Checking planning permission is vital on every kind of project

Art and architecture regularly go hand in hand, resulting in the creation of some truly incredible buildings. There are a number of cases when the combination does result in problems though. One of these occurred recently in Hackney, London. When a new beach house style structure was built on the roof of the artist's studio in Hoxton Docks, Laburnum Street, it was praised for its design and use of materials. Recycled drinking cartons had been taken and refined to make corrugated sheets for the walls and roof. This was a great use of the material and the space was to be utilised to create an installation of visual art.The beach house was intended to be the first in a series of temporary structures to be built on the roof. They would have been used to showcase recycling, the links between art and architecture, and to explore issues such as low cost housing and disaster relief.Sadly Hackney Council was called into action because the structure had been built without planning permission. They believed that the house was actually a form of residential architecture and thus required consent before being built. The artists sought to gain retrospective permission but this was declined. The beach house is now facing demolition.The story is interesting for a number of reasons. The first of these is the incredible use of recycled materials in the construction. This is something architects are always exploring in the search for greener, more eco-friendly buildings.The second is the importance of confirming whether planning permission is needed. This should be done regardless of the type of structure and its nature, even if it is only temporary. It is better to check than go ahead with the building and then encounter issues.At Coffey Architects we have a lot of experience with residential architecture and have been involved in numerous projects in and outside of London. We can offer advice to all clients, including helping them to understand their planning obligations. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact us.