I recently had the pleasure of working with a lovely client to develop street planting that would suit her planting preferences and low maintenance requirements. Sadly upon buying her home she was not informed that the landscaping that formed part of the planning approval could not be changed without written consent and a rather surprising and unwelcome letter arrived on her doorstep from the council when a neighbour informed the council that she had removed the partially completed planting installed by the developer. The removal of the dying hedge was a ‘breach of the planning conditions’ and as such an enforcement officer had been sent round to the property.
After some initial distress we were able to quickly submit some proposals and received approval from the local authority; who were very reasonable and understanding.
If you are buying a recently built property please do check the detail of the planning approval and read the planning conditions in detail. They will often include the submission of a landscaping proposal. Sometimes the developer will not actually install the proposed landscaping either at all or a poor imitation of it. It is useful to understand this before making the purchase as the local authority can request that you carry out the planting and you may end up in a wrangle with the developer and/or out of pocket.
Low maintenance planting chosen for boundary
Generally speaking the local authority will be interested in any planting that has a contribution to the ‘street scene’ – boundary planting such as hedges and boundary treatments; fencing etc. Approval in writing to change the approved scheme may need to be sought if within five years from the original planning approval for the development.
Please give me a call if you require assistance in ensuring your outside space is as you want it and are unsure of any details of the planning approval.
Planting plan for Local Authority- personal details removed