A shortguide to

A shortguide to planningpermission in France© Изображения пользователя Nadine-de-TrevilePerhaps it’s an extension or a completely newbuild. There are different types of permissionand different regulations for each whetherthat’s full planning (permis de construire),minor works (déclaration préalable) or outlineplanning permission (certificat d’urbanisme) orsomething different.If you’re buying a property in France and knowyou’ll need planning permission take stepsto make a successful planning permit part ofthe deal. At French Plans, we often prepareand submit outline planning applications(CUb) during the contract phase of a propertypurchase, and your notaire (solicitor), canoften add a clause to the sales contractmaking the purchase contingent on receivinga positive response.If you are looking to sell off part of your land,or split an existing dwelling into one or moreindividual houses, then you’ll need to getplanning permission.Don’t forget that as part of a planningapplication, you may need things likeFrench planning& architectural servicesdrainage design, service connections andeven soil studies.You may find that retrospective planningpermission is needed when you come to buy orsell a house. This is quite common and oftenhappens when people have undertaken workto their home without realising that planningpermission was required. If this happens toyou, don’t panic. You may need to be a littlecreative if there are no “before” drawings butas long as the work done is in line with relevantplanning rules, then getting permission afterthe event is often possible – you just need totick the right boxes.Be aware that some communes have stringentplanning restrictions in place, for examplewhat colours can be used to paint the shuttersof houses where the authorities have apalette of colours to be used. If you have anyquestions about planning permission in Franceor would like to get help with your propertydesign and planning needs, contact the teamat: French PlansWhen it comes to making changes to yourproperty in France, the chances are you’llneed to apply for planning permission.Whether you’re extending the property,building your own home, and even changingthe colours of the shutters or walls, you mayneed official authorisation - or you could voidyour insurance policy, face substantial fines orbe forced to undo the work you’ve done.Nothing would please us more than to tellyou that it’s a simple process – but it’s not.This being France, you can be certain there’splenty of documentation and paperworkinvolved – not just formal floor plans. Thefact is when you’re dealing with officialplanning permission it boils down to severalthings. Completing the steps required is timeconsuming and if you get even the most minorthing wrong, you will fail in your application.Trust me, we’ve been there. It can be afrustrating and seriously stressful experience.We asked architect Tom Easdown at FrenchPlans for his top tips. They have a hugeamount of experience of working on everykind of building including historic monuments,chateaux, business offices, gites and manorhouses – extensions, renovations andconversions. And in our experience, officials inFrance tend to be more trusting of experiencerather than enthusiasm!Top tipsMake sure you apply for the right sort ofplanning: Maybe you’re installing a swimmingpool, or a shepherd’s hut or shed in yourgarden (which can often need permission).Fully qualified English speaking architects and planning consultants offering full designand planning services for any size of project, anywhere in France.New Build . Extensions Renovations . Swimming PoolsRetrospective Permits . Barn Conversions . Châteauxsiret : 881 631 642 00025email: enquiries@frenchplans.comwww.frenchplans.comestablished in 2002130 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 131