PROJECT - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESIONS
How do I go about planning permission in a conservation area ?
Do not be put off your project if you live in a conservation area.
Conservation areas exist because of a unique blend of historic and architectural features, that deserve to be protected and enhanced.
We have extensive experience in working in conservation areas, with a fantastic track record of getting planning the first time.
The important aspect of these protects is to understand the context and restrictions, to make sure your project suits the unique character of the area.
We seek to work with the local planning conservation team, to design schemes that they can support and approve, as well as suit your home requirements.
What are permitted development rights ?
…and 'Do I need planning?' are often a question we get, and the best answer to give is speak to your local planning authority for clarity. There are rights in place that allow certain types of work without obtaining planning permission.
This can include rear extension, loft conversions, porches.
However, this can be restricted in certain areas due to a number of factors including; Conservation Areas, National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, World Heritage Sites or even removed through a local direction known as an ‘Article4’.
This is something we review when speaking with you at the initial consultation to make sure you understand the planning process involved with your project.
What is a ‘protected development’ ?
Some permitted development rights are no longer valid following changes to legislation in August 2021, the protected development allowed for these projects to be approved with a prior approval application, and for works to be progressed in a grace period that finished in July 2022.
This period has now come to an end the changes to permitted development are in full effect
What are building regulations ?
If you are starting a project, there can be a number of terms that pop up on forums and websites, building regulations are often noted and raise more questions. In basic terms, the building regulations are a standard for the quality of materials and workmanship that the majority of projects will need to comply with in some form or another.
Some of the project elements may need input from a competent consultant such as the structural calculations or sign-off from a registered competent person or tradesman such as an electrician who can self-certify compliance with the building regulations.
For more complicated projects, approval can be sought in one of three ways Full plans application, notification, or regularisation. Most clients prefer to have full plans approval as the construction details are worked out and approved before work starts on site to give more certainty over the project information.
Conditions may be imposed to make alterations or check specifics on site.
Building inspections are carried out at key progress stages to ensure work is constructed correctly and a completion certificate is awarded when the building is finished to the compliant standard.