Why pick SDA Architecture?
Our aim is to make your life as easy as possible during the design and build process of any home improvement, development or commercial works you commission. With the majority of people, their home or property is their largest asset which they don't want to risk. Ensure your final choice of architectural design consultants can provide you with an experienced professional service with you only paying for what you require.
SDA Architecture are a well established and experienced architectural design company who can contribute Style, Design and Architecture to a project, while providing a practical solution from your initial design brief. We are construction professionals with knowledge of the design and build industry and its organisation, working methods and standards. We can advise and guide you through the complex web of rules, regulations and contractual obligations connected with planning and building.
Does SDA Architecture hold an insurance policy?
We maintain a full professional indemnity insurance policy covering all works undertaken for your peace of mind.
What is planning permission?
Planning Permission, in simple terms, is like asking if you can do a certain piece of building work. It will be granted (possibly subject to certain conditions) or refused. It should also be noted that it is the client’s responsibility for seeking, or not seeking, planning permission. If required, planning permission should be granted before any work begins.
Do I need Planning Permission?
SDA Architecture can assess your proposed project within our feasibility and advise on the correct planning procedure to take.
What are Permitted Development rights?
You can make certain types of minor changes to your house without needing to apply for planning permission. These are called "permitted development rights". They derive from a general planning permission granted not by the local authority but by Parliament. Bear in mind that the permitted development rights which apply to many common projects for houses do not apply to flats, maisonettes or other buildings.
In some areas of the country, known generally as 'designated areas', permitted development rights are more restricted. If your property is within a Conservation Area, a National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you will need to apply for planning permission for certain types of work which do not need an application in other areas. There are also different requirements if the property is a listed building.
How long does a Planning Application take?
Local authority planning departments advise an application usually takes 6-8 weeks, however this period can extend if complications are encountered.
What is a Design & Access Statement?
The Design and Access Statement is a short report accompanying and supporting a planning application. Its purpose is to illustrate the process that has led to the development proposal, and to explain and justify the proposal in a structured way.
Will I need to do anything for the Planning Application?
No. SDA Architecture submits and processes the application on your behalf and acts as your Agent throughout the planning process.
What are Building Regulations?
The Building Regulations apply to building work 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.
Do I need Building Regulations approval?
SDA Architecture can assess your proposed project within our feasibility and advise on the requirement for a building regulations application; however, most building works require approval.
Is Building Regulations approval the same as Planning Permission?
No. Building Regulations approval is a separate matter from obtaining planning permission for your building work. Similarly, receiving any planning permission which your work may require is not the same as taking action to ensure that it complies with the Building Regulations.
What is a Building Notice?
A building notice allows immediate site start with a Building Regulation full plans application not being required. If you decide to use this procedure you need to be confident that the work will comply with the Building Regulations or you will risk having to correct any work you carry out if your local authority requests this. In this respect you do not have the protection provided by the approval of 'full plans'. We strongly advise a set of plans are produced, agreed and checked prior to any building works commencing to avoid site error and unwanted additional costs. The local authority fees are no less for this option.
How long does a Building Regulations application take?
Local authority planning departments advise an application usually takes 6-8 weeks, however at SDA Architecture we have an additional option of using a private building control company, which takes approximately 1 week for the same service.
What are Building Regulation Approved Documents?
There are a number of pieces of legislation that relate to the standards of premises or construction and, depending on the type of premises and whether any building work is being carried out, one or more could apply at any given time.
The Building Regulations are made under powers provided in the Building Act 1984, and apply in England and Wales. The current edition of the regulations is 'The Building Regulations 2000' (as amended) and the majority of building projects are required to comply with them.
The Building Regulations contain various sections (A-P) dealing with definitions, procedures, and what is expected in terms of the technical performance of building work.
To find out more click on the link provided:
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/buildingregs/technicalguidance/bcapproveddocumentslist/
Will I need to do anything for the Building Regulations application?
No. SDA Architecture submits and processes the application on your behalf.
How high can I build a house extension without Planning Permission?
Under new 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 of three metres beyond the rear wall for an attached house and four metres beyond the rear wall for a detached house.
- Maximum height of a single-storey rear extension of four metres.
- Maximum depth of a rear extension of more than one storey of three metres beyond the rear wall including ground floor.
- Maximum eaves height of an extension within two metres of the boundary of three metres.
- Maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than existing house.
- Side extensions to be single storey with maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house.
- Two-storey extensions no closer than seven 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.
* The term "original house" means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). Although you may not have built an extension to the house, a previous owner may have done so.
Designated land includes national parks and the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.
Other than fees to SDA Architecture what other costs are there?
Planning Permission Fees (Payable direct to Local Authority)*
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/new_fees-april_2008.pdf
Building Control Fees (Payable direct to Local Authority)*
Local Authorities have been freed to set their own fees for this work so it is essential that you obtain a definitive quote from your own Local Authority. The average and standard fees are quoted below and all figures include VAT.
Find your local Building Control Department http://www.labc-services.co.uk/
*Please note these fees may be subject to change, correct at time of last review Oct 2009.
