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 »
Section 106 agreements, the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and the new Infrastructure Levy are all similar in that they impose additional conditions on the developer, linked to planning permission. The new ‘Infrastructure Levy’, which was announced in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill (May 2022), is intended to broadly replace both Section 106 agreements and the… Read more »
Featured image above by Matthew, architect from Bristol. See more and shortlist his practice for your home project here: Matthew’s Design for Me profile Can you make changes to an existing planning permission? Yes, you can change an application that’s been granted. However, consideration should be given to the extent of the changes, as… Read more »
Why do I need a flood risk assessment and what is it? If you are applying for planning permission, you may be need to provide a flood risk assessment with your application. This demonstrates the flood risk for your proposed development. When is a flood risk assessment required? A flood risk assessment is required… Read more »
Can you pay to extend planning permission? You used to be able to pay to extend planning permission, but this has not been the case for many years now. Your two options now are to either: Submit a new application Make sure all the planning conditions are discharged and commence development* before the permission expires…. Read more »
In most cases, homeowners do not require planning permission for an air source heat pump, as it is classed as permitted development. However, you should check that your property/area benefits from these permitted development rights (see below). Air source heat pumps – what can you do under permitted development? In the legislation, air… Read more »
In most cases, solar panels on residential property do not require planning permission as they are classed as permitted development. However, you should check that your property/area benefits from these permitted development rights (more on that below). Solar panels – what can you do under permitted development? Solar equipment is covered under Class A… Read more »
What is the 4 year rule – planning permission? If your property does not have the required planning permission, there are four years in which your local council can take enforcement action to remedy the breach. The four years start from when the development is substantially complete. What is the 10 year rule? You… Read more »
Prefabrication and modular construction are both off-site construction methods that involve building components in a controlled factory environment, which are then transported to the construction site for assembly. They are becoming increasingly popular for homeowners looking to expand their living space. What’s the difference between a prefab extension and a modular extension? Prefabrication generally… Read more »
What is an AONB? An AONB stands for ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.’ It is a designation given to a specific geographic area in the United Kingdom that is considered to have significant natural beauty and environmental significance. AONBs are similar to National Parks in terms of their protected status and the level of conservation… Read more »