Tag: planningpermission

Advice Center

How to get planning permission on green belt land Kent?

22nd February 20220

Over the years there are a large number of misunderstandings about the purpose of green belt land, and whether you can get planning permission for it. While green belts are extremely important and should be preserved to protect the countryside and urban areas. There are circumstances, that extensions and alterations can be permitted.  

A strategic land availability assessment must consider the following factors:  

  • Firstly, flood risk  
  • National parks  
  • Heritage coast 
  • Heritage assessment  
  • Sites of special scientific interest 
  • Areas of outstanding natural beauty  
  • Finally, protected sites (birds and habitat directives) 

local planning authorities shouldn’t approve the construction of new buildings unless they propose the following exceptions: 

  • Firstly, Agricultural buildings 
  • Limited infilling in some villages 
  • Facilities for outdoor sport and recreation  
  • The replacement of an existing building by one that is not materially larger 
  • The extension or alteration of an existing building.
  • Facilities for cemetaries

Why would you want to develop on green belt land?  

The main reason people want to develop on this land is because it is cheap. For example:  

A 15-acre site in Epping has a guide price of £145,000. 

As green belt land that works out to be £0.22 per square foot. 

And if it got residential planning approval it could be worth £570 per square foot. 

How to get planning permission?  

The national planning policy framework states that “inappropriate development is, by definition, harmful to the green belt and should not be approved except in very special circumstances”.  

An experienced architect or architectural technologist can usually get you planning permission to make reasonably sized additions to your house or to replace it with something larger.  

In addition, securing new development on green belt land will depend on aspects of design quality. There is a presumption in favour of development for buildings or infrastructure that promote high levels of sustainability.  

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Loft Conversion

What is The Best Loft Conversion For You

18th February 20220

Here is a guide to loft conversions to help pick the best one for you and your home. When choosing a project you must take into account the styles, budget, your existing roof structure and any planning restrictions you may face.  

Types of Loft Conversions  

There are four main types of conversions which are: 

  • Dormer 
  • Roof light 
  • Hip-to-gable  
  • Mansard  

Dormer Conversion  

Dormer conversions are one of the best and more popular loft conversion, they provide lots of extra space. A Dormer is an extension that is built on the slop of your roof. There are different types of Domer conversions you should know about such as: 

  • Single dormer 
  • Double dormer 
  • Flat-roofed dormer 
  • Gabled dormer  

Pros and cons of getting a Dormer 

Pros  

  • Suitable for most homes  
  • Less expensive than other conversions  
  • Adds a good amount of extra space 
  • Planning permission isn’t needed in most cases 
  • An option for most that houses that have sloping roofs 

Cons  

  • Not a quick process  
  • More structural changes than most conversions  

Roof Light Loft Conversion 

A roof light conversion is simply your existing loft is retained but rooflights are added. However, after that all you need to do is lay down flooring and add some stairs. Don’t forget about plumbing along with insulation. This is perfect for smaller spaces. 

Pros and cons of a Roof light conversion 

Pros 

  • The cheapest loft conversion  
  • Suitable if you live in a conservation area 
  • Not a lot of structural changes  
  • Least disruptive to the home 

Cons  

  • Less space provided than other conversions 

Hip-To-Gable Loft Conversion 

Hip-to-gable conversions work by extending the sloping roof at the side or your house outwards to create a vertical wall, creating more space. 

Pros and cons of a Hip-to-gable conversion 

Pros 

  • Natural looking  
  • Less expensive than extending outwards 

Cons  

  • More expensive than a dormer  
  • Can only be done on semi-detached or detached houses 
  • Only suits house’s with a sloping side roof 

Mansard Loft Conversion 

A Mansard conversion involves replacing the sloping roof structure with a wall that is almost vertical. The final roof is flat. This project can add a whole additional storey for say. 

