In 2019, The government extended the permitted development rights for householders which allow the improvement or extension of homes without the requirement to apply for full planning permission. It is important that homeowners understand how the can exercise their rights to carry out development while protecting the interests of their neighbours and the wider environment. Permitted Development does not remove the right to apply for consent, which still needs to be done under various applications such as ‘Certificate of Lawfulness for Proposed Use’ and ‘Neighbour Consultation Scheme for Larger Home Extensions’.

Householder permitted development rights are set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development (England) Order 2015). Part 1 of Schedule 2 in the Order sets out the permitted development rules concerning what enlargements, improvements, alterations and other additions a householder may make to their house and the areas around it. There are limitations set within these rights and householders are still required to produce and submit architectural drawings to obtain the relevant consents under Permitted Development.

If you are thinking of extending your home and require architectural and planning services, please contact us today to obtain a design fee appraisal and free advise on planning information that may be relevant to your development.

Our dedicated team of architectural designers possesses a deep understanding of residential development, from single-family homes to multi-unit complexes. We pride ourselves on our ability to create spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also practical and efficient.
One of the standout features of our services is our ability to provide pre-application advice. We understand that navigating the complexities of planning and development regulations can be daunting. Our experienced team will guide you through this process, offering valuable insights and recommendations to ensure your project is set up for success right from the start.

Obtaining planning approval for works proposed to a commercial unit can be a challenging process. Time is an important factor especially for clients who are looking to open a new business.

The local authority planning department will require planning submission for a range of proposed operations which include extensions to the building and / or alterations such as the addition of mechanical plant, extraction, or any operation that may cause the appearance of the building to change externally.

Our planning team can advise on the necessary requirements that you project may need.

The 1987 Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order, subject to amendments, categorises land and building uses into distinct classes known as 'Use Class', outlined below.

A 'Change of Use' can transpire within the same Use Class or from one Use Class to another.

The necessity for planning permission or prior approval may arise depending on the particulars of any proposed change of use, inclusive of associated building operations.

Furthermore, pertinent building regulations must be taken into account for any proposed change of use.

If you wish to confirm the legality of an existing building's use for planning purposes or determine whether your proposal necessitates planning permission, you have the option to apply for a 'Lawful Development Certificate' (LDC).

While obtaining an LDC is not obligatory, there are instances where it becomes essential to validate the lawfulness of the named use, operation, or activity for planning control purposes.

Some applications for lawful Development Certificates can be very simple, for instance a loft conversion which meets permitted development guidelines can be applied for under an LDC application accompanied with basic architectural drawings.

However, LDC applications often involve intricate matters, such as obtaining lawful use for a planning breach or building operation which did not benefit from planning.

In the event of partial or complete refusal, a grant that differs from your request, or if the application remains undecided within the eight-week time frame, you reserve the right to appeal. Appeals are directed to the Planning Inspectorate.

Listed building consent is a form of planning control designed to safeguard buildings of significant architectural or historical importance. These controls operate alongside standard planning regulations. Being listed may also impose the need for planning permission where it wouldn't typically be required, such as for erecting boundary structures.

These controls pertain to any activities involving the demolition, alteration, or extension of a listed building that could impact its character as a structure of special architectural or historical significance.

Undertaking work that requires listed building consent without obtaining it beforehand constitutes a criminal offence.

Understanding Listed Buildings

A 'listed building' refers to a structure, object, or entity recognised for its national importance in terms of architectural or historical significance and included in a special register known as the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.

Listing buildings aims to preserve tangible evidence of our past, including structures valued and protected as integral parts of our cultural heritage and identity. Historic buildings contribute to the quality of life, enriching the character and aesthetics of our urban and rural environments.

Scope of Listed Buildings

It's crucial to note that the term 'listed building' encompasses:

• The building itself

• Any attached objects or structures

• Any elements within the building's enclosed area since 1948

• External alterations or extensions to listed buildings may necessitate planning permission if they affect the building's character. In such cases, a comprehensive planning application or householder planning application alongside listed building consent should be submitted.

Please note: Outline applications for listed building consent are not accepted. Each application must provide adequate detail, including plans and other necessary drawings, for assessing the proposed works' impact on the building.

Listed building consent may be granted subject to conditions related to preserving specific features, repairing damage caused by works, using original materials for reconstruction, or outlining redevelopment plans before demolition.

Retrospective consent: While listed building consent can be sought after works have commenced, authorization only applies from the consent's date. Individuals carrying out unauthorized alterations or demolitions before obtaining consent may still face prosecution.