Design and Planning

As with any project we undertake, we engage fully with you, taking the time to discuss your aims and objectives. Whether you wish to make an architectural statement with the exterior, or prefer your addition to blend in with the existing property, we make sure any design, internally and externally, works for you both practically and aesthetically. Our in-depth knowledge of the planning system, including Permitted Development rights, combined with input from our building regulations specialist in the early stages of design, ensures our proposals are not only positively received by the local planning authority but are also feasible from a construction perspective.

Plans and elevations are drawn using 2D software which is the industry standard format for planning applications. 

3D Plans

 Additionally we can quote for producing 3d images and 360 degree walk through videos – useful for visualising kitchen layouts.

Building Regulations Approval

As well as planning constraints, extensions need to comply with current Building Regulations. The regulations cover areas such as structural integrity, thermal efficiency, drainage and ventilation. Our specifications ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, ensuring you receive that all important certificate of compliance from building control, once works are complete.

Sewer Build Over Agreements

If a public sewer is with 3 metres of your proposed extension, a sewer build over application will be necessary. Applications within Greater London are generally submitted to Thames Water, and as part of our quote, we include a separate fee for submitting the application and obtaining approval.

The Party Wall Act

If building works fall within the scope of the Party Wall Act, the homeowner carrying out the building works is required to serve notice upon adjoining owners. The Act applies to various work, not just work involving the party wall. Unless a property is detached the likelihood is at least one notice will need to be served to at least one adjoining owner.

If an adjoining owner consents to a notice, a party wall surveyor isn’t required to oversee the process. However, the adjoining owner still benefits from the rights afforded to them under the Act, it just means those rights aren’t outlined within a legal document called a party wall award. If an adjoining owner dissents to a notice, the works can still progress, It simply means one or more party wall surveyors are required to prepare a party wall award, to settle the dispute.

As members of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors, we can advise on your obligations under the Party Wall Act and can serve the relevant notices on your behalf. If your neighbour dissents, we can undertake the role of party wall surveyor, and prepare the Party Wall Award.