Pros and cons of a Mansard conversion 

Pros  

  • A large amount of additional space 
  • Suitable for different types of properties 

Cons  

  • Expensive  
  • Does not look natural  
  • Complex project meaning it could take longer  

Planning Permission & Permitted Development 

Usually when wanting to convert your loft you will not need to do a full planning application as this will come under permitted development rights. In some cases, you will need to apply for planning permission. If you: 

  • Live in a flat or maisonette 
  • Exceed permitted development  
  • Live in a conservation area  

You will need to apply for permission. For your project to be considered as permitted development it must follow these set rules. Here are a few: 

  • Not to build higher than the highest part of the roof. 
  • Not have any dormers or extensions on the roof plane of the principal elevation facing the road. 
  • Be constructed with materials similar in appearance to the existing house. 

There are more rules you will have to follow under permitted development. 

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Extensions

Thanet: What Extensions Are Good For You

17th February 20220

One of the best ways to raise the value to your home or to add to space is to add an extension in Thanet. There are many extensions you can have. For example, adding a single-storey, side or double-storey extension. 

Types of extensions  

  • Side return 
  • Rear 
  • Single-storey 
  • Double-storey 
  • Front 
  • Wrap around  

Rear extension 

This extends out from the side of your home and combines with the back of your property. This gives a lot of extra space and is a great project for those wanting a larger kitchen area or an open floor plan. 

Side return extension  

Providing you own the side of your house, building a side extension to the side can have a huge impact on your home. It will make your home look larger. 

Wrap around extension 

If you cannot decide between a side return and rear extension, why not have both? This is a combination of the two. 

Double-storey  

When wanting as much space as possible a double-storey extension would be the best for you. It means you can have an additional or bigger living space and have an extra room upstairs.  

Will an extension add value to your home in Thanet? 

On average the homes in Thanet are sold on an average of £282.000. An extension can raise the value of your home by 5-15% depending how much work you’ve decided to put into it. £282.000 raised by 15% is £324.300.  

Planning permission 

Some extensions will not need full planning permission and can come under permitted development before construction you should find out what it falls under before starting to prevent your local council from taking action. If you build without following the planning rules you can be told to fix it so it complies or they can force you to demolish the work that’s been done. 

Building Regulations  

Regardless if you need full planning permission or not you will need to follow the building regulations. Building regulations have set standards: 

  • Fire safety  
  • Energy efficient  
  • Damp proofing 
  • Ventilation 
  • Structural integrity  
  • Anything else that will ensure health and safety. 
Image:https://www.harveynormanarchitects.co.uk/portfolio/sandpit-lane-st-albans

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Extensions

Extensions: Things You Should Keep In Mind

17th February 20220

Are you thinking about creating an extension on your home? this is one of the best ways to create extra space or additional rooms in your home. Here is some information on extensions you should think about.

Rear Extensions  

A rear extension extends from the rear of your house into the garden space. It’s a great option for someone that’s wanting to extend their kitchen or have an open floor plan. 

Side Return  

A side return extension is an extension that is built at the side of your home. This extension can make your home look larger. 

Wrap around extensions  

A wrap around extension is a rear and side return extension combined together making a large space. If you cannot decide between one or the other, why not have both! 

Double-storey  

A double-storey extension gives you additional living space and an extra bedroom upstairs. The advantage to this is that you get double the space but it doesn’t double the cost. Normally a double-storey only cots around 50-60% more than a single-storey. 

Things You Should Think About Before Starting Any Extension  

Will adding an extension to your home increase the value? 

Constructing this project will add value to your home, it has been known to raise the value by 5-15%. How expensive the build is depending on the value. How much the value will be depends on:  

  • The quality of the work 
  • What additional rooms you’ve created 
  • Is it modern?  

Have you got enough budget? 

Having a realistic budget is very important. Without a budget there’s no project. While many know about the material and labourer fees people often don’t know or forget about these hidden fees such as: 

  • Legal fees  
  • Stamp duty and land tax 
  • Measured surveys 
  • Architecture fees 
  • Structural engineer fees 
  • Planning application fees 
  • Building regulation fees 
  • Warranty  
  • Services  
  • Waste removal 
  • External works 

There will most likely be more fees that will come along with it, so make sure your prepared. 

