Hello
We've had a bit of a nightmare over the last year trying to get planning permission for a kitchen extension (mainly to reconfigure downstairs of our smallish house as we wanted a downstairs toilet and to use the space better). This was all with adoption in mind!
Basically we've finally gotten planning approval, a year later than hoped, but realistically it would be February 2024 before work would begin and, even if it goes smoothly, we've been told it would be a four month build.
All indications we've had is that we'd be unable to begin Stage 1 (likely from January) unless we abandon the extension, as apparently building work during the approval process is no-go.
Whilst I can understand that you wouldn't want to be in family finding when work is underway, I still don't really understand why Stage 1 (and maybe even most of Stage 2) can't take place whilst works to a house are ongoing - you could then just have a final house check once works are finished, before panel?
It isn't any sign of lack of commitment to a particular house or area... in our case it's the opposite as we're then a lot less likely to move if we extend.
What's the real rationale for this from an agency / social worker perspective?
Many thanks
