Latest News & FAQs

4-Year Rule Update: Levelling Up Act 2023

4-Year Rule Update: Levelling Up Act 2023
Key Highlights The Levelling Up Act 2023 will bring significant changes to the 4-Year Rule in planning permission. The 4-Year ...

AI predicts what the UK’s top cities will look like in 2034

AI predicts what the UK's top cities will look like in 2034
As we stand on the cusp of a new era, the landscape of cities in the United Kingdom is poised ...

Do You Need Planning Permission For Dormer Windows?

Do You Need Planning Permission For Dormer Windows?
Key Highlights Dormer window loft conversions are a popular way to add extra space and value to a home. Adding ...

Do you need planning permission for a summer house?

Do you need planning permission for a summer house?
Key Highlights Summer houses can be considered "permitted development" and may not require planning permission in the UK, but there ...

New Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Requirements For Planning Applications In The UK

Biodiversity Net Gain
Key Highlights Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now mandatory for many planning applications in the UK. The goal of BNG ...

Do you need planning permission for a balcony?

Do you need planning permission for a balcony?
Many homeowners dream of adding a balcony to their property, as it can provide a great outdoor space to relax, ...

Do You Need Planning Permission For An Orangery?

Do You Need Planning Permission For An Orangery?
Are you considering adding an orangery to your home? Orangeries are an excellent way to bring natural light and a ...

Government Announces New Short-Term Let Planning Permission Rules

New Short-Term Let Planning Permission Rules
The government has just announced new short-term let planning permission rules, which will have significant impacts on property owners and ...

Do You Need Planning Permission For Swimming Pools?

Do You Need Planning Permission For Swimming Pools?
Swimming pools are a luxury addition to any property, offering a beautiful space for relaxation and entertainment. However, before you ...

Do You Need Planning Permission for a Car Port?

Do You Need Planning Permission for a Car Port?
Car ports are a popular choice for homeowners looking to protect their vehicles from the elements while keeping costs down ...

Do You Need Planning Permission for a Shepherd’s Hut?

Do You Need Planning Permission for a Shepherd's Hut?
If you're considering investing in a shepherd's hut, one of the most important things to consider is whether or not ...

Adaptive Architecture: 5 Brilliant Historical Building Conversions

Historic Building Conversion to a Bar
In the ever-evolving landscape of urban architecture, the concept of preserving history while embracing the future has taken a bold ...

Do You Need Planning Permission for a Pergola?

Do You Need Planning Permission for a Pergola?
If you're considering adding a pergola to your outdoor space, you may be wondering if you need planning permission. Planning ...

Do you need planning permission for Solar Panels?

Do you need planning permission for Solar Panels?
Solar panels have become increasingly popular as a source of renewable energy for homeowners. Not only do they help reduce ...

Do You Need Planning Permission to Build a Garage?

Do You Need Planning Permission to Build a Garage?
Building a garage is a popular choice for homeowners looking to increase storage space, protect their vehicles, or even create ...

Do I Need Planning Permission For A Garage Conversion?

Do I Need Planning Permission For A Garage Conversion?
Understanding Planning Permission For Garage Conversions Garage conversions are a popular way to expand living space without extending the rest ...

Do I Need Planning Permission for a Loft Conversion?

Permitted Development Loft Conversion
Loft conversions have become increasingly popular as homeowners look for ways to maximise the space in their homes. However, one ...

2nd Anniversary Win: Architecture Firm of The Year 2023/24

Planning By Design 2nd Anniversary
We are proud to announce that we have been awarded the Architecture Firm of the Year 2023 on 30/11/2023, the ...

Common Permitted Development Mistakes: How to Avoid Them

Permitted Development Loft Conversion
Are you thinking about making some changes to your home or property? Before you start, it’s essential to understand what ...

Planning Permission for Extension: What You Need to Know

Modern Extensin
Are you considering building an extension for your home? If so, it's important to know whether you need planning permission ...

What is the planning application process?

What is the Planning Permission Process?
Unfortunately, applying for planning permission isn’t quite as simple as just filling in a form. There are many application types, ...

How Long Does It Take To Get Planning Permission?

How Long Does It Take To Get Planning Permission?
Planning permission is a topic that can be confusing for many people, especially if you are not familiar with the ...

Which Type Of Planning Application Do I Need?

Which Type Of Planning Application Do I Need?
Many people incorrectly assume that there is only 1 type of planning application, however, there are many. Each application type ...

How To DIY A Planning Application?

How To DIY a Planning Application?
In theory, anyone can submit a planning application. Often, people assume it is simply a case of doing some basic ...

I Received A Planning Enforcement Notice What Should I Do?

I Have Received A Planning Enforcement Notice What Should I Do?
If you have received a planning enforcement notice for breach of planning control, it is important to understand you are ...

Do Short-Term Holiday Lets Need Planning Permission?

Do Holiday Lets Need Planning Permission?
There is no one size fits all answer, unfortunately. If the use of a property is changing for example from ...

How Much Are Building Regulations Drawings And Structural Engineering Calculations?

How Much Are Building Regulations and Structural Engineering Calculations?
The cost for building regulations drawings and structural engineering calculations depends on the design, scale, and complexity of the development ...

What are Structural Engineering Calculations?

What Are Sructural Engineering Calculations?
Structural engineering calculations involve the assessment of a structure's load-bearing capacity and strength, as well as its size and shape ...

How Much Do Architect Drawings Cost?

How Much Do Architect Drawings Cost?
re you planning to build a new home or renovate an existing space? If so, you may be wondering how ...

What Is A Lawful Development Certificate?

What Is A Lawful Development Certificate?
A Lawful Development Certificate is the only way to prove that your development is Permitted Development and does not need ...

How Much Will It Cost To Build?

How Much Will It Cost To Build?
Without a full set of plans it is impossible for anyone to quote the cost of building a new development, ...

When Can I Start Construction?

When Can I Start Construction?
It is strongly recommended that you do not start construction until you have all the necessary approvals, including planning permission ...

What is the difference between an Architect and a Town Planner?

Wha Is The Difference Between An Architect and a Town Planner?
Put simply the difference is that architects are only qualified in architectural design whereas town planners are qualified in planning ...

What are Building Regulations?

What Are Building Regulations?
The exact building regulations vary from region to region in the UK. Generally, the regulations pertain to the safety, security, ...

Do You Need To Visit The Site To Produce The Architect Drawings?

Do You Need To Visit The SIte To Produce Architect Drawings?
We can attend a site visit if you really want one but these days 99% of householder developments and smaller ...

How Much Does Planning Permission Cost?

How Much Does Planning Permission Cost?
One of the most common questions is how much does planning permission cost? The cost depends on many factors including ...

What Is Required For A Normal Planning Application?

What Is Required For A Normal Planning Application?
It depends which type of application, which planning authority you are submitting to and what planning constraints are present at ...

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Do I Need Planning Permission?
Building or renovating your property can be an exciting project. However, many homeowners are unsure whether they need planning permission ...