Do you have permitted development rights? 

Permitted development allows you to extend your home without planning permission. There is a number of guidelines your project will need to follow and not every home will come under those guidelines, meaning they will need a full planning application. Here are some of the projects you can build under permitted development if your home qualifies: 

  • Rear extension  
  • Side return  
  • Two-storey
  • Garage conversion 
  • Loft conversion  
  • Annexe 
  • New additional storey  

You still need to be aware that if you decide to do a complex project it could become a chance that you may need a full planning application. It depends on the work you decide to do. 

Image: https://craymanor.co.uk/house-extensions/larger-home-extensions-now-permitted/

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Extensions

All there is to know about extensions in Sevenoaks Kent

16th February 20220

If you are looking to build an extension in the Sevenoaks, are you have come to the right place. Building an extension is a journey. Your build journey will be unique to you and your home, so it is important to plan and manage it well for it to be successful.  

What is an extension?  

An extension is a great way to add additional space to your home, without moving properties. On average the cost of a house extension in Sevenoaks is a lot less compared to if you were to move to another location that offers more space.  

Are extensions in Sevenoaks worth it?  

If an extension provides you with the space, you need and is going to improve the quality of the way you live then it is definitely worthwhile. In addition, extending your home can also be a cost-effective investment that will pay back on itself when you eventually sell.  

Sevenoaks house value increase 

Single-storey extensions are most commonly used to extend kitchens and/ or living rooms. With open plan living becoming hugely popular with homeowners in the UK. Single-storey extensions can often add 5-8% to the value of your home. Whereas, creating a double bedroom and an En-suite can add up to 23% to the value of the property.  

Planning rules have changed  

In recent years the government has relaxed planning rules in regards to extensions. The changes have given homeowners more flexibility to improve and increase the value of their homes. Previously, without planning permission, you could add a single-storey extension of up to 3 meters in depth for an attached property and 4m to a detached house, these distances have been doubled. 

How much does an extension cost in the Uk?  

  • Small rear extension (15m2) costs around £15,000 – £20,000 
  • Medium rear extension (25m2) costs around £30,000 – £40,000 
  • Large rear extension (50m2) costs around £50,000 – £60,000 

Get in contact with us –  

If you are looking for someone to provide excellent advice and support in and around the area of Sevenoaks. Here at Pro Arkitects we will provide you with the best possible services.

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Planning Permission

Planning Permission Your Questions Answered

16th February 20220

Here below are the most popular questions asked about planning permission answered for you. 

What is planning permission? 

Planning permission is the consent from your local authority for a proposed building, which is in place to stop constructions that could be unsafe. 

What can I build without planning? 

  • Firstly, standard Loft conversion 
  • Single-storey extension 
  • Install garden room  
  • Replace windows and doors  
  • Reconfigure internal floor  
  • Erect fences and walls on boundaries 
  • Evaluate space with two-storey rear extension  
  • Install solar panels 
  • Add a side extension  
  • Put up a porch 
  • Construct a conservatory 
  • Build a shed 
  • Install rooflight or skylight 
  • Finally, install raised deck 

Under certain circumstances, these may need planning permission. For example, if you decide to have a complex loft conversion you will most likely need permission. 

How long does planning permission last? 

Your planning grant will eventually expire, usually in 3 years from when the permission was granted. 

What can affect you getting permission granted?  

  • Firstly, loss of privacy  
  • Loss of light/overlooking  
  • Noise 
  • Impact of a listed building  
  • Impact on conservation area 
  • Disabled access 
  • Government policy  
  • Parking  
  • Traffic  
  • Design, appearance and materials  
  • Nature conservation  
  • Previous planning decisions  
  • Proposals in development plan  
  • Layout and density of building  
  • Finally, highway safety 

What size extension can you build without planning permission? 

