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 »
Q: Do you need planning permission for a side return extension? Very possibly not! This is such a common project in UK towns and cities, for good reason. Many Victorian terraces have this strip of garden space that is so often dark and under-used. Claiming this space back internally can transform a kitchen or living space, without… Read more »
In England, the fee for a householder planning application for alterations/extensions to a single dwellinghouse from December 2023 is £258. This fee is payable to your local council for processing your planning application. Costs may vary slightly depending on the type of application and location, so it’s always a good idea to check with your… Read more »
For approximately the past 15 years it’s been possible to gain Building Regulations approval using an Approved Inspector and it’s become a more popular choice for good reason… Featured image above – extension by Tessa, architect in Hackney. See more and shortlist her for your project here. What is an Approved Inspector? By using… Read more »
Good news – you don’t need planning permission for an extension, subject to some exceptions and rules, outlined below. Many rear extensions benefit from permitted development rights, which means that you do not need planning permission. However, you should check that your property is not exempt (see below). Extension pictured above by Oliver, architect… Read more »
GPDO stands for General Permitted Development Order. Permitted development gives permission to undertake certain alterations, extensions or additions to your home without requiring Planning Permission. Design above by Will, architect from Brighton and Hove, South East. Click here to see more and shortlist them for your home project. When permitted development doesn’t apply There… Read more »
What is the Neighbour Consultation Scheme? The Neighbour Consultation Scheme is part of the ‘Prior Approval: Larger Home Extensions’ application. It allows neighbouring properties to be informed about ‘larger’ home extensions that fall within the permitted development rules. In the event that your neighbours express concerns or objections, the local authority will assess whether the… Read more »
