FAQ's

What work do I need planning permission for?
Not all work requires planning permission. The list below includes examples of some of the work that does require planning permission -

    - House extensions
    - Conservatories if it is located within 20 metres of a public highway.
    - Garages
    - Porches, if more than 3 metres square or more than 3 metres in height
    - Attic conversions
    - Fences & Walls, if over 1 metre high and next to a highway or footpath, or over 2 metres high elsewhere.

Planning Permission is dependant on a number of factors, overall volume of the new work, heights, listed building status etc. It is important to get this right from the start. DH Drawings can assist in this first step.

What is involved in getting planning permission?
You will need to decide on the work you want doing, then have a site survey done and drawings produced. The drawings will then be submitted to your local authority along with an Ordenance Survey site map and all the relevant submittal forms.

Why do I need a site survey?
For any planning application, two sets of drawings must be submitted. The first set shows the property as it currently is. The second set shows the property with all of the work you are proposing to carry out.

How long will the drawings take?
Usually 1-2 weeks from the initial site check to the completion of drawings for submittal.

How long does the planning application take?
Planning approval can take up to 8 weeks depending on your local authority. A further 5 - 8 weeks should be allowed for approval of building regulations.

What is Planning Permission?
Planning permission is the permission required within the United Kingdom in order to be allowed to build on land, or change the use of land or buildings.

What are Building Regulations?
Building Regulations ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings by providing functional requirements for building design and construction. In addition, the Regulations promote energy efficiency in buildings and contribute to meeting the needs of disabled people. Builders and developers are required by law to obtain building control approval - an independent check that the Building Regulations have been complied with. This will be carried out by an Approved Inspector.

What is an Approved Inspector?
Approved Inspectors are companies or individuals authorised under the Building Act 1984 to carry out building control work in England and Wales.

How do I make a planning application?
DH Drawings will complete all of the necessary forms on your behalf and submitt them, with the completed plans and an Ordenance Survey site map as part of our extensive package.

How much will I pay in fees?
DH Drawings fees are calculated on a job to job basis, (Please contact us for a no obligation quote), but include the following:

    - Initial design consultation.
    - Full site survey of the property.
    - Production of all necessary drawings for submittal.
    - Second design consultation.
    - Completion and submittal of forms for Planning Application.
    - Submittal of Ordenance Survey site map with Planning Application.
    - Revisions & re-submittal for Planning Application, if required.
    - Completion and submittal of forms for Building Regulation Approval.
    - Revisions & re-submittal of forms for Building Regulation Approval, if required.
    - Full set of approved drawings.
    - Electronic copies of approved drawings in PDF format.

Local Authority planning application is set at £135.

Building Regulations fees vary from Council to Council and project to project. Average fees are around £150.

Inspection Fees (Inspection carried out once drawings are approved and before work commences) will be around £200 - £300

Structural Engineers fees, if required, will be priced on an individual basis. Most household extensions etc. do not usually require a structural engineer.

Can you reccommend a builder?
DH Drawings can give you a quote to carry out all of the building work using a team of experienced tradesmen.

What is permitted development?
Permitted development is an aspect of Town and country planning in the United Kingdom which allows property developers and private individuals to build on, or change the use of, a plot of land or to redevelop an existing building in certain circumstances without obtaining planning permission.

What happens if my application is rejected?
If your application is rejected by the local authority you have the right to appeal against the decision. DH Drawings will do everything within our power to assist and advise you throughout the appeal process.