Where a house renovation results in a ‘material change of use’, there are requirements for upgrading certain building elements and meeting standards that go beyond what is required for a typical house renovation. Thanks to Nick Paley at Assure Building Control for their assistance with this article. Assure Building Control provide a fully licenced independent… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Legal Considerations
Can I replace or add windows without planning permission?
Planning permission is not required to replace windows if they are similar in appearance to those used in the construction of the house, unless your property is listed, in a designated area or has a relevant Article 4 Direction (see the exceptions below). Can I add new windows and doors without planning permission? Most*… Read more »
Do you need permission for a basement conversion?
Is it a basement extension or a basement conversion? There are many reasons why basement conversions are so popular in London. But before we get into what permissions you might need for a basement conversion, we’ll explain how we differentiate between a basement conversion and a basement extension. If you are planning to extend or… Read more »
What are the planning rules for basement extensions?
Planning rules for basement extensions Before we delve into the nitty gritty of planning rules for basement extensions, it’s worth checking whether your basement extension will require permission at all. If you’re unsure, you can see these articles: Do I need planning permission for a basement extension? Do you need planning permission for a basement… Read more »
Creating a Luxe Bathroom Experience with Personalised Design Details
Photo by Christian Mackie from Unsplash They say, “The devil is in the detail,” and this couldn’t be truer when it comes to bathroom design. Whether you’re soaking in the tub after a long day or simply brushing your teeth, a bathroom can be a functional space or a luxurious retreat. What makes the difference?… Read more »
Why do planning applications get refused? (Private house projects)
It conflicts with national or local planning policy Before buying a house or embarking on your extension project, it’s a really good idea to look into the likelihood of gaining planning approval for your dream home. The most hard-lined reason for refusal is that the proposal fundamentally conflicts with either national or local planning policy,… Read more »
Can I convert my loft?
When asking, ‘can I convert my loft‘, there are various things you need to be aware of here – it may not be a straight ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. For example it could be possible, but would come at a cost that could not be justified or the space created may not be suit your… Read more »
Do I need planning permission for a basement extension?
Do I need planning permission for a basement extension? Basement extensions are one of the more ambiguous projects when it comes to planning consent and unfortunately it’s not a straight yes or no. Nationally, the planning rules around forming living accommodation in basements is ever changing and under review. Local councils will also have their… Read more »
A guide to listed building consent
What is Listed Building Consent? Listed building consent is s a form of planning regulation aimed at safeguarding structures with remarkable architectural or historical value. These protective measures complement the standard planning regulations in place. Moreover, listed building designation can trigger the need for planning permission in situations where it would not typically be mandated—such… Read more »
How to find a neighbour’s planning application
For anyone starting a new extension or building project, researching what others have done in your local area is an excellent place to start. Image above from Ahmed, architect from Hackney, London. Click here to see more and shortlist them for your home project. Finding a neighbour’s planning application It’s likely that other properties… Read more »