Process and stages
Process and Stages of Design
Stage 1
Initial Consultation & Measured Site Survey
Initial consultation to discuss your proposal/ ideas and to get a better understanding of the project. During this conversation we will be able to advise if the proposal is viable, whether there are likely to be any potential issues obtaining planning.
We will offer suggestions on the best way forward, whether the project can be done under permitted development or will require a full planning application.
Measured site survey will be carried out, along with checking details of structural elements, drainage and trees for rear/ side extensions and height, access and roof structures for loft conversions etc.
These areas need to be fully accessible at the time of the survey.
Stage 2
Part 1 - Design Phase
Before starting the design phase we always run a check on the current council planning policies to ensure the design will meet the requirements of the council as the councils change their criteria from time to time.
Then the design begins, an initial proposed set of plans will be drawn up for your consideration, any feedback/ amendments will be addressed at this point.
We agree on the plans and then they are ready for submission.
Part 2 - Council Application Process
Your plans will be ready for the submission process. Once submitted the Council usually take around 1 week to validate the application, at which point you will be allocated a planning officer on your case, then a further 6 - 8 weeks to reach a decision. During this time your planning officer may request a site visit to assess the proposal on site and take pictures, then if any minor amendments are required we will take care of those.
Stage 3 - Optional
Building Regulations Approval
Once planning approval has been granted work begins on the Building Regulation plans which will detail exactly how the extension needs to be constructed to meet current regulations. These are the plans your builders will quote from and work to during the construction phase.
Engineering Calculations (as required)
Once the building regulations plans are completed we will send them over to engineers who will quote for any steel beam and support calculations required. You may of course use any engineering company you wish.
Submission to the Council
Once the engineering calculations have been added to the plans, we will prepare and submit the application to the Council for building regulation approval, we will liaise with Building Control and make any amendments required.