Services

We are able to offer the following services:

Free Initial Consultation

Site Appraisals

Feasibility Studies

Planning Applications

Design and Access Statements

Building Regulations Applications

Construction Drawings

Specifications

QUESTIONS

What is Planning Permission and do I need it?

Planning Permission, in simple terms, is asking if you can do a certain piece of building work. It will be granted (possibly subject to certain conditions) or refused. Planning Permission will be required for new houses or large extensions, however smaller extensions and loft conversions can be built without needing to apply for planning permission. These are called 'permitted development rights'. We will be able to advise on whether your project requires planning permission or not. If it doesn't require permission we would recommend applying for a 'lawful development certificate', this provides proof that your building work is lawful and may be useful when it comes to selling your home.

What are Building Regulations?

Building regulations set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the safety and well being of people using those buildings. They also include requirements to ensure that fuel and power is conserved and facilities are provided for people, including those with disabilities, to access and move around inside buildings. Any extension to your home will require approval.

PROCESS

Free Initial Consultation:

We will visit you in your home to discuss your ideas in detail and explore the feasibility of different options. Following this meeting we will write to you outlining the design brief, the services we can offer and a fixed quote for the work to be undertaken.

Measured Survey:

We will take a laser measured survey of the existing structures and draw a computer model of your existing layout. This forms the starting point of the design work and provides the 'existing' drawings required as part of planning and building regulation permissions.

Design Development:

At this stage we will carefully consider the various ways your brief can be met to make sure all options are considered. We will develop some initial sketch ideas and layout options to discuss through with you at a design meeting. Following the meeting the agreed design will be further developed and you will be able to review again allowing us to take on board any final amendments.

Planning Submission (we take approx. 3 weeks to submission for extensions and loft conversions):

Once you are fully happy with your design we will act as your agent in applying for planning consent or a lawful development certificate and will carry out all negotiations with the Planning Department on your behalf. Local Authority

planning decision time normally takes approx. 8 weeks.

Building Regulation Drawings & Specification (we take approx. 3 weeks to submission for extensions and loft conversions):

Additional information and drawings will be required to gain building control approval. We will submit the drawings as a Full Plans Building Regulations Application and ensure these plans are passed by the Local Authority or approved inspector before work begins. During this stage we will also draw up a full specification to enable a builder to be able to price the works. Once on site, the building inspector will conduct site visits to ensure compliance with the drawings and building regulations.

Additional information:

Throughout the process we will advise and explain any additional services you may require such as a Party Wall Certificate, Structural Engineer or Water board applications.