Bloody planning!

[TonyK]

6 weeks ago I called our local planning department querying whether or not I needed permision to replace existing windows with uPVC DG. Explained that I had been advised by the fitter that permitted development rights had been revoked on properties in the area so I thought I should double check.

Without knowing the address or postcode I was told "No" by the receptionist. When I asked if she was sure she explained that "I didn't know what I was on about and asked if the fitter was a planning officer?" At this point I gave up and just said "okay". I mentioned this to the fitter who was insisted I took it further so I faxed the council with my query. Two weeks later, no response. When my fitter came back from holiday he chased it up.

Six weeks later and 4 weeks after my fax a planning application pack has arrived and a letter explaining that permitted development rights have been revoked and I need apply for permission.

I now understand why some people are tempted to ignore planning applications for things like this!

[Al Reynolds]

And I bet if you rang up with the same query now, the same receptionist would give you the same response.*

Typical.

*Go on, for a laugh, give her a ring again.

[Andrew Gabriel]

Actually, ask her to fax you the response (if necessary, claim the fitter needs it in writing, or some such bullshit). You could certainly try arguing that then covers you. Are the windows already fitted?

[MikeS]

[TonyK]

Not that you can see from the road ;-)

[Tony Bryer]

The only plus to this is that if it would be PD otherwise you don't (IIRC) get charged a planning application fee.

My new neighbour wants to change a kitchen door into a window and has had to make a planning application (as it's a flat) - cost £110.

[The Natural Philosopher]

I note the folowing facts:

- Unemployment has never been lower

- The government (in all its forms) is the largest single employer in the country.

- Machines now do all the unskilled labour in the world.

- George Bush got over 50% of the vote in the USA.

- Toy Bliar is still in power.

- IMM claims to be a plumber.

Go figure.

[Owain]

"The Natural Philosopher" wrote | I note the folowing facts: | - Machines now do all the unskilled labour in the world.

s/unskilled/skilled. Cf the discussion on mitre saws and staircases, and the 'hand painted' (by Chinese peasant) artifacts, sorry, gifts, flooding into the shops.

Owain

-- Only 43 sprout-boiling days before christmas

[Rick Dipper]

I took my 6 month old down to the office one day, is wonders how fast they can work when you change nappies on the receptionist counter ....

I used the same tecnique in the cop shop, everybody was fine to let me jump the queue .......

Screaming babies do have uses.

Rick

[G&M]

Well if you class 1,000,000,000 Chinese as automotons you're right.

[deckertim]

Having recently discovered that a Corgi registered plumber drilled through my ring main, I was wondering where IMM is based, could it have been him? I live in Rochester.

[Tony Williams]

Couldn't it be classed as maladministration, a dept which allows a receptionist to give out apparently authoritive advice?

[Andy Luckman (AJL Electronics)]

Did he do it with his hacksaw? :-)

[Mike]

Every doctor's surgery seems to do it nowadays. When you challenge them on it they claim to have had nurse training as though that makes it alright.