In addition, you can add up a home extension or conservatory up to six meters if your home is detached, without needing to apply for planning permission. 

What is the 4-year rule? 

The 4-year rule allows you to make a formal application for a certificate to determine whether your unauthorised use or development can become lawful. 

How big can a building be without planning permission? 

Maximum height of 2.5 meters. No Varadas, balconies, or raised platforms. 

What is the 7-year rule? 

Your local authority can take action against you if they find unauthorised development. However, if the development has been there for 7 years or more, legally your local authority cannot take action. 

What happens if you decide to ignore planning? 

If you do require planning but you proceed without it, you would have committed a planning breach. In the event of a planning breach, you will need to submit a retrospective application to the local council. 

Is breach of planning a criminal offence? 

Generally, enforcement. However, failure to comply with a planning enforcement notice is a criminal offense. 

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Interior Design, Materials

Lights And Their Different Switches

15th February 20220

There are many different types of light switches. Here below are the most popular light switches in the UK. Changing your bulbs and switches can have a huge impact on a room turning it from dim and dark to a bright and a more open room. Updating these allows you to change the effect of the room in many different ways. 

Types of light switches  

  • Single pole switch  
  • Double pole switch 
  • Flip switch  
  • Rocher switch  
  • Three-way switch  
  • Dimmer switch 
  • Proximity switch 
  • Motion activated switch 

Single Pole Light Switches 

This light switch is the most commonly switch used across homes. The switch is mainly across the UK due to its low cost and easy installation. 

Double Pole Switch 

This switch is commonly used in homes as well. This switch would be used if there are two light bulbs in one room. This light switch is also easy to install. 

Flip Switch 

A flip switch is essentially the same as a single pole switch. These switches do exactly the same thing but you can flip/toggle the switch instead. 

Rocher Switch  

This is more of an appealing and decorative look. These switches are quite common in the UK. Its function is very similar to flip switches. 

Three-way Switch 

This switch helps control a light from two different places. For example, the light above the stairs, you can control it from the bottom and top of the stairs. This will prevent you from falling because of the dark. 

Dimmer Switch 

A dimmer switch is used to increase and decrease the brightness of the light. 

Motion Activated Light Switch  

This is an electronic switch that uses sensors to detect the presence of people in a room. When it detects someone the light switches on but when it can’t it will turn off. You’ll have come across these lights if you have installed security systems in your home. These lights work by detecting motion.

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Design and Inspiration, Interior Design

Interior Designs You Wont Want To Miss Out On.

15th February 20220

Here are interior design looks of 2022 you should see and won’t want to miss out on!

Interior Design Ideas

1. 3D Art

Are you wanting to add something intriguing and eye catching? Any art that pops off the wall can be viewed in a variety of different ways.

2. Multifunctional Rooms

Live with less! After Covid-19 people have had to be more imaginative and make use of the rooms they already have. Instead of building an extension why not have a multifunctional room? A multifunctional room is a room with two or more uses. For example, having an home office and a mini personal gym in the same room.

A multifunctional room is a room with two or more uses. For example, having an home office and a mini personal gym in the same room.

3. Statement Lighting

Many are on the hunt for decorative and statement lighting. everyone loves a bright bold room. There are many types of lighting ideas such as sculptural or decorative lighting, vintage lighting and colourful lighting. Take all of these into consideration.

4. Copper elements interior design

Copper elements are going to be a big thing! we’ll see copper start to take over from the very popular brushed brass bringing a fresh new finish and striking aesthetic.

Curved furniture is a big thing right now! Curves are both feminine and forgiving which makes someone instantly more comforting. This interior design is going to become really popular in 2022.

5. Curved furniture

Curved furniture is a big thing right now! Curves are both feminine and forgiving which makes someone instantly more comforting. This interior design is going to become really popular in 2022.

