Ensuring proper permissions are in place

When it comes to residential developments, it is always crucial to make sure the work is approved and legal, otherwise the property owner can run the risk of legal action. If you are planning to make an alteration to your home, for example to renovate or extend it, it is important to have the suitable permissions in place before any of the work can go ahead. However, in many cases, permission may not actually be required. Private homes have permitted development rights, which means that certain kinds of alterations can be made without the need to apply for planning permission. These include conservatories, small extensions and loft conversions, and other minor developments which do not impact on the environment or on neighbouring properties. Larger extensions, major alterations and completely new structures will generally require planning permission, which needs to be obtained from your local planning authority (LPA).In most cases it is fairly clear what kind of developments will be permitted, but there are cases when you may be uncertain. In these cases you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate, a document which confirms the work can be done lawfully without planning permission. This will give you peace of mind knowing that the work can go ahead smoothly and you will not run the risk of legal issues. Even if you are certain that your development is permitted, it can still be useful to obtain one of these certificates as it can be beneficial in the future if you decide to sell your property on.If you are planning to make a change to your home, our architectural team can help you with every step of the process. With our extensive experience dealing with local planning authorities and our dedication to beneficial, environmentally friendly architectural developments, we can handle every aspect of residential architecture in London and throughout the country, ensuring all the appropriate frameworks are in place for a successful and stress free build.