If you live in a very built-up area, such as London, space is at a premium and you might want to expand your home but also wonder about how you can do this and whether you need to worry about planning permission.
Aswell as gaining you the extra space, an extension will also add value to your property, especially in London where property value is already higher than in the rest of the UK.
Something that many people want to know when they first start to progress with their idea and make contacts with professionals like this residential architects London based company is what is classed as permitted development and what will they need to get planning permission for?
Permitted development can cover many changes to a property and means that you don’t have to get permission to do it. This can include extensions to the property, adding solar panels and loft conversions, however, it is dependent on other factors and isn’t a given.
Some things that may exempt something from coming under permitted development include living in a listed building, living in a conservation area, if your project is over a certain size, and if your council in your local area has withdrawn permitted development.
When you first make contact with your architect, they will be knowledgeable about this and will be able to help and advise you – if you do need to get planning permission, they will also be aware of the local planning laws so will ensure that the design fits in with these.
Extra rules for conservation areas and listed buildings
Permitted development rights are restricted in conservation areas, so more projects need full planning permission and it is sensible to speak to the council before starting. Listed buildings have no permitted development rights at all, and you can expect detailed discussions with the local conservation officer. The upside is that an approved extension to a listed building is zero rated for VAT.
Trees can be a hidden snag. If a tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order, you cannot even cut it back without permission. The Party Wall Act is also likely to apply, setting out what you can do close to the boundary with your neighbour’s house or land.
Plan the layout carefully too. Most local authorities set minimum room sizes, which matters if you want to split a large room in two, and a loft bedroom must meet building regulations or you cannot describe it as a bedroom when you sell. Finally, get a quotation, which is a fixed price, rather than an estimate, which is only a guess.