Starting the build of our house near Colchester has been a slow journey and has come with a huge amount of paperwork, compliance checks, and planning obligations. Thankfully, we’ve had PlanFree managing the planning and condition discharge process, taking care of the heavy lifting and helping us navigate the complex requirements.
Understanding Condition Discharge
Planning permissions often come with a series of attached conditions that must be met before different phases of development can commence or complete — such as starting on-site works, occupying dwellings, or finalizing infrastructure. Discharging a condition means satisfying the Local Planning Authority (LPA) that you’ve met its requirements, backed by appropriate evidence.
Each condition is unique and typically requires its own documentation and approval.
Planning Condition Discharge 1
We worked with PlanFree to coordinate the entire process for Condition 8, which required an asbestos contamination assessment before work could begin. The details of this condition can be found in a previous article – Asbestos Condition Approved.
Planning Condition Discharge 2
Satisfying conditions 9 and 10 are required before we start building and for the mortgage, so while we submit an application for them, we’re also taking the opportunity to discharge several others related to the build itself and eventual occupation.
Confirming Site Safety: Conditions 9 & 10
After completing the asbestos removal required under Condition 8, we’re now discharging Conditions 9 and 10 to confirm the site is free from hazardous materials and safe for development. The evidence submitted includes:
- The original method statement from the asbestos removal company, outlining how the contaminated materials were to be handled
- A waste transfer and disposal certificate, confirming that the asbestos was properly transported and disposed of in accordance with regulatory standards
This documentation provides clear, traceable assurance to Colchester’s planning department that the site has been responsibly remediated and poses no environmental or health risks.
Pre-Commencement Conditions (Before Any Works Start)
These needed to be addressed before construction began:
- Condition 8 – Asbestos contamination risk assessment → Discharged last year to allow asbestos removal.
- Condition 9 – Verification that hazardous materials were safely removed
- Condition 10 – Confirmation that the site no longer poses contamination risks → Evidence: Method statement, asbestos skip receipt, and disposal certificate.
Construction Phase Conditions
These support how the build will be carried out and ensure everything is done responsibly:
- Condition 12 – Construction method statement
- Condition 14 – Boundary treatments (fencing, walls, etc.)
- Condition 16 – Landscaping design and implementation
Occupation-Ready Conditions
These must be met before we can move in:
- Condition 3 – Materials and finishes schedule
- Condition 4 – Elevation drawings and detailing
- Condition 5 – Covered and secure bicycle storage for all residents
- Condition 6 – Electric vehicle charging point installed
- Condition 7 – Foul sewage drainage system completed and operational
Once all these conditions have been approved, we should be able finalise the mortgage and get started!
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