Services

Planning Applications & Building Regulations


Planning Applications

Planning Permission is often the first hurdle to clear when thinking about making changes to your home and must be considered from the start of any project. Generally Planning Permission is required for the construction of new buildings as well as changes in the appearance or use of existing buildings.

MV Architecture Ltd will be able to advise on the likelihood of your project obtaining planning approval. We will prepare all the required documentation, submit, monitor and manage the application on your behalf.

Planning applications include an application form, a location plan, scaled drawings of both existing and the proposed works and an application fee that is paid to the local authority. For works within AONB’s and Conservation Areas as well as works to listed buildings a Design & Access Statement is also required.


Building Regulation Approval

MV Architecture Ltd can prepare and submit detailed drawings and specifications that demonstrate Building Regulation compliance.

Building Regulations are the minimum standards for the construction and alterations to virtually every building project. The regulations are produced by the Government and then enforced by Building Control. Unlike planning permission the regulations are related to the specifics of how the building should be constructed and not whether the development can go ahead or not. It is a legal requirement to notify the local authority before building works commence.

Ideally a ‘Full Plans Application’ should be submitted to Building Control before you start building. A Full Plans Application includes detailed construction drawings and specifications. Building Control will check that the proposed construction methods comply with regulations before works commence. When works are underway Building Control will inspect the works at specific stages to check that the works are being carried out in accordance with regulations.

You can carry out works to your house without submitting a Full Plans Application, however Building Control have the right to enforce remedial works if the completed works do not comply with regulations. This can be very costly and potentially avoidable with a Full Plans Application.