Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Planning Application?

A: This is a proceedure which needs to be carried out for almost all building works, domestic and commercial. A Planning Application consists of a set of forms and accompanying Architectural drawings which are submitted to the Local Authority. Planning deals with the aesthetics and siting of the propsals.

Q: How long does it take to get a Planning Approval?

A: From the application documents being received and registered by the Local Authority to them issuing an Approval generally takes eight weeks, but in some cases (mainly commercial) can be extended to three months.

Q: What if I go ahead and build my extension without a Planning Approval?

A: If you carry out the works without approval and the Council find out then they have the legal power to make you reinstate the property to how it was before the works took place. The cost of this is to be fully covered by you.

Q: What is a Building Regulation Application?

A: This is an application that applys to both domestic and commercial building work in England & Wales and set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the safety and health for people in or about those buildings. They also include requirements to ensure that fuel and power is conserved and facilities are provided for people, including those with disabilities, to access and move around inside buildings. A Building Regulation Application consists of a set of forms and accompanying Architectural drawings with full specification of the works which are submitted to the Local Authority. (The drawings submitted with this application are much more detailed and include a full specification of works detailing all materials to be used).

Q: How long does it take to get a Building Regulation Approval?

A: From the application documents being received by the Local Authority to them issuing an Approval generally takes six weeks, but in some cases (mainly commercial) can be extended to two months.

Q: What if I go ahead and build my extension without a Building Regulation Approval?

A: If you carry out the building works without this approval then the Council can legally enforce you to put any works right that do not comply. The cost of this is to be fully covered by you.

What You Might Not Know

Most people are not aware that in nearly all cases a Building Regulations Application will need to follow or run alongside a Planning Application and no work can be carried out until this has been dealt with and Approved. We can deal with this on your behalf and obtain Structural calculations etc. as appropriate.

Further Information

For further information on Planning and Building Regulation guidlines visit the Planning Portal at www.planningportal.gov.uk