Planning & Building Regulations

Planning Permission
Before any of your plans can become reality, we must obtain Planning Permission for the works. Planning permission is required for:

• Building works affecting the outside of the building

• Some building works affecting only the building's interior

• Changes of use (even if no building work is carried out)

Is the property a listed building? Is it in a conservation area? These are two questions your local authority will ask. If the answer to either question is "yes", their resulting decisions will have a greater impact on the plans.

The local authority takes many factors into consideration. It can go either way. We do our absolute best to ensure they approve our submission.

Building Regulations
The current edition of the regulations is the Building Regulations 2000. The regulations apply in England and Wales. Most building projects have to comply with them. Decisions about applications are made purely on technical grounds - so it's usually possible to amend plans until they comply.

The primary responsibility for complying with the regulations lies with us. However, if you're interested in finding out more, just ask us and we'll send you more details.

CDM Regulations
We will take on the Planning Supervisor role where required, preparing the pre-tender Health and Safety Plan, notifying HSE and maintaining the Health and safety file.

Party Walls
Building works near to the boundary can be stressful for both neighbours. The Party Wall Act gets people talking early and sets up a quick and inexpensive dispute resolution system.

We will serve and receive notices, negotiate with your neighbours' surveyor and prepare a Party Wall Award, setting out your rights and protecting your interests.

Disability Discrimination Act
As an employer or a 'service provider' you have responsibilities under the Act which may affect the way you use your building, or need some alteration works. We can help you to make your building more 'inclusive'.

Leases
A lease is a legal document conferring rights and imposing duties on both sides. The right to occupy and the duty to pay rent are usually clearly understood by all. The obligations to repair, and to give back the building in good repair, can be more difficult to follow or to enforce.

We will examine the lease, explain the repairing and service charge obligations if necessary, and prepare a Schedule of Condition for an incoming tenant; and prepare or negotiate Schedules of Dilapidation on behalf of landlord or tenant.