Good news, it is possible to convert a shop to residential use without needing planning permission. However, there are important exceptions where permitted development rights may not apply in your area or to your property. Image above – Design by Anamaria, architectural designer from Southwark, London. Click here to see more and shortlist them… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
A wraparound extension does not usually benefit from permitted development rights. This is because the extension inherently includes a side extension, which is limited measuring only 50% of the width of the house under permitted development rules. What is a wraparound extension? A wraparound extension combines side extension and a rear extension to make… Read more »
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 »
Two storey extension above by Martin, architect on Design for Me. View his full profile and shortlist him for your project here Do I need planning permission for a two storey extension? Two storey extensions do not require planning permission, if they fall within permitted development guidelines described below. How big can I build… Read more »
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 »
You wouldn’t usually need planning permission to convert your garage into additional living space, provided that the space won’t be used as a separate dwelling and the works are all internal. These permitted development rights for a garage conversion will only apply where permitted development rights have not been removed (see below). Converting a… Read more »
Listed building consent is a crucial aspect of owning and maintaining a listed property. The need for listed building consent can be triggered for minor or internal alterations—anything that involves the demolition, modification, or expansion of a listed building that could impact its unique architectural or historical significance. See our article here for house renovations… Read more »
