy of the report which details the proposal, the proceedure for determining the application, the policies relevant to the proposal, how the proposal is consistant and inconsistant with those policies and the decision and why its been taken. It's unlikely he'll need to know anymore and he can use that to form his grounds of appeal. It doesn't bother me because I believe we took the right decision and even if that decision is overturned at appeal then I will learn from that decision.

In short, get the report and read it and then ask the planning officer if he can suggest changes that might make it an acceptable scheme. You should however know that some houses just can't be extended and consistent with the various policies each council has. Case by case basis and all that.