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Planning Advice
Advice about the Planning Process


Conducting a self survey
To conduct a self-survey for house plans you will need to measure and sketch the property's layout, including room dimensions, window and door positions, and any unique features. Take photos of each room and the exterior, and note the location of essential features like the boiler, water inlet valve and meters. All this will be used to create detailed building plans. In more detail: 1. Plan and Prepare: You'll need a measuring tape or laser distance measurer, pens (black for
Stephen Waters
Aug 82 min read


Planning Permission Costs.
Planning Permission Costs. The cost of applying for householder planning permission in England is £528. This covers alterations to single houses including extensions, significant alterations, or loft conversions. Applying for full planning permission if you’re building a house costs £528. Lawful Development Certificate costs. A lawful development certificate is 50% of the cost of the corresponding planning application. So for a householder project, a lawful development certif
Stephen Waters
Aug 75 min read


Planning in and near conservation areas
Example area map Planning in and near conservation areas presents unique challenges due to the need to preserve the special architectural and historical character of the area. This often involves restrictions on development, including demolition, tree work, and even some permitted development rights. Local planning authorities (LPAs) play a crucial role in assessing development proposals, ensuring they preserve or enhance the area's character. Key Planning Issues: Preser
Stephen Waters
Aug 52 min read


Planning issues in and near heritage sites
often revolve around balancing development with the need to protect these valuable assets. Key challenges include preserving the...
Stephen Waters
Aug 42 min read


What you need to know about Permitted Development Rights
Permitted development rights (PDRs) allow you to make certain changes to your property without needing to apply for planning permission....
Stephen Waters
Aug 42 min read


What you need to know about the Certificate of Lawful Development
A Certificate of Lawful Development isn’t a legal requirement, however: 1) A Certificate of Lawful Development proves your project's legality at the time of construction. 2) Application fees are £103 in England, £85 in Wales, and £101 in Scotland, half of full planning costs. 3) Expect a decision on your application within 8 weeks; you can appeal if it's delayed or rejected. 4) You might pay double the fee if obtaining a certificate after construction. 5) An architect/desig
Stephen Waters
Aug 33 min read
Common planning issues
Before making a planning application there a number of issues which might affect a potential site. These are called ‘constraints’ and need to be taken into account. General planning constraints Flood risk Flooding from rivers and coastal waters is a natural process that plays an important role in planning decisions. Flooding can cause substantial damage to property and threaten human life. Flooding can’t be prevented entirely, but the impact that a development might have
Stephen Waters
Aug 25 min read
Building change of use.
First it is essential to understand Use Classes. These are divided into six sections which are: Part B – Business which supply or support...
Stephen Waters
Jul 314 min read
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