Can you build a house in your garden? If you have a large garden (or driveway in fact) that’s accessible directly from the road, it can provide a fantastic development opportunity to build a house on your land. The advantages of this approach to a self-building are potentially huge: It could significantly increase the total value of… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Legal Considerations
Planning for a mansard roof extension
Extension design above by Amos, architect from Islington, London. See more and shortlist them for your home project here. You may be considering applying for planning for a mansard roof extension if your existing loft space is not high enough or the wrong shape for a straight conversion or dormer extension. What is a mansard roof… Read more »
How long does a planning application take? And how to avoid delays…
How long does a planning application take? Whether you are proposing an extension, loft conversion or new build, planning permission usually takes eight weeks to be granted, unless your application is ‘unusually large or complex’, in which case the deadline can be extended to 13 weeks. Design above by Ash, architect from Lambeth,… Read more »
Do I need a party wall surveyor?
Extension design above by Gareth, architect from Haringey, London. See more and shortlist them for your home project here. Before we answer the question, ‘Do I need a party wall surveyor’, we’ll address the more important question, ‘Do I need to serve a party wall notice?’ as you may not require a surveyor if… Read more »
Do you need planning permission for a loft conversion?
In most circumstances you will not need planning permission for a loft conversion, as the development will be covered by GPDO (permitted development). However, you should also check if your permitted development rights are restricted or have been removed (see below)* Roof extension pictured above by Ben+Eoin, architect from Southwark, London. Click here to… Read more »
What is the average and minimum ceiling height in a house?
What’s the minimum ceiling height allowed? Funnily enough, this is one of the most common questions I’m asked as a residential architect. But for good reason: it’s so important to look at the most obvious constraints of a renovation project first. It will shape the brief, how much you are willing to spend on the… Read more »
Conversions to a house without planning permission
Under current planning legislation there are certain conversions to a house that fall under permitted development, meaning you can convert to a house without planning permission. They fall under GDPO (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, where a planning permission is not required. However, there are important exceptions to these rights, which are outlined below. … Read more »
Planning permission in a conservation area – a simple guide
Extension design above by Jamie architect from Guernsey. See more and shortlist them for your home project here. For anyone undertaking a home building, renovation or extension project, one of the first questions to ask yourself is: am I in a conservation area? It may have significant implications for your project from a planning perspective…. Read more »
What are the new building regulations for homes?
In June 2022, new changes to the building regulations came into effect. For all new homes, the main changes involve finding more carbon-efficient ways to heat our homes, improving their thermal efficiency, reducing overheating, and preparing to accommodate electric vehicle charging. There also some changes that will affect extension and renovation projects too (see below)…. Read more »
Can I build an extension without permission?
Can I build a home extension without permission? The short answer is no; at the very minimum, you will need to get building control approval so you can’t build your extension entirely without permission. However, it could be very straightforward to obtain and does not need to delay you getting started (see below). The other… Read more »