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Curved furniture is a big thing right now! Curves are both feminine and forgiving which makes someone instantly more comforting. This interior design is going to become really popular in 2022.

Extensions

Extension Rules You Should Know Of 2022

14th February 20220

Here are single-storey and two-storey extension rules explained with planning permission and permitted development rights explained. 

Single-Storey Extension Rules 

  • The extension cannot exceed more than 4 meters in height. 
  • You cannot go beyond the back wall of the original property by more than 4 meters. 
  • You can only cover half the area of land around the original house with an extension. 
  • The extension cannot go forward of the side elevation fronting a highway. So, this means that if you want to build your extension toward the main road you will need planning permission. 

Two-Storey Extension Rules  

  • The extension needs to be a minimum of 7 meters away from the rear boundaries. 
  • If your home is more than one-storey and you decide to extend, you cannot go past the back wall of the house by 3 meters. 
  • The exterior of the extension must be similar looking to the materials of the property. 
  • The ridge and eaves height cannot be taller than the existing house. 
  • The maximum height of the extensions eaves needs to be 3 meters if you are within two meters of the boundary. 

Permitted Development  

Permitted development rights is an automatic grant of planning permission which allow certain building works and changes of use to be carried out without having to make a planning application. This only applies to houses. Whereas, this does not apply to flats, maisonettes or any other type of building. So, always check with your local authority to see if the permitted development rights apply. Permitted development rights are restricted when you live in a  

  • Conservation area 
  • A national park 
  • An area or natural beauty 
  • A world heritage site  

Planning Permission  

Planning permission refers to the approval given by your local authority when you’re wanting to do building works. If you don’t know if what your wanting needs planning permission you should contact your local authority to see if you require permission. You will not need planning permission if you want to build a 

  • Standard loft conversion  
  • Single-storey extension  
  • Replace doors and windows  
  • Install solar panels  
  • Install garden room

However, under certain circumstances these will need planning permission.

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Building Control

Building Control: Things You Should Know

14th February 20220

Below is about building regulations and the things you should know. 

Why do we have Building control?  

The building control service is to ensure the health and safety in a built environment. They cover a lot such as stability of the building, insulation, ventilation, fire protection and fire escape. However, there are other precautions they take as well. Depending on the project you may be spared from some regulations however, you should always follow and comply with the building regulations. Building regulations will apply if you’re wanting to: 

  • Build a completely new property. 
  • Extend or change existing property. 
  • Provide services in a property.  

Building control regulations  

  • A: Structure  
  • B: Fire safety  
  • C: Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture 
  • D: Toxic substances  
  • E: Resistance to the passage of sound 
  • F: Ventilation 
  • G: Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency  

Part A: Structure  

Firstly, this regulation requires that the building is structurally safe and stable. Part A stipulates design standards for use on all buildings and gives simple design rules. 

Part B: Fire safety  

This covers all fire measures to keep the people in the building safe. In addition, the requirements cover escape, fire detection and warning systems. There are other requirements that need to be followed under fire safety.  

Part C: Site preparations and resistance to contaminants and moisture. 

Includes weather and water tightness of buildings, subsoil drainage, site preparation and measures to deal with contaminated land and all other site related hazardous and dangerous substances. 

Part D: Toxic substances 

Finally, the control of hazards from toxic chemicals used in insulation.  

What happens if you fail to comply with building regulations? 

If you fail to follow the building control regulations your local authority has the duty to take action. For example, by taking you to magistrate’s court. Your local authority can also make you demolish your work. Usually but not always the builder, installer or main contractor would have action against them. You can be prosecuted for up to two years after the completion of the project. 

Difference between building control and planning  

Building regulations sets safety standards for the construction of buildings. These requirements cover fire safety, health, fuel and power. Whereas, planning is seeking permission to do building works. The planning requirements are to make sure your plans do not affect you, your neighbours or the environment. Both have more requirements that need to be followed. These are separate processes. 

Picture: Getty

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