Is planning approval approval same as building regulation?

No, Building Regulations approval is a separate matter from obtaining Planning Permission for your work. Any planning permission approval does not mean that the building complies with the Building Regulations and you will have to take a separate Building Regulation Approval from your Local Authority.

Do your fees include Council Planning and Building Regulation fees?

No-The Planning fee and Building Regulation fees made payable to the Local Authority are in addition to our fees.It should be noted that the Council fees varies and is dependant upon the type of proposal. We will advise you of the costs in writing prior to making the submissions. Planning is usually £150.00 where the application relates to one dwelling house.Certificate of Lawful Permitted Development is usually half the amount that would be payable in respect of an application for planning permission for similar works. Building Regulation fees vary from £100.00 onwards based on the type of construction proposed.
What is included in my planning package?

•    Consultation
•    Full property survey
•    2 copies of your existing & proposed conversion plans
•    2 free amendment cover
•    Form completion
•    Application submission
•    Ordinance maps
•    On-line checker service

How long until I get a decision from the Council for Planning & B. Regulations Applications?

Once your application has been accepted and validated by the Local Planning Authority, you should receive a formal decision within 8 weeks. Unfortunately Plan B Architecture has no control over the process once the application has been submitted.  However, as your agents we do chase the Local Authority on your behalf to ensure that the application process runs smoothly and we get a timely outcome.
The process for obtaining Building Regulations approvals takes approximately five to six weeks. At Plan B Architecture we usually submit Building Regulation drawings after planning has been granted so that we are sure of the final approved design. It’s only at the client’s request that we submit a Building Regulation application while the Planning application process is ongoing. Being realistic you should allow a minimum of 3 months to obtain both sets of approvals from your local authority.

What documents are needed for a Planning Application?

In a planning application 'Supporting Documentation' is usually submitted. In the majority of cases such documentation is a mandatory requirement of your Local Planning Authority (LPA). This will typically consist of location plan, site and other plans, and a design and access statement. It may also include photographs. We are able to provide all of these documents to support your application.

How do I know that I my project does require Planning Permission?

You will need to apply for Planning Permission to extend your property if:
•    the volume of the house would increase by more than 10% or 50m3 (whichever is greater) for  terraced properties.
•    the volume of the house would increase by more than 15% or 70m3 (whichever is greater) for any other house type
•    you live in a conservation area, National park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
•    the extension is closer to any highway than any part of the original house (a footpath is also classed as a highway)
•    the extension is higher then the roof of the original house or is over 4m high (pitched roof) or 3m high (flat roof)
•    you are using over half of your external garden space
•    the building is a Listed Building

These are only general rules for when you will need to apply for Planning Permission, and each project should be looked at individually. We would always advise seeking written confirmation that your development does not require Planning Permission from the Local Authority.Even if you have had no previous extensions, here are some examples of the type of extensions that in most cases need planning permission, to give you an idea:

•    A dormer window in the roof of your house facing the road;
•    A two story extension;
•    A extension to the front of your house, or to the side if it faces a road.

If I change my mind later can the plans be amended and will I be charged for that?

Yes we also provide a pay as you go service with an hourly rate (from £50 per hour) to allow you to fully customise our services.

I would like to do most of the work myself, can I just use you for preparing drawings?

Yes. This can prove an extremely cost effective approach as we do operate on a pay as you go basis with an hourly rate (from £50 per hour).We will help as much or as little as you require.

I do not have existing drawings of the site, can you provide a survey for me?

We are able to undertake a laser measured survey on your behalf. From this we will provide drawings of the existing condition suitable for a planning application.

What is "Permitted Development"? Am I eligible for that?

Under regulations that came into effect on 1 October 2008 an extension or addition to your house is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:
•        No more than half the area of land around the "original house" would be covered by additions or other buildings.
•        No extension forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting a highway.
•        No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
•        Maximum depth of a single-storey rear extension :3 metres beyond the rear wall for an attached house and 4 metres beyond the rear wall for a detached house.
•        Maximum height of a single-storey rear extension of 4 metres.
•        Maximum depth of a rear extension of more than one storey of 3 metres beyond the rear wall including ground floor.
•        Maximum eaves height of an extension within 2 metres of the boundary of 3 metres.
•        Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house.
•        Side extensions to be single storey with maximum height of 4 metres and width no more than half that of the original house.
•        Two-storey extensions no closer than 7 metres to rear boundary.
•        Roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey to match existing house.
•        Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house.
•        No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
•        Upper-floor, side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor.
•        On designated land no permitted development for rear extensions of more than one storey.
•        On designated land no cladding of the exterior.
•        On designated land no side extensions.

Can I convert my house into flats?

If a building is having an area larger than 120 Square metres it may be suitable for conversion into flats.
While doing a flat conversion a good design makes all the difference as it aims to achieve maximum number of flats possible within the given area and the guidelines.
Plan B Architecture has a significant experience in doing flat conversions .Kindly contact us for more information.

What type of property is suitable for a flat conversion?

• Large detached or semi-detached properties which are no longer suitable for single family occupation. This may include large terraced housing.
• Other large non-residential properties suitable for conversion subject to compliance with other policies in the Local Plan.
• Any property that is in existing use as bedsits or an HMO which would benefit from upgrading to self-contained flats.
• Any shops with vacant space above.
• Housing in unsustainable locations, i.e. not close to public transport and remote from shops, jobs, schools etc.
• Properties adjacent to ‘bad neighbour’ uses e.g. above or near bars, take-aways or noisy industrial premises.
• Hotels of over 30 bed spaces and hotels in prime holiday areas.

Will I need Building Regulation approval?

Yes - unless the extension comprises exempt Building work.

Do I need Building Regulation approval to convert my loft into a room?

Yes.

Do I need Building Regulation approval to convert my garage into a habitable room?

Yes.

Do I need Building Regulation approval to make internal alterations within my house?

Yes - if the alterations are of a structural nature such as the removal of a load bearing construction – e.g. a wall partition, joist, beam, or chimney breast; or the creation of a wider opening. You also need approval if, in altering a house, work is necessary to maintain the means of escape in case of fire.

Do I need Building Regulation approval to install replacement windows in my house?

Yes - unless the work is carried out by an approved person who is a member of a self certification scheme.Approval is not required for replacing only the glass (ie the frame remains).

Do I need Building Regulation approval to construct a detached garage?

No - provided its floor area is less than 30 square metres in total and it is either situated more than one metre from the boundary or is built substantially of non-combustible materials.

Do I need Building Regulation approval to construct a carport?

No -provided its floor area is less than 30 square metres and it is open on at least two sides.

Do I need building regulation approval to construct a porch?

No, provided its floor area is less than 30 square metres and any glazing is toughened or laminated.

Do I need Building Regulation approval to construct a conservatory?

No - provided the floor area is less than 30 square metres, the roof is glazed with transparent or translucent material, the wall glazing is toughened or laminated and the proposal will not form an extension to an existing room.

Do I need Building Regulation approval to construct certain detached buildings on my land?

No, provided they contain no sleeping accommodation and are:
i) Not more than 15 square metres in floor area, or
ii) Not more than 30 square metres in floor area and situated at least 1 metre from the site
boundary or constructed substantially from non-combustible materials.

Do I need Building Regulation approval to underpin my house?

Yes - this is a structural alteration.

Do I need Building Regulation approval to construct a boundary wall?

No.

Do I need building regulation approval to install an unvented water system ?

Yes.

Do I need Building Regulation approval to install or alter the position of a w.c, bath, etc.?

Yes - where the work involves new drainage or requires alterations/connections to the existing above or below ground drainage system.

Do I need Building Regulation approval to turn my house into flats?

Yes.

If I want to build a new home of any type (i.e. a house, bungalow, maisonettes or a block of flats) or any other type of new building, will the Building Regulations apply?

Yes

If I want to build an extension to my home, will the Building Regulations apply?

Yes – but a porch or conservatory built at ground level and under 30m2 in floor area is exempt provided that the glazing and any fixed electrical installation complies with the applicable requirements of the Building Regulations.

If I want to build a garage extension onto my home, will the Building Regulations apply?

Yes – but a carport extension, open on at least two sides and less than 30m2 in floor area, is exempt except that any fixed electrical installation must comply with the electrical safety requirements of the Building Regulations.

If I want to build a detached garage under 30m2 in floor area, will the Building Regulations apply?

No – the building will be exempt from the regulations but only providing any fixed electrical installation complies with the electrical safety requirements of the Building Regulations (Part P ‘Electrical safety’) and it is under 30m2 in floor area,is single storey and does Not contain any sleeping accommodation.

If I want to put up a greenhouse or a small detached building such as a garden shed or summerhouse in my garden, will the Building Regulations apply?

No – these buildings will be exempt from the regulations but only providing any fixed electrical installation complies with the electrical safety requirements of the Building Regulations.

If I want to carry out a loft conversion to my home, will the Building Regulations apply?

Yes

If I want to convert an integral or attached garage to a dwelling into habitable use, will the Building Regulations apply?

Yes

If I want to carry out internal alterations within my home, or any other type of building, will the Building Regulations apply?

Yes – very likely.

If I want to carry out repairs to my home, or any other type of building, will the Building Regulations apply?

No – if the repairs are of a miNor nature: e.g. replacing roofing tiles with the same type and weight of tile; replacing the felt to a flat roof; re-pointing brickwork; or replacing floorboards.
Yes – if the repair work is more significant: e.g. removing a substantial part of a wall and rebuilding it.

If I want to convert my home into a shop, will the Building Regulations apply?

Yes

If I want to convert part or all of my shop, office or any other type of Non-domestic building into a flat or any other type of home, will the Building Regulations apply?

If I want to convert part or all of my shop, office or any other type of Non-domestic building into a flat or any other type of home, will the Building Regulations apply?
Yes

If I want to install, alter or replace my shop front, will the Building Regulations apply?

Yes

If I want to build or alter a garden wall or boundary wall, will the Building Regulations apply?

No

If I want to insert insulation into a cavity wall, will the Building Regulations apply?

Yes

If I want to underpin all or part of the foundations to my building, will the Building Regulations apply?

Yes

If I want to install or replace electric wiring, will the Building Regulations apply?

Yes

If I want to install fittings such as a WC, shower, washbasin, or kitchen sink within my home, or any other type of building,will the Building Regulations apply?

Yes – if the installation of the fitting or fittings will involve alterations to, or new connections to, a drainage stack or
an underground drain.

If I want to install or replace a hot water cylinder, will the Building Regulations apply?

Yes

If I want to lay new drains and/or install a septic tank within the boundary of my property, will the Building Regulations apply?

Yes

If I want to install, replace or alter the position of any type of fuel burning appliance (including a gas boiler with a flue), will the Building Regulations apply?

Yes

Last modified on Thursday, 09 November 2017 20:29