FAQs
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We have been offering architectural design services for over 6 years.
Having worked in CAD and the Building Industry for many years we have built up a good knowledge base of all types of building projects and can offer clients good advice.
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We provide detailed CAD Drawings for submission for Permitted Development, Planning and Building Control for both residential and commercial projects.
Should you require drawings showing accurate boundary lines, we can take an image from Google Earth, scale it for an accurate measure and then place your proposed extension as an overlay on your drawing, this is particularly useful when you proposed project is very close to a neighbouring property.
We are happy to work with self builders who may require assistance to generate drawings for each stage of the build.
Similarly, should building companies require this type of service we would be happy to support them also.
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Permitted Development Rights are a scheme, put together by the government, allowing you to extend / re-model your property without having to apply for full planning permission.
Recent changes made now allows permitted development for larger projects.
Homes excluded from the scheme
Homes in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Listed Buildings
Flats or Maisonettes
Some new developments
Homes built before 1948 will not be affected by permitted development changes, however they may be subject to much greater restrictions.
Similarly, homes in conservation areas are subject to greater restrictions.
Projects covered by permitted development
While the scheme has expanded it is always recommended to use the services of a professional to prepare drawings and if thought necessary discuss your permitted development with your local planning department.
Rear extension
Situated to the rear elevation
Must not extend beyond the rear wall by 3m if an attached property and 4m if detached
Uses the same or similar materials to the existing house.
Takes up less than 50% of the size of the land around the original house (original being as it was on July 1st 1948)
Is less than 4m in height or less than 3m if within 2m of the boundary.
Has eaves and ridge no taller than the original house.
Side Extension
Sits to the side elevation.
Uses the same or similar materials to the exisitng house.
Takes up less than 50% of the size of the land round the original house (original being as it was on July 1st 1948).
Takes up less than 50% of the width of the original house.
Is less than 4m in height or less than 3m if within 2m if the boundary.
Has eaves and ridge no taller than the original house.
Extension to rear and side (Wraparound)
When combining a side and rear extension the permitted development will be measured against both criteria for both extensions individually, usually this sort of development doesn't fall with the permitted development criteria.
Two-storey extension
No windows in wall / roof to side elevation in second storey.
Takes less than 50% of the width of the original house.
Takes less than 50% of the size of the land around the original house (original being as it was on July 1st 1948)
Uses the same or similar materials to the existing house.
Has eaves and ridge no taller than the original house.
Terraces to be no more than 3.5m higher than the next tallest terrace.
Single storey homes are excluded.
Garage conversion
Works are internal
Uses the same or similar materials to the existing garage.
Does not enlarge the building.
You may require planning permission if changing a garage into living accommodation, such as a bedroom, living room or a small annexe.
Loft conversion
A volume allowance of 50 cubic metres roof space.
Uses the same or similar materials to the existing house.
The development must not include a window to any wall / roof to the side or front elevation.
The roof pitch of the principal part of the house must be the same as the existing roof.
A dormer wall that is set back at least 20cm from the existing wall face.
Has windows that are non-operating if less than 1.7m from floor level.
Has side windows that are obscured glass.
Building a new storey or flat onto your property
No windows in wall / roof of side elevation or additional storey.
On existing multi storey properties you can add up to two additional storeys on the upper storey of the property. A loft conversion does not count as a storey.
Maximum height limit for the newly extended house is 18m.
Terraced houses are to be no more than 3.5m higher than the next tallest house.
It is important to note that there are many variables when developing under permitted development rights, these depend whether you are building above residentail or commercial properties.
When developing any project using permitted evelopment right is always best to seek advice from an expert before work commences because if you get it wrong there may be serious consequences, such as a fine or demolition.
It is also worth remembering, even of your project meets permitted development critiris it still has to comply to:
Building Regulations
Party Wall Constraints
Build over agreements
Right to light
Health and safety
The best way forward is to prepare drawings and obtain a "Lawful Development Certificate"
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Make and initial enquiry and provide the basic details of your project.
We will then make contact to discuss in more detail.
Provide us with photographs and basic dimensions of the main property and the size of the project.
Once you wish to proceed, we ask for 50% payment.
The preparation of the drawings will take approximately 2 weeks, we will send you electronic copies for review and then change them in line with your request.
We would then expect payment for the balance.
Should Planning Permission be required we will act as your agent and make the application to your local planning authority. A fee is required by the local authority for planning, currently £206.00 + Ordnance Survey Maps Scal 1/500 and 1/1250 marked accordingly with the project, these are £30.00 each.
If any revisions to the drawing are requested by planning, the drawings will be amended free of charge and re-submitted to the planning office.