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 »
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? 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 »
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 »
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 »
If you own a Grade II listed home you are probably aware that renovating, altering or extending your home will involve more red tape than usual. Not only this, you will be more restricted in what you can do. The privilege of owning listed property comes with a responsibility to protect its special qualities. However,… Read more »
Renovation is both exciting and challenging. This home improvement process involves a lot of moving parts. There are many logistics to consider if you want to keep everything under control. Whether you’re converting a part of your home or doing a major overhaul, part of the logistics is knowing where you’ll keep all your furniture… Read more »
So you have finally settled on that perfect plot of land and have started brainstorming a vision for your ideal self-build. Wait a minute! Although the temptation to do as much on your own as possible is admirable, we have often found that it is risky business that can be devastating in the long run. Instead,… Read more »
What is ‘Right to Build’? Very simply, ‘Right to Build’ is a Government initiative (since 2016), encouraging more custom-build homes in the UK. It comes in response to the difficulty custom builders face in finding suitable land. ‘Right to Build’ gives custom builders the right to purchase a plot from a local council, who have an… Read more »
Good news, it is possible to convert an office 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 by James, architectural designer from Islington South and Finsbury. Click here to see more and shortlist… Read